The role

The National Advisor provides senior substantive expertise and policy advice on DCAF’s civilian security sector governance portfolio in Ukraine. The position supports policy dialogue, programme development and implementation, and sustained engagement with relevant Ukrainian state institutions, law enforcement actors, oversight bodies and civil society. The National Advisor monitors emerging reform priorities and developments in the security sector and translates these into relevant programming priorities and opportunities for DCAF engagement.

The position contributes to ensuring that DCAF’s support is grounded in the Ukrainian context and responsive to both ongoing reform processes and the realities of the wartime environment. Particular emphasis is placed on strengthening democratic governance, accountability, rule of law and respect for human rights, as well as integrating human security considerations into programme design and implementation. The National Advisor also supports meaningful engagement between security institutions, oversight actors, civil society and affected communities.

Within the team structure, the National Advisor provides the principal country-level substantive expertise on civilian security sector governance. The position complements the leadership and coordination role of the Head of Field Office and works closely with Programme Manager, other National Advisors and Geneva-based thematic experts. The National Advisor contributes to maintaining sustained institutional dialogue, translating policy developments into programming priorities and ensuring coherence across activities related to law enforcement, human rights, human security and civil society. The position reports to Head of Office in Kyiv.

Key areas of operation

Lead DCAF’s substantive engagement on civilian security sector governance in Ukraine, providing expert advice on democratic governance, accountability, rule of law and human rights.
Monitor and analyse political, institutional and security sector developments, identify emerging reform priorities and translate them into programming and policy engagement opportunities.
Develop and maintain strategic working relationships with Ukrainian state institutions, law enforcement bodies, oversight actors, civil society organisations and other relevant stakeholders.
Advise on the design, implementation and adaptation of DCAF programmes, ensuring that interventions are grounded in the Ukrainian context and responsive to national reform priorities and the realities of the wartime environment.
Strengthen the integration of human rights and human security considerations across DCAF’s Ukraine portfolio, including through engagement with civil society and communities.
Represent DCAF in relevant policy dialogues, consultations, working groups and high-level meetings, and contribute substantive analysis and expertise to programme development, donor engagement and strategic discussions.
Your experience

At least 7 years of relevant professional experience in security sector governance, security sector reform, governance, rule of law, human rights, law enforcement or a related field.
Professional proficiency in Ukrainian and English, with the ability to engage confidently with Ukrainian institutions, civil society and international partners.
In-depth knowledge of Ukraine’s political, institutional and security sector context, including current reform processes and the challenges arising from the wartime environment.
Demonstrated expertise in civilian security sector governance, with a strong understanding of democratic oversight, accountability, rule of law and human rights.
Proven experience in policy analysis, advisory work and programme development, including translating political and institutional developments into practical recommendations or programme interventions.
Established experience engaging with government institutions, security and law enforcement actors, oversight bodies, civil society and/or international organisations, with strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
Ukrainian citizenship at the time of application is a prerequisite.

Please Send your resume/CV