Chief, Operations Centre

The general minimum requirements for working with the OSCE are:

• Excellent physical condition;
• Possession of a valid automobile driving license and ability to drive using manual transmission;
• Ability to cope with physical hardship and willingness to work extra hours and in an environment with limited infrastructure.

The general minimum requirements for working in this field of expertise are:

• Demonstrable organizational skills;
• Proven ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing;
• Demonstrable interpersonal skills and documented experience in negotiations;
• Depending on the field activity's mandate, significant prior experience in relevant fields such as international customs practices and procedures, law enforcement, and military observations and arms control may also be required;
• Negotiating experience, preferably in the area of monitoring operations and/or related activities.

Furthermore, this level of responsibility requires the following:

Education:

Second-level university degree in international relations, political science, or related field; or graduate of a national military or police academy at officer level; 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

Experience:

Minimum 6 years of relevant, diversified and progressively responsible professional experience including at least 3 years at the management level relevant to the actual position.

Additionally, this particular post has specific requirements:

Mandatory:

• Minimum of six years of progressively responsible professional experience (civilian, military or police), preferably in a multinational environment and with experience in operational and staff management;
• Experience in an operations/situation centre for field operations, with an operational and incident reporting function;
• Ability to balance diverse and demanding tasks simultaneously and establish priorities;
• Excellent analytical skills and political sensitivity, as well as sound practical judgement; 
• Ability to work under pressure and tight deadlines with minimum supervision and willingness to work extra hours and in an environment with limited infrastructure; proven resilience to work effectively in a rapidly changing and at times high pace environment;
• Professional fluency in the English language, both oral and written, with the ability to analyse and communicate clearly and concisely;
• 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;
• Cultural sensitivity and political judgement;
• Proficient computer skills and ability to use relevant software including but not limited to geographical information systems, database applications, Windows applications, including Word, Excel and Outlook;
• Excellent ability to collaborate with people with diverse expertise to analyse complex issues and devise workable solutions;
• Demonstrated commitment to gender equality objectives as well as the ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities.

Desirable:

• Experience in Monitoring and Evaluation systems design, performance measurement, indicator selection, quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis, and database management is highly desirable;
• Expertise in qualitative and quantitative research and evaluation methodologies is an added value;
• Experience of working in Eastern Europe and/or knowledge of the region;
• Experience with the UN common system and/or other international organizations;
• Working knowledge of the Ukrainian and/or Russian language(s);
• Project Management certification.

The Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM), in line with the OSCE Action Plan for the Promotion of Gender Equality, is committed to further improving gender balance among staff in all areas and levels within the SMM. Currently, women professionals are underrepresented in Operations Unit. Qualified female candidates are therefore strongly encouraged to apply for this position.

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. 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 Head of Operations, as Chief, Operations Centre, you will lead all activities and be responsible for the overall management, supervision and performance of the Operations Centre. More specifically, you will perform the following duties:

1. Supporting the Head of Operations in the effective management of the day to day activities of the Operations Department, with particular emphasis on daily operations, maintaining 24/7 overview of all operational activities;
2. Driving the "information-flow" around the Mission ensuring that situational awareness is maintained at all levels concerning current operations;
3. Overseeing the preparation, compilation and delivery of  regular and ad-hoc operational updates for senior management in the SMM Head Office on all operational events/incidents/crisis, as required;
4. Co-ordinating the Post-Incident Management activities of the SMM;
5. Maintaining close working relations with the mission's Safety and Security Unit;
6. Ensuring effective communication with monitoring Teams (MTs);
7. Be responsible for incident reporting and initial Incident Response in Head Office, as well as follow-up actions and after action reviews;
8. Developing further the operational management information system;
9. Strengthening effective enforcement mechanisms for the compliance with security risk mitigation measures in the field;
10. Briefing external visitors regarding activities of the Operations Centre, where required;
11. Responsible for all operational and administrative matters related to the Operations Centre, such as policy guidelines and standard operation procedures for the effective functioning of the Operations Centre, including the duty operations staff roster for 24/7 staffing;
12. Contributing to the Operations Unit activities in the Induction of new mission members;
13. Supervising all national and international staff assigned to the Operations Centre;
14. Performing other duties as required.

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 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.