Local Consultant - Politico-Military Records Integration Support (SSA)

Background:

The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) with 57 participating States is the world’s largest regional security organization. All 57 participating States enjoy equal status, and decisions are taken by consensus on a politically, but not legally binding basis.
For more detailed information on the structure and work of the Secretariat, please see: http://www.osce.org/secretariat

The OSCE Secretariat in Vienna assists the Chairpersonship in its activities, and provides operational and administrative support to the field operations, and, as appropriate, to other institutions.

The Conflict Prevention Centre (CPC) plays a key role in supporting and co-ordinating the OSCE's activities in the field, in providing analysis and policy advice to the Secretary General (SG) and the Chairpersonship, in leading work on all aspects of the conflict cycle, and in supporting the various formats dealing with protracted conflicts. The CPC also serves as the focal point in the Secretariat for co-ordinating and developing the OSCE's role in the politico-military dimension.

The Communications and Technology Unit (CTU) within the Conflict Prevention Centre supports all Executive Structures and field operations across the OSCE on matters regarding the operational aspects of communication and technology.

Objective of Assignment:

Under the direct supervision of the Senior FSC Support Officer, Project Manager, the incumbent is to provide administrative and substantial support to the implementation of the Extra Budgetary Project “Information Management and Reporting System (iMARS) for collecting, processing and reporting on exchange military information”, implemented by the Communications and Technology Unit in the OSCE Conflict Prevention Centre.

Duration of Assignment:

The initial contract will be issued for the duration of six months.  

Tasks and Responsibilities:

Under the overall supervision of the Senior FSC Support Officer, the successful candidate(s) will be tasked with the following duties:

1. Assists in development and update of the iMARS application:

   1. In support of the project implementation, co-ordinates with the project manager and the project development team, and populates the iMARS electronic database with data from current and historical Confidence and Security Building Measures (CSBM) military information exchanges;

   2. Maintains electronic and hard copy filing systems; files, documents, contact lists, and assist in distribution of documents;

   3. Arranges travel, visas, accommodation, official travel authorizations and travel claims for OSCE, non-OSCE officials, consultants and other;

   4. Supports handling the correspondence with the donors, partners and counterparts from the participating States;

2. Assists in development of iMARS training courses and E-Learning modules:

   1. Supports development of the iMARS E-Learning modules and assists in preparation of other training activities for the participating States and OSCE staff;

   2. For the in-person trainings, arranges travel, visa, accommodation, official travel authorizations and travel claims for OSCE, non-OSCE officials and participants;

   3. Maintains an overview of all project-related training requests and activities.

3. Assists in evaluation of the programme and fundraising:

   1. Supports fundraising activities by providing necessary information and preparing promotional material when needed, assists in organizing visibility activities;

   2. Supports gathering and compiling data for project progress reports, assists in monitoring of financial expenditures and drafting of progress reports on the implemented activities and funds utilized;

4. Performs other related duties as required.

Deliverables:

1. Support the development, maintenance, and updating of the iMARS electronic database containing historical records related to information exchanges under the Vienna Document 2011 and other politico-military confidence- and security-building measures;

2. Assist in compiling and systematizing historical records and documentation related to the Vienna Document 2011, the Global Exchange of Military Information (GEMI), Small Arms and Light Weapons / Stockpiles of Conventional Ammunition (SALW/SCA), Conventional Arms Transfers (CAT), Anti-Personnel Landmines (APL), and the OSCE Code of Conduct (CoC);

3. Support the development and integration of the Dayton Article IV Peace Accords module into the iMARS application;

4. Ensure accurate data entry, verification, and quality control of records uploaded to the iMARS database;

5. Contribute to the preparation of internal reference materials, documentation, and user guidance related to database content and structure;

6. Liaise with relevant stakeholders to collect, clarify, and verify information necessary for database updates;

7. Maintain organized electronic and documentary records related to the project;

8. Provide administrative and logistical support related to the implementation of the project, as required.

Necessary Qualifications:

• Completed secondary education supplemented by relevant training on maintaining of and working with the e-learning platforms;

• A minimum of two years of working experience in administrative and project support, managing databases and clerical work;

• Working experience in the international organization, in particular within the area of politico-military issues would be an asset;

• Professional fluency in English with excellent communication (both oral and written) skills; professional fluency in BCMS language would be an asset;

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

• Ability and willingness to work with people of different cultural, and religious backgrounds, different gender, and diverse political views, while maintaining impartiality and objectivity;

• Computer literate with practical experience using Microsoft applications.

Remuneration Package:

The suitability of candidates shall be determined taking into account their qualifications, expertise, experience, and the value for money of their services. Therefore, applicants are requested to indicate their proposed monthly rate and availability for the foreseen services, in the pre-screening section at the end of the application phase in the cover letter.

Remuneration will be based on the selected consultant's/expert's qualifications, experience, the tasks and deliverables for this position and in accordance with the OSCE established rates.

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 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.

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