Planning Officer

The general minimum requirements for working with the OSCE are:

• Excellent physical condition
• Possession of a valid automobile driving license and ability to drive using manual transmission
• Ability to cope with physical hardship and willingness to work extra hours and in an environment with limited infrastructure

The general minimum requirements for working in this field of expertise are:

• Demonstrable organizational skills
• Proven ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
• Demonstrable interpersonal skills and documented experience in negotiations
• Depending on the field activity's mandate, significant prior experience in relevant fields such as international customs practices and procedures, law enforcement, and military observations and arms control may also be required
• Negotiating experience, preferably in the area of monitoring operations and/or related activities

Furthermore, this level of responsibility requires the following:

Education:

First-level university degree in international relations, political science or related field or equivalent

Experience:

Minimum 6 years of relevant professional experience

Additionally, this particular post has specific requirements:

Mandatory:

• Minimum of six years of professional experience in related field(s), preferably in an international environment or within operational missions;
• Experience in developing and implementing strategic, operational, logistics and/or administrative plans;
• Demonstrated excellent organizational and analytical skills;
• Excellent communication, presentation and team-building skills;
• Ability to brief complex plans comprehensively, accurately and coherently;
• Ability to work with minimum supervision in an environment where rapid response to emergencies is essential;
• Excellent physical condition;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships as a member of a team with people of different national and cultural backgrounds whilst maintaining impartiality and objectivity;
• Ability to cope with physical hardship and willingness to work extra hours and possess proven resilience to high stress environments;
• Flexibility and ability to work under pressure, often within limited time frames;
• Professional fluency in the English language, both oral and written;
• Possession of a valid automobile driving license and ability to drive using manual transmission;
• Readiness to travel regularly within Ukraine, including the Eastern Oblasts;
• Cultural sensitivity and political judgement;
• Ability to operate Windows applications and associated internet functions.

Desirable:

• Experience in working in Eastern Europe and/or knowledge of the region;
• Experience with the OSCE, the UN common system and/or other international organizations;
• Mission-level policy and planning experience.

Initial duration of assignment for this post is for a period of 12 months, with a possibility of extension, subject to a subsequent OSCE Permanent Council Decision to extend the mandate of the Mission.

If applicable, deployment is subject to attendance to and successful completion of pre-deployment training and assessment.

Applicants are hereby notified that the Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) is designated by the OSCE as a nonfamily duty station. This designation is based on the fluid and dynamic working environment in the SMM and with due consideration to recommendations of the UN International Civil Service Commission. The currently prevailing working conditions in the duty station may include working in a hazardous location with extended hours of service, and possibly  curtailed freedom of movement. Successful candidates who are appointed to locations deemed by the OSCE as hazardous will receive hazard pay. In addition, all successful candidates will be required to participate in the OSCE accident and life insurance scheme in accordance with the OSCE Staff Regulations and Staff Rules.

Under the direct supervision of the Senior Planning Officer, the Planning Officer will be responsible for:

1. Providing advice on the development of operational concepts and plans, ensuring coherence with the SMMs overall strategic and Mission implementation direction;
2. Providing advice and support on strategic and operational planning policy, procedures, best practices and lessons learned;
3. Providing planning guidance to advance the knowledge management needs of the Mission;
4. Assisting in the preparation of Mission-wide plans:
5. Working closely and co-ordinating with relevant substantive and administrative units in the SMM Head Office;
6. Ensuring a gender perspective is integrated in SMM planning process and policy development;
7. Maintaining situational awareness and liaising with monitoring teams in Ukraine in order to best reflect their realities into Mission-level plans and policies;
8. Supporting strategic and policy-related meetings, workshops and initiatives, including with respect to the Mission Implementation Plan;
9. Supporting meetings in relation to the development and implementation of strategic initiatives, and serving on internal committees as they affect and relate to policy and planning;
10. Performing other duties as assigned.

For more detailed information on the structure and work of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine, please see http://www.osce.org/ukraine-smm.

The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages the nomination of qualified female and male candidates from all national, religious, ethnic and social backgrounds. Please note that nationals or permanent residents of the country of the duty station are not eligible to apply.

Candidates should, prior to applying, verify with their respective nominating authority to which extent financial remuneration and/or benefit packages will be offered.

Please apply to your relevant authorities several days prior to the deadline expiration to ensure timely processing of your application. Delayed nominations will not be considered.