Deputy Head of ICT Services

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 Department of Management and Finance (DMF) is responsible for managing the material and financial resources of the Organization and providing services to customers in the areas of budget and finance, mission support, information and communications technology, information security, and more. It provides policy guidance on s and maintains the OSCE Financial Regulations and Financial/Administrative Instructions. DMF consists of Budget and Finance Services, Mission Support Section, Information and Communication Technology Section and the Information Security and Co-ordination unit.

Information and Communications Technology Services (ICTS) ensures efficient, available, and cost-effective management, operation and utilisation of Information Technology (IT) in support of the core business of the OSCE. This comprises activities associated with co-ordination, operation, management, development and implementation of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) supported projects and infrastructure.

The OSCE is committed to gender equality. This is a senior management role and females are currently underrepresented in senior management grades. Female candidates are therefore encouraged to apply.

Under the direct supervision of the Director for Management and Finance, the Deputy Director for Information and Communications Technology Services (ICTS) will be tasked with:

1. Planning and co-ordinating the development of work programmes and the allocation of staff resources,  monitoring performance of staff in the section, managing multiple and concurrent large, high-profile projects;
2. Providing leadership, advising senior management on ICT matters and supporting the ICT governance system;
3. Developing and maintaining ICT systems, infrastructure and networks;
4. Developing and monitoring ICT policies, procedures and standards for the OSCE, including the Secretariat, Institutions and field operations;
5. Defining the needs of the Organization with regard to information systems in close co-operation with senior management and proposing a prioritized programme of systems development in support of the organization’s objectives and strategic plans;
6. Designing appropriate ICT architecture; putting in place quality assurance systems, risk plans, disaster recovery procedures and business continuity plans in cooperation with the ICT Security Co ordinator;
7. Identifying and implementing ICT outsourcing opportunities;
8. Overseeing contractual arrangements related to ICT services and acquisitions;
9. Developing and monitoring the ICT programme budget;
10. Exercising overall management responsibility for the implementation of the work programme, including planning, supervising, budgetary control, administrative oversight and evaluation;
11. Maintaining a motivated workforce and fostering a work environment conducive to efficient and effective results-based teamwork;
12. Performing other related duties as required.

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

• Second-level university degree in computer science or a related advanced degree and/or business administration and public administration; 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 relevant professional experience with planning, development, and operation of complex management information systems;
• Extensive experience with managing an Oracle EBS-based ERP and in a Microsoft environment;
• Experience in working with web-based systems and in both a centralized and decentralized, as well as flexible ICT environment;
• Experience in ICT governance and IT security;
• Excellent leadership and project management skills necessary for managing diverse staff groups and multi annual complex ICT projects;
• Experience in the outsourcing of ICT services, including cloud computing, would be an advantage;
• Professional fluency in written and spoken English;
• Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, and an ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with people of different national and cultural backgrounds whilst remaining impartial and objective.

Desirable Qualifications

• Experience working in an international organization environment;
• Knowledge of other OSCE working languages;

• 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 is approximately EUR 9,190, 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.

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.