Project Officer, Non-Proliferation

Please note that this position is funded under an Extra-Budgetary (ExB) project which initially runs until 31 July 2021. The contract will be issued until 31 July 2021 with the possibility of extension, which is subject to extension of the project and further availability of funds.

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, combating human trafficking, 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 (SG) and the Chairmanship, 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 Forum for Security Co-operation (FSC) is the main OSCE body dealing with the politico-military aspects of security and provides a forum for political dialogue for OSCE participating States. The FSC Support section within the Conflict Prevention Centre at the OSCE Secretariat supports the work of the FSC by providing technical support and expertise. In this respect, the Section acts as a focal point and prepares reports and overviews on military information exchanged by participating States. The Section also fosters implementation of Confidence and Security-building Measures (CSBMs) and develops assistance projects with regard to Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) and Conventional Ammunition.

Under the direct supervision of the Senior FSC Support Officer, as Project Officer, Non-Proliferation, you will support interested participating States with implementation of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1540 (2004) and its follow-up Resolutions, aiming at development of national action plans and their implementation, with particular focus on improvement of national legislation, development of training programmes, and other capacity building and awareness raising activities, as well as development of Best Practice Guides. More specifically, you will be responsible for the following:

1. Analysing the needs of participating States regarding their national implementation of UNSCR 1540 (2004) requirements, with the aim of development and implementation of National Action Plans;
2. Assisting participating States, with technical expertise of external experts, in improvement of national legislation, as well as with developing of required training programmes and other capacity building support;
3. Establishing close contacts with respective delegations, and capitals (1540 Points of Contact) in order to respond to participating States requests for information and preparing concrete proposals on further steps to be undertaken in response to assistance needs;
4. Assisting and guiding, where appropriate, field operations in supporting their host countries in effective implementation of the UNSCR 1540 (2004);
5. Acting as the OSCE focal point in the Conflict Prevention Centre (CPC) for all 1540-related issues throughout the OSCE’s area of interest, including organizing of regular 1540 Points of Contact meetings and/or trainings, as well as organizing or supporting participating States with holding regular regional and national meetings on reviewing of implementation of the UNSCR 1540 (2004);
6. Preparing reports and food-for-thought papers on matters related to arms control, non-proliferation and disarmament of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMDs), for internal and external use;
7. Supporting the FSC Chair’s Co-ordinator on Non-Proliferation Issues and the Informal Group of Friends (IGoF) on matters related to non-proliferation of WMDs;
8. Strengthening co-operation and co-ordination on cross-dimensional issues related to non-proliferation of WMDs, particularly internally with the OSCE Transnational Threats Department (TNTD) (Action against Terrorism Unit and Border Security and Management Unit) and externally with the 1540 Committee, UNODA, UNOCT and other interested international and regional organizations;
9. Negotiating contractual basis for co-operation with relevant IOs, as well as carrying out joint funds mobilization with relevant international organizations.
10. Leading fundraising efforts for existing and future activities and managing implementation of the existing large extra-budgetary programmes under the EU Council Decisions;
11. Implementing activities, jointly with UNODA, “On Supporting the Implementation of UNSCR 1540 (2004)” in the OSCE region;
12. Regularly attending donor co-ordinating meetings, as well as preparing and submitting funding proposals and monitors calls for proposals from various donors;
13. Performing other duties as assigned.                                                                                        

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

• First-level university degree in international relations, political science or a related field;  project management certification, such as PRINCE2, is an asset;
• At least six years of professional experience in WMD non-proliferation issues preferably within an international organization or an academic/research institution;
• Proven knowledge of project management; as well as proven ability to analyze vast amount of information;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English; working knowledge of Russian is an asset;
• 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, cultural and professional backgrounds, whilst remaining impartial and objective;
• Computer literate with practical experience in Microsoft applications.

• 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 6,559 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 7 years.

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