Background:

Please note that the vacancy is open for Kazakhstan nationals and permanent residents of Kazakhstan only.

The OSCE has a comprehensive approach to security that encompasses politico-military, economic and environmental, and human aspects. It therefore addresses a wide range of security-related concerns, including arms control, confidence and security-building measures, human rights, combating human trafficking, national minorities, democratization, policing strategies, counter-terrorism, economic and environmental activities, disaster risk reduction, and mitigation security related threats caused by climate change, as well as supports conflict prevention and crisis management measures. All  57 participating States enjoy equal status, and decisions are taken by consensus on a politically, but not legally binding basis.

The OSCE Programme Office in Astana promotes the implementation of OSCE principles and commitments. With particular emphasis on the regional context, it assists Kazakhstan in addressing challenges and threats to security, in line with the host country’s priorities and needs and the Programme Office’s mandate. As such, it works in areas such as border management, police reform and combating cybercrime, confidence- and security-building measures, counterterrorism, and prevention of violent extremism and radicalization leading to terrorism (VERLT). Further, it promotes political dialogue of legislative and executive bodies of Kazakhstan with civil society, including within the context of the presidential  reform agenda. The Politico-Military Department (PMD) is one of three programmatic departments in the Programme Office. 

The Project Associate is a part of the Politico-Military Dimension and contributes to the implementation of programme activities of the Dimension. The Dimension focuses on activities in the field of arms control, confidence- and security-building measures, police and border security, and combatting terrorism. Other areas of responsibility within the Dimension include support for parliamentary development and local self-governance.

The Project Associate is responsible for activities related to the Programme Office in Astana’s (POiA) programme in the fields of arms control, confidence- and security-building measures, police and border security activities, as well as anti-terrorist and counter-narcotics efforts. 

The Project Associate works under the direct supervision of the Senior Politico-Military Officer with the functional guidance of the National Programme Officer and the overall guidance of the Head of Programme Office.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

Under the overall supervision of the Senior Politico-Military Officer, the successful candidate will be tasked with the following duties:

1. Participating in the PMD team discussions on the project activities and planning; identifying priorities in project activities in the sphere of arms control and confidence-building measures, police and border security activities, anti-terrorism and anti-drug efforts, etc.
2.    Preparing PMD project documentation (project proposals, agreements, memorandums, contracts) in the field of responsibility for official signing using the OSCE standard templates.
3.    Assisting in the implementation of the agreed project proposals by arranging logistics, communicating with relevant parties, and ensuring that implementing partners meet deadlines.
4.    Initiating dialogue and following up with Kazakhstani counterparts (state officials and civil society representatives) telephonically and in person to develop and implement projects.
5.    Monitoring and collecting relevant data and information on the political development of the country with an emphasis on reform in the security field to provide material for the monthly activity report.
6.    Contributing to the PMD’s reporting (ad hoc reports, general and periodic reports), briefings and talking points using electronic and print media sources. Assisting in preparing background information on developments related to arms control confidence-building measures, police and border security activities, anti-terrorism and anti-drug efforts for use in reports and during events. 
7.    Maintaining working contacts with representatives of civil society working in the security field, as well as with the relevant OSCE units – FSC Support Unit, SPMU, and ATU, with international organizations and diplomatic missions to coordinate programmatic efforts, prevent duplication, and ensure the Secretariat is apprised planned activities.  
8.    Cooperating and maintaining working relations with the relevant Kazakhstani authorities – Parliament, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Border Service in order to assess needs, develop proposals, and implement projects. 
9.    Assisting with preparations for OSCE delegations’ visits to the country by carrying out a variety of logistical tasks, such as arranging transportation and locating venues.
10.    Attending seminars/roundtables related to the PMD’s field of expertise organized by the OSCE, partner organizations and NGOs. Preparing summary reports on the events to keep the Office informed.
    

For more detailed information on the structure and work of the Programme Office in Astana, please see: OSCE Programme Office in Astana | OSCE

Necessary Qualifications:

• Secondary education supplemented by formal studies in political science, law, international security, or other related field; 

• Specialized training in international security and/or law enforcement; 

• At least 6 years working experience in project management, general administration, producing reports, conducting independent research, should be fluent with the local security sector situation and developments. 

• Computer literate with practical experience in Microsoft Office and project/task management software applications. 

• Established organizational, communication and interpersonal skills; 

•  Ability to work with people of different nationalities, religions and cultural backgrounds. 

• Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, and an ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities. 

• Analytical and quantitative skills. 

Languages: • Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and Russian. Knowledge of the Kazakh is an asset.

Required Values and Competencies
OSCE core values: 
Commitment. Diversity. Integrity. Accountability. 
OSCE core competencies: 
Communication. Collaboration. Analysis & decision-making. Planning. Initiative taking
Remuneration Package:

Monthly remuneration is EUR 1477.83. Social benefits will include participation in the Cigna medical insurance scheme and the OSCE Provident Fund (subject of additional deduction from the monthly remuneration). 

Appointments are normally made at Step 1 of the applicable OSCE salary scale. In exceptional cases, an initial appointment at up to Step 3 may be considered. This depends on factors such as relevant experience exceeding minimum requirements or higher previous remuneration. Any such request by a candidate must be reviewed and approved by the OSCE before the appointment.

If you wish to apply for this position, please use the OSCE's online application link found under https://vacancies.osce.org/.

The OSCE retains the discretion to re-advertise/re-post the vacancy, to cancel the recruitment, to offer an appointment at a lower grade or to offer an appointment with a modified job description or for a different duration. 

Only those candidates who are selected to participate in the subsequent stages of recruitment will be contacted.

Candidates interviewed and found suitable in the recruitment process for this vacancy notice will be placed on a roster of suitable candidates (valid for three years) for fixed-term posts, should a suitable opportunity arise. The placement on a roster does not guarantee a future appointment or assignment.

Please note that vacancies in the OSCE are open for competition only amongst nationals of participating States, please see https://www.osce.org/participating-states.

The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all religious, ethnic and social backgrounds to apply to become a part of the Organization.

Candidates should be aware that OSCE officials shall conduct themselves at all times in a manner befitting the status of an international civil servant. This includes avoiding any action which may adversely reflect on the integrity, independence and impartiality of their position and function as officials of the OSCE. The OSCE is committed to applying the highest ethical standards in carrying out its mandate. For more information on the values set out in OSCE Competency Model, please see https://jobs.osce.org/resources/document/our-competency-model.

Please note that for this position the OSCE does not reimburse expenses such as travel in connection with interviews, tests, visas and relocation.

Please be aware that OSCE appointments are subject to medical clearance. 

The mandatory retirement age at the OSCE is 65 years for contracted positions at the general service, professional and director level. The Organization shall apply an age limit of 62 years at the time of appointment as the incumbent selected is normally expected to carry out the contractual obligation of two years. 

Please be aware that the OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application and review process.