By continuing to browse this site, you agree to our use of cookies. Read our privacy policy

Deputy Director for Operations Service

Vienna

  • Organization: OSCE - Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe
  • Location: Vienna
  • Grade: Mid/Senior level - P-5, Internationally contracted - Open for OSCE's 57 participating States
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Operations and Administrations
    • Managerial positions
  • Closing Date: Closed

Background    
     
   

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, national minorities, democratization, policing strategies, counter-terrorism and economic and environmental activities. All 57 participating States enjoy equal status, and decisions are taken by consensus on a politically, but not legally binding basis.

The OSCE Secretariat in Vienna assists the Chairmanship 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 and the Chairmanship; in leading work on all aspects of the conflict cycle, and 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.

Within the CPC, the Operations Service (OS), comprising 19 staff members, covers a broad variety of tasks such as operational planning for the set-up, reorganization and closure of field operations, analysis related to early warning, conflict prevention, crisis management, conflict resolution and post-conflict rehabilitation, lessons learned and best practices, mediation support, operational liaison with other international organizations, and maintaining a 24/7 Situation/Communications Room. The Mediation Support Team within the Operations Service is the organization-wide focal point for mediation support.

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

     
Tasks and Responsibilities    
     
   

The Deputy Director for Operations Service directs the diverse activities of the Operations Service, which is responsible for, inter alia, providing advice and support of a conceptual nature related to the conflict cycle (i.e. in the fields of early warning, conflict prevention, crisis management, post-conflict rehabilitation, peacebuilding, and cross-cutting issues as well as dialogue facilitation, mediation, and mediation support). OS further plans, co-ordinates, and facilitates the establishment, expansion, restructuring and closure of field operations (FOs) and provides operational and technological support to existing FOs, including those operating in hostile environments. It maintains a permanent operational link between the Secretariat and all OSCE FOs, and relays key information to decision makers in real time.

Under the overall guidance of the Director/Conflict Prevention Centre (D/CPC) and the strategic direction of the Secretary General (SG), the Deputy Director for Operations Service fulfils the following functions:

  1. Planning, co-ordinating, and managing the OS in all administrative, human resource, and financial matters; supervising and guiding the work of the Planning and Analysis team, Situation/Communications Room, and the Mediation Support Team including activities implemented under the Mediation Support Extra-budgetary Project;
  2. Directing, guiding, and leading OS work to ensure a strategic direction with regard to conceptual and methodological support related to the conflict cycle, and to strengthen OSCE capacities in all phases of the conflict cycle; 
  3. Supporting OSCE executive management, the Chairmanship, and Personal/Special Representatives of the Chairmanship with conceptual and methodological advice/support related the conflict cycle;
  4. Under the guidance of D/CPC, the SG and the Chairmanship, carrying out targeted analysis, as required, of issues within the OSCE area of operation;
  5. Directing, guiding, and leading the operational planning, co-ordination, and facilitation with regard to the establishment, expansion, restructuring, and closure of FOs, or parts thereof; 
  6. Directing, guiding, and leading the operational and technological support provided to existing FOs including those operating in hostile environments, and the collection and analysis of lessons and good practices; 
  7. Preparing background papers, talking points, briefings, analytical reports, and speeches for the Director CPC, the SG, and the Chairmanship;
  8. Co-operating closely with the Deputy Director CPC for Policy Support Service, the heads of thematic units, the Department of Human Resources, the Department for Management and Finance, and, as relevant, OSCE Institutions;
  9. Establishing and maintaining contacts with international organizations and institutions; participating in meetings with international organizations and institutions, participating States, NGOs, and academia; and giving speeches and presentations; 
  10. Deputizing for the D/CPC in her/his absence;
  11. Performing other related duties.

For more detailed information on the structure and work of the OSCE Secretariat, please see https://www.osce.org/secretariat

     
Necessary Qualifications    
     
   
  • Second-level university degree in political science, international relations, or security studies in a relevant geo-political field; a first-level university degree in combination with two years of additional qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the second-level university degree;
  • A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible professional experience at a senior management and policy-making level, preferably within an international organization or national administration;
  • Previous experience in the fields of early warning, conflict prevention, crisis management, post-conflict rehabilitation, peacebuilding, mediation/mediation support, or lessons learning;
  • Experience in planning and deploying field operations or their restructuring, expansion and closure;
  • Experience in leading and managing teams; 
  • Familiarity with the OSCE and its areas of operations as well as its working practices; 
  • Strong analytical, communication and diplomatic skills; 
  • Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, and an ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities;
  • Professional fluency in English, with excellent written and oral communication skills; working knowledge of another OSCE official language desirable;
  • Tact, adaptability, flexibility, preparedness to work long hours and travel extensively to remote areas;
  • Field experience would be an asset; 
  • Ability to operate Windows applications, including word processing and email.
     
Required competencies    
     
    Core values
  • 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
Core competencies
  • 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
Managerial competencies (for positions with managerial responsibilities)
  • 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
     
Remuneration Package    
     
   

Monthly remuneration is approximately EUR 9,194, depending on post adjustment and family status. OSCE salaries are exempt from taxation in Austria. Social benefits will include possibility of participation in the Cigna medical insurance scheme and the OSCE Provident Fund. Other allowances and benefits are similar to those offered under the United Nations Common System.

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

     
How To Apply    
     
   

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/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 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 5 years.

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

     
   
This vacancy is now closed.
However, we have found similar vacancies for you: