Programme Manager, Slovenia (Europe and Asia)new

At DCAF, we envision a world where democratic sector governance advances sustainable peace and development and human dignity for all.

Our mission is to advance the security of all people through nationally owned, inclusive, and participatory security sector reforms based on international norms and good practices.

DCAF contributes to making peace and development more sustainable by assisting partner states and international actors supporting these states, to improve the governance of their security sector through inclusive and participatory reforms. It creates innovative knowledge products, promotes norms and good practices, provides legal and policy advice and supports capacity‐building of both state and non‐state security sector stakeholders.

DCAF Ljubljana is a permanent DCAF regional office, based in Slovenia. The office is responsible for two main programs: implementation of the Police Cooperation Convention for Southeast Europe (PCC SEE) and Western Balkans Border Security Programme (BSP). With funding from the United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), DCAF Ljubljana is implementing the project “CHAIN BiH”, a project strengthening sub-national case-building and inter-agency coordination against organised immigration crime (OIC) in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with a focus on Una-Sana Canton, and is looking to employ an experienced, high-performing and positive individual to be our next Programme Manager (Europe and Asia).

Location: DCAF Ljubljana, Slovenia, with frequent travel to Bosnia and Herzegovina *

Starting date: November 2026 or upon agreement

Work rate: 100%

Duration: Fixed-term employment until 31 March 2029, with the possibility of extension **

The role

Join DCAF Ljubljana as a Programme Manager, tasked with implementation and management of the project “CHAIN BiH”. Reporting directly to the Director of DCAF Ljubljana office and supported by the Project Officer, you will be responsible for the overall coordination and oversight of a unique evidence-led project.

Key areas of operation

Project leadership

• Lead the overall implementation and day-to-day management of the project across its inception, field-testing, design and implementation phases, ensuring timely delivery of activities and achievement of project objectives.
• Develop and maintain detailed implementation plans, monitor progress, and proactively address implementation challenges, applying adaptive management as evidence from the field emerges.
• Lead the evidence-gathering and diagnostic work of the project.
• Coordinate project resources, supervise the Project Officer and external experts, and ensure effective collaboration across all project stakeholders.

Partnership management

• Maintain close working relationships with the donor and other relevant national and international stakeholders.
• Coordinate the participation of various participants in project activities.
• Facilitate the project’s Practice Review Forum, as well as regular communication, coordination meetings and consultations to support effective project implementation.
• Represent DCAF Ljubljana at project meetings, workshops and other relevant events.

Monitoring and compliance

• Monitor project progress against the adaptive results framework, agreed indicators and deliverables using results-based management principles, and ensure that lessons learned inform project decisions.
• Identify implementation risks, maintain the project risk register and develop appropriate mitigation measures.
• Ensure that gender equality and social inclusion, human rights, safeguarding and conflict-sensitivity standards are integrated throughout project implementation.
• Ensure compliance with donor requirements, DCAF policies and applicable project management procedures.
• Monitor project finances in close cooperation with the Project Officer and the DCAF finance and administration team, ensuring sound financial management, value for money and efficient use of project resources.

Reporting and visibility

• Prepare high-quality narrative and financial reports for the donor and DCAF management.
• Ensure appropriate project visibility and communication in accordance with donor requirements.
• Maintain accurate project documentation and support internal and external monitoring, evaluation and audit processes.

Your experience

We are looking for a motivated and experienced project management professional who combines strong organisational skills with the ability to build trusted partnerships across diverse institutional environments.

You bring

• University degree (Bachelor’s or higher) in a relevant field (e.g., security studies, law, criminology, social studies, international relations or related disciplines)
• 7 years of professional experience, including a minimum of 5 years of experience with international project management/implementation
• Proven experience in the planning, implementation and coordination of international projects;
• Experience with project monitoring, evaluation and results-based management, adaptive management and risk management
• Experience preparing high-quality narrative and financial reports for international donors;
• Proven experience in stakeholder coordination, building of partnerships and partnership management
• Demonstrated expertise in one or more of the following areas: organised crime, migrant smuggling and/or trafficking in human beings, criminal investigations, border policing or international police and judicial cooperation
• Experience in designing and delivering capacity-building activities for law enforcement and/or criminal justice institutions
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work independently and collaboratively in multi-cultural environments
• Professional working proficiency in English and Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian

Desirable assets

The following would be considered an advantage:

• Previous experience as law enforcement officer or border police
• Familiarity with the institutional structure and operational aspects of law enforcement and prosecution services in Bosnia and Herzegovina, including at cantonal level
• Experience in working with the Border Police of Bosnia and Herzegovina, SIPA, the Service for Foreigners’ Affairs, the Ministry of Security of Bosnia and Herzegovina and/or cantonal police and prosecutors
• Knowledge of the migration context in Una-Sana Canton
• Familiarity with UK Government (FCDO)-funded programmes or other bilateral donor-funded projects
• Experience in integrating gender equality and social inclusion (GESI) and human rights considerations in security sector projects
• Experience working with international organisations or EU-funded programmes
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office tools, particularly Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook

We offer

At DCAF Ljubljana, you will have the opportunity to contribute to a project that supports more effective, rights-based responses to organised immigration crime and stronger security sector governance in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

We offer:

• an opportunity to work on a high-impact international project with tangible regional impact
• a rewarding, dynamic and meaningful work experience
• the chance to be part of a diverse team of collaborative, respectful, hardworking and values-driven people
• opportunity for professional growth, international networking and continuous learning
• the chance to contribute to advance the security of all people through nationally owned, inclusive, and participatory security sector reforms based on international norms and good practices

* The post holder is expected to undertake frequent travel to Bosnia and Herzegovina, in particular to Una-Sana Canton.

** The post remains subject to continued project funding.