PROJECT ASSISTANT (G5, ExB)

Background:

The post is located in the Property, Cultural Heritage, and Inter-faith Dialogue Section (PCIS) within the OSCE Mission in Kosovo, Department of Human Rights and Communities. It is an extra-budgetary (ExB) post within the project No. 2101259 “Preserving cultural heritage of non-majority communities in Kosovo through digital documentation and restoration of cultural heritage sites”. The project comprises two local posts, namely a National Project Officer (NP1) and a Project Assistant.

The PCIS Section leads the Mission’s work on the protection of the community’s rights to property, cultural heritage and interfaith dialogue. In this context, the PCIS Section has developed a dedicated ExB Project to advance the protection of cultural heritage of non-majority communities, with a specific focus on digital 3D documentation and restoration of one selected heritage site in Hoçë e Madhe/Velika Hoča.

Main Purpose

The Project Assistant will provide programmatic, clerical and administrative support for the successful implementation of the ExB. In line with that, the main purpose of the job is to provide administrative and, where relevant, substantive support in monitoring and implementing project activities, including organizing capacity-building activities, support to coordination of 3D digital documentation efforts in Hoçë e Madhe /Velika Hoča and Letnicë/Letnica, and assistance with the preparation of documentation related to drafting of restoration projects and activities concerning the restoration of a selected heritage site in Hoçë e Madhe/Velika Hoča.

The incumbent is responsible to provide programmatic and administrative support under the guidance of the immediate supervisor. While tasks and priorities are assigned by the immediate supervisor, the incumbent is expected to carry out assigned duties with a degree of independence, using their experience and judgment to address routine issues and propose practical solutions. The work is regularly reviewed for accuracy and consistency.
 

Tasks and Responsibilities:

Under the overall supervision of the Project Manager (Chief of Property, Cultural Heritage, and Inter-faith Dialogue Section, S3) as a first-level supervisor, and to the Director of the Department of Human Rights and Communities (S4) as a second-level supervisor. The successful candidate will be tasked with the following duties:

1. Assisting in the ExB project implementation, in line with project objective throughout the project cycle, including: meeting relevant interlocutors; designing and implementing action plans and timelines; monitoring budget implementation to ensure compliance with donor requirements and OSCE’s policies and procedures; supporting the documentation of the project for monitoring and reporting purposes; advises the Project Manager on Project-related risks, and relevant mitigating measures to be adopted.

2.  Assisting in drafting activity reports, technical/outcome reports, progress reports as well as the annual final self-evaluation reports, including by collecting relevant information and data; Contributing to drafting all additional reports the donors might request throughout the project cycle; Contributing to the collation of information and the development of knowledge products, resources and publications related to the project.   

3. Supporting the planning and organization of activities and events, including by: contributing to the preparation of relevant background material and documentation; identifying participants and supporting their participation; arranging all necessary logistical support, including the timely procurement of accommodation, transportation, translation services and collecting invoices and other supporting documents, including during the field trips to Hoçë e Madhe/Velika Hoča and Letnicë/Letnica, as required by project implementation; contributing to reporting and adequate archiving of all relevant activity documents; Supports follow-up actions as required.

4. Coordinating administrative arrangements, including the preparation of terms of reference and selection of consultants, implementing partners and vendors.

5. Undertaking regular field trips to Hoçë e Madhe/Velika Hoča and Letnicë/Letnica to provide administrative and logistic support to the implementation of the project activities, including the activities related to the 3D digital documentation of the two villages, and the implementation of the restoration works in Hoçë e Madhe/Velika Hoča; Reporting to the Project Manager in a timely manner about any development that requires supervisors’ attention. Duration of the field trips may include one or two weeks of continuous stay in the two villages, based on project needs.

6. Supporting the dissemination of project outputs; supports communication-related activities, including outreach efforts, implementation of the communications strategy, and the use of social media to disseminate information and ensure project visibility in line with in line with OSCE Mission in Kosovo and donor requirements.   

For more detailed information on the structure and work of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo, please see: Mission in Kosovo | OSCE

Necessary Qualifications:

• Completed secondary education, supplemented by specialized training and/or formal studies in project management, social or political science, international affairs, cultural heritage or other relevant discipline.

• Minimum five years of relevant working experience with governmental, inter-governmental, international organizations or civil society organizations, supporting projects and activities, particularly those related to cultural heritage.

• Established knowledge and understanding of the cultural heritage environment in Kosovo.

• Experience in cultural heritage preservation, protection and management, with a focus on restoration/conservation of monuments.

• Experience in project cycle management and in supporting monitoring and evaluation of projects.

• Administrative/logistics experience acquired during project implementation.

• Computer literacy with practical experience in Microsoft applications.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and in at least one local language.

Remuneration Package:

Monthly remuneration, subject to social security deductions is 1,084.00 Euro/month. Social benefits will include participation in the
OSCE Group Insurance Plan (Health, Life, Accidental Disability and Temporary Incapacity Insurance) and the OSCE Provident
Fund. Appointments are normally made at step 1 of the applicable OSCE salary scale.
 

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.