Deputy Team Leader of Monitors

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 objective of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) 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 Mission is composed of about 1500 mission members and currently has a budget over EUR 100 million.

The Deputy Team Leader of Monitors is requested to demonstrate highest standards of conduct and ensure strict adherence to the SMM Code of Conduct of all monitors under her/his supervision.

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

The SMM, in line with the OSCE Action Plan for the Promotion of Gender Equality, is committed to further improving the gender balance among staff in all areas and levels within the SMM. Currently female professionals, especially in senior management roles, are underrepresented within the SMM. Female candidates are therefore particularly encouraged to apply for this management job.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

Under the direct supervision of the Team Leader (TL) of Monitors, as Deputy Team Leader (DTL) of Monitors you will support the TL in providing leadership and management of the Monitoring Team (MT), and ensure effective implementation of all mandated activities in the area of operations (AoO) in line with OSCE rules and procedures and the SMM's Code of Conduct, as well as instructions issued by the Head Office. In addition, you will be accountable for the performance of the MT and for ensuring that human, material and financial resources are managed in accordance with OSCE regulations and SMM policies.

More specifically, under this job, you will be responsible for the following:

1. Providing overall support to the Team Leader of Monitors with leadership and management of the MT, including implementing an organizational structure in line with the current instructions issued by the Head Office, developing operational plans and allocating Monitoring Officers to specialized roles (including but not limited to: gender equality/mainstreaming, media, minority rights, human rights, security) necessary to achieve the SMM's mandate;
2. Enforcing taskings and directives provided through supervisory lines and ensuring that all operational tasks are performed efficiently and effectively across the AoO;
3. Overseeing the implementation of the OSCE Common Regulatory Management System (CRMS) and Staff Rules and Regulations, and supporting the Team Leader in the planning and implementation of administrative/operational tasks;
4. Managing the flow of information within the Team, through coherent communication and information-sharing between Team structure and Head Office in Kyiv;
5. Ensuring that appropriate support is provided to representatives of the wider OSCE community;
6. Representing the SMM within the AoO, ensuring effective co-ordination with other international organizations and liaison with governmental and non-governmental agencies;
7. In conjunction with specialist security staff, ensuring the safety and security of all MT personnel, equipment, communications and documentation, and full compliance with SMM security protocols;
8. Monitoring, assessing and analysing the political, security and human/minority rights/gender situation in the AoO, bringing relevant matters to the attention of the Team Leader in a timely manner and ensuring that the MT is fully briefed;
9. Ensuring that daily, weekly and special reports are compiled and submitted to the Head Office in accordance with established deadlines;
10. Contributing to the implementation of the SMM Gender Equality Action Plan including ensuring gender is mainstreamed in the monitoring and reporting of the MT; establishing effective co-ordination and liaising with international, national and local gender equality stakeholders; ensuring equal opportunities for staff, and; contributing to sharing of lessons learned and best practices in relation to gender mainstreaming;
11. Contributing to the development of the SMM's policies and practices through participation in MT meetings and proactively providing feedback on monitoring activities within the AoO;
12. Serving as Acting Team Leader of the Monitors, in her/his absence;
13. Performing other relevant duties as requested.

Qualification and Experience:

Required:

• Minimum of six years of relevant, diversified and progressively responsible professional experience including at least three years at the management level relevant to the actual position;
• Prior experience in relevant fields, in particular, on political, legal, human dimension, public administration or public policy and/or security issues;
• Ability to establish contact and constructive relations with local population and officials;
• Sound management, organizational and negotiation skills, with the ability to analyze information and communicate clearly and concisely;
• Demonstrated leadership of diverse teams;
• Thorough understanding of field operation in the context of the mandate's regional dynamics;
• 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;
• Readiness to deploy to various locations within Ukraine;
• Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, as well as the ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities;
• Professional fluency in English, both oral and written, ability to communicate clearly and concisely with a wide variety of audiences;
• Possession of a valid automobile driving license and ability to drive using a manual transmission;
• 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;
• Flexibility and ability to work within limited time frames;
• Ability to operate computer Windows applications, including word processing and e-mail.

Desirable:

• Experience in working in Eastern Europe and/or knowledge of the regional historical, cultural and political situation;
• Previous international work experience and/or experience in field mission;
• Working knowledge of Ukrainian and/or Russian language(s);
• Possession of a Class "C" driving license.

Education:

Second-level university degree in political sciences, public or international law, international relations or another related 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.

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

• 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

Additional information:

Seconded Mission members in the SMM are entitled to a Board and Lodging Allowance (BLA) payable by the Organization at the amount of EUR 125 per day (subject to change without prior notice).

Should evidence of coverage of a world-wide Health Insurance scheme, including war risk, not be presented, the Mission member will be registered with the OSCE group health insurance scheme of Cigna. Monthly rates will be deducted from the Mission member's BLA.

International mission members appointed to locations deemed by the OSCE as hazardous will additionally receive EUR 30 per day as hazard pay.

Please note that nationals or permanent residents of the country of the duty station are not eligible to apply.

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 non-family duty station. This designation is based on the fluid and dynamic working environment in the SMM. 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.

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.