Senior Subject Matter Expert on Transnational Organised Crime (TOC) & Security Sector Governance (SSG) / Research Lead

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.

Senior Subject Matter Expert on Transnational Organised Crime (TOC) & Security Sector Governance (SSG) / Research Lead

Workplace: Remote / Home-based (with mission travel)

Contract type: Consultancy

Expected start date: November 2026

Estimated level of effort: Up to 40 consultant days (November 2026 - December 2027)

DCAF is undertaking a study aimed at “Addressing TOC Innovatively Through a Governance Focus” under Phase III of its Enhancing SSG/R Policy & Practice Programme. The project will develop a practical framework to identify governance-focused entry points for addressing transnational organised crime, drawing on research across Latin America and the Caribbean, West Africa and the Western Balkans.

1. Objectives

• Lead comparative research, document Latin America and the Caribbean case studies, and guide regional research teams.
• Consolidate cross-regional findings and contribute to expert validation and knowledge-sharing activities.
• Develop an evidence-based Practical Framework for Programming on security sector governance in TOC-affected environments.

2. Methodology

• Develop a case selection framework, standardised research protocols and key informant interview guides, incorporating research ethics, risk considerations, gender and intersectional analysis.
• Screen 12–15 potential case settings; conduct desk reviews, field visits and interviews for Latin America and the Caribbean case studies (3 cases).
• Provide methodological oversight and synthesise findings from 6–8 regional case briefs into a draft and final Practical Framework for Programming and synthesis guidance note.
• Provide technical inputs for workshops with partners and facilitate a global expert validation workshop in Geneva.

3. Your profile

• Advanced university degree (Masters or PhD) in political science, international relations, law, criminology, security studies or related social science discipline.
• At least 10 years of relevant experience in security policy advisory, empirical research and comparative strategy development, with demonstrated expertise in TOC and SSG/R.
• Proven comparative case study methodology and operational guidance development experience; in-depth knowledge of Latin American security governance and criminal networks, and familiarity with West Africa and/or the Western Balkans.
• Experience engaging donor inter-agency mechanisms and multilateral security advisory missions. Professional fluency in English and Spanish required; working knowledge of French highly desirable. Expert workshop facilitation is an asset.

4. Assignment details

• The consultant reports to a Senior Manager in the Africa Americas entity and provides technical guidance to local consultants and regional research teams.
• The contract period runs from November 2026 to December 2027, with deliverables scheduled across Q4 2026–Q4 2027.
• Workshop participation and related adjustments to consultant days are subject to arrangements agreed with DCAF.
• For detailed responsibilities, deliverables and timelines, please refer to the attached Terms of Reference.