About DCAF - Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance
Background of DCAF
About DCAF - Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance
DCAF - Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance aims to enhance safety and accountability in security and justice. Since 2000, it has shaped security sector reform (SSR) policies worldwide.
Good security sector governance (SSG), founded on the rule of law and human rights, is vital for development. DCAF helps partner states develop laws and practices for better governance through inclusive reforms aligned with international norms, emphasizing impartiality, local ownership, and gender equality. It also advises governments and organizations on effective governance programs.
DCAF produces innovative knowledge, promotes best practices, and provides legal and policy advice. It supports capacity building for state, civil society, and private sector stakeholders by offering access to expertise on Security Sector Governance and Reform (SSG/R). With a Foundation Council of 43 members from 40 states, DCAF operates in over 70 countries and is recognized as a leading authority in SSG and SSR. Headquartered in Geneva, DCAF has field offices in various cities and employs over 220 staff from more than 40 countries.
About the Business and Security Division, DCAF
DCAF’s Business and Security Division works with companies, governments and communities to promote security, sustainable development, and respect for human rights. DCAF plays a leading role globally in improving regulation oversight and accountability of the private security industry. DCAF actively promotes responsible business conduct in contexts of fragility, such as communities affected by armed conflict, violence, and chronic crises.
Reference: Fact Sheet of DCAF's Business and Security Division
Objectives of the Traineeship Programme
The traineeship programme is jointly developed by the DCAF and HKU Business School. It offers students the chance to acquire practical experience in a security sector governance organisation and to explore avenues for professional growth. This traineeship aims to enhance students' educational and international experiences. Being a part of the DCAF team will afford students valuable professional experience and the opportunity to apply skills acquired, serving as a complement to their academic studies.
The objectives and desired outcomes of the traineeship are as follows:
- To provide HKU Business School students with practical working experience in responsible business conduct and security sector governance.
- To support and promote business actors operating in fragile and conflict-affected areas to develop responsible business practices.
Eligibility
Penultimate / Final year in a Bachelor's degree within HKU Business School.
(*All nationalities are welcome to apply. Selection will be subject to the final decision of DCAF.)
Duration of Traineeship Programme
July 2025 – December 2025 [Selected candidate must be available to assume duties from July 1, 2025 until December 31, 2025]
(*For further details regarding the Traineeship Programme, please refer to the fact sheet.)
Online Info Session
The Info Session was successfully conducted on January 23, 2025. The representative from DCAF and the alumni from HKU Business School, who participated in the humanitarian business-related internship programme, shared insights about DCAF and the internship experience in Geneve.
The presentation PowerPoint is uploaded HERE for your reference.
Application for Traineeship Programme
Interested students, please submit an online application by the following deadline:
Application Deadline: 11:59pm, February 9, 2025 (Sun)
In the application, applicants will be asked to fill in the application form and submit the following documents:
- Business Portrait Photo
- Supporting Documents for Scholarship, Awards and/or Academic Distinctions (if any)
- Supporting Documents for English and/or Chinese Language Proficiency (if any)
- Latest Resume
- A 3-minute video in English including the followings:
- Self-introduction
- Why are you interested in the HKUBS - DCAF Traineeship Programme?
- Why are you interested in international humanitarian work?
- How is it related to your future career planning and development?
- A video in Mandarin by reading the following section of the article regarding DCAF on this webpage.
- 「日内瓦国际安全治理中心（DCAF）是一家国际基金会，其使命是帮助国际社会在安全领域实现良好治理。……为了更有针对性地为中国企业提供支持以应对海外安全管理挑战，DCAF和ICRC还同中国五矿化工进出口商会以及由许勤华、刘旭教授带领的研究团队开展合作，共同开发了“中国企业海外安全与负责任商业管理”培训模块。」
(*Please refer to the application form for detailed requirements for each document. You are reminded to avoid last-minute applications because the online system would likely be overloaded with a large volume of applications on the closing date. This would render you impossible to make a timely application.)
Refundable Deposit
Selected student is required to pay a deposit of HK$5,000 which will be refunded upon completion of the traineeship.
Enquiries
Please contact Mr. Patrick Lau at email: fbe.ugenrichment@hku.hk or by phone: (852) 3917 1024.