Deputy Chief of Mission Security

The objective of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine is to contribute, in close co-operation with OSCE institutions and other actors of the international community, to reducing tensions and fostering peace and stability in Ukraine, and ensuring the observance of OSCE principles and commitments, in particular with respect to minority rights throughout the country, thus establishing conditions for inclusive political dialogue aimed at achieving a sustainable transition respecting the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine.

The OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine is an unarmed, civilian mission, present on the ground 24/7 in all regions of Ukraine. Its main tasks are to observe and report in an impartial and objective way on the situation in Ukraine; and to facilitate dialogue among all parties to the crisis. The mandate of the Mission covers the entire territory of Ukraine.

The Safety and Security Unit is responsible for all aspects of Mission security management.

In the active armed conflict areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions there are approximately 600 monitors in two Monitoring Teams and with six Patrol Hubs. There are between ten and 21 Forward Patrol Bases near the contact line and international border.

The OSCE Gender Action Plan is committed to increasing the number of female staff in all areas of the OSCE's work. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this management opportunity.

Initial duration of appointment for this post is for a period of 24 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 Chief of Mission Security, the Deputy Chief of Mission Security is responsible for the following tasks and responsibilities:

1. Drafting, maintaining and updating the Mission Security Plan, contingency plans, procedures and guidelines to cover establishment of necessary security standards; reviewing and ensuring that plans for relocation and evacuation to safe havens are current and implementable;
2. Organizing and oversees safety and security for the areas of Ukraine that are not affected by active armed conflict including the supervision of National Security Officers based in 8 (eight) operational areas of responsibility (Kyiv, Kharkiv, Dnipro, Kherson, Odessa, Chrenivtsi, Ivano-Frankivsk, and Lviv);
3. Collecting and disseminating security threat information, as appropriate, to address security matters;
4. Based on regular Security Risk Assessments in the Mission area of operations, with the purpose to determine the security related threats and risks to the Mission personnel and property, suggesting proper mitigation measures;
5. Liaising with regional security officers and keeping informed of the threat and risk levels in regions under their responsibility; undertaking necessary measures for risk mitigation;
6. Planning and facilitating visits of OSCE officials, Security Assessment Teams and other guests to the Mission Area;
7. Conducting regular inspections of Monitoring Teams Security System and SMM premises to ensure that security and safety procedures are in place;
8. Providing guidance and co-ordinating all important aspects of work with the Security Officers at OSCE Offices throughout Ukraine; verifying whether written and verbal instructions are suitable for specific needs in the field; identifying areas for improvement of instructions and updating them; regularly visiting Field Offices to ensure adherence to instructions;
9. Deputising for the Chief of Mission Security (CMS) in full capacity in her/his absence;
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 https://www.osce.org/special-monitoring-mission-to-ukraine

• Citizenship of an OSCE participating State, excluding the citizenship of Ukraine;
• First-level university degree in security studies, risk, disaster or emergency management, social/political science, military science, public administration, law enforcement, law or related field(s);
• Minimum of six years of progressively responsible experience in security or risk management, in a government, police, military, public or private sector context including at least two years at international level; 
• Proven management experience; ability to supervise staff and motivate a team;
• Excellent knowledge of security management, combined with solid background of military, police or security specialization;
• Professional fluency, both oral and written, in the English language, as well as in Ukrainian and/or Russian language(s);
• Knowledge, understanding and ability to manage security challenges in a conflict environment;
• Substantial knowledge of the politico-military history and recent developments in the Mission area;
• Proven ability to work in a deadline-driven environment; ability to cope with physical hardship and willingness to work extra hours and in an environment with limited infrastructure; proven resilience to high stress environments;
• Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, and ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities;
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to work as a member of a team, with people of different cultural and religious backgrounds, different gender, and diverse political views while maintaining impartiality and objectivity;
• Possession of a valid automobile driving licence and ability to drive using manual transmission; possession of a valid automobile Class "C" driving license and ability to drive a 4x4 vehicle using manual transmission are desirable;
• Ability to operate Windows applications including word processing and email;
• Prior experience in working in Eastern Europe and/or knowledge of the region is desirable.

• Commitment: Actively contributes to achieving organizational goals
• Diversity: Respects others and values their diverse perspectives and contributions
• Integrity: Acts in a manner consistent with the Organization’s core values and organizational principles
• Accountability: Takes responsibility for own action and delegated work

• Communication: Actively works to achieve clear and transparent communication with colleagues and with stakeholders of the Organization
• Collaboration: Works effectively with others on common goals and fosters a positive, trust-based working environment
• Planning: Works towards the achievement of goals in a structured and measured manner
• Analysis and decision-making: Analyses available information, draws well-founded conclusions and takes appropriate decisions
• Initiative-taking: Proposes and initiates new ideas, activities and projects
• Flexibility: Responds positively and effectively to changing circumstances

• Leadership: Provides a clear sense of direction, builds trust and creates an enabling environment
• Strategic thinking: Identifies goals that advance the organizational agenda and develops plans for achieving them
• Managing performance: Helps to maximize team performance by providing active feedback and skill development opportunities

Monthly remuneration subject to social security deductions is about USD 4,929 to which is added Board and Lodging Allowance (currently EUR 125 per day subject to change without prior notice). Social benefits will include possibility of participation in the Cigna medical insurance scheme and the OSCE Provident Fund.

Please note that appointments are normally made at step 1 of the applicable OSCE salary scale.

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

The OSCE retains the discretion to re-advertise 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 applicants who are selected to participate in the subsequent stages of recruitment will be contacted.

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

The OSCE is a non-career organization committed to the principle of staff rotation, therefore the maximum period of service in this post is 7 years.

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