ICT Officer

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 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, 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, from more than 40 participating States and has a budget over EUR 100 million.

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.

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

Initial duration of assignment for this post is for a period of 24 months, with a possibility of extension, subject to a subsequent OSCE Permanent Council Decision to extend the mandate of the Mission. If applicable, deployment is subject to attendance to and successful completion of pre-deployment training and assessment.

The Mission, in line with the OSCE Gender Equality Action Plan, is committed to improving the gender balance among staff in all areas and levels within the SMM. Currently female professionals are underrepresented within OSCE SMM. Female candidates are therefore strongly encouraged to apply.

If applicable, deployment is subject to attendance to and successful completion of pre-deployment training and assessment.

Under general administrative supervision of the Director, Administration and Finance and the direct technical supervision of Head, ICT, as ICT Officer, you will execute architecture reviews, conduct ICT security risk assessments, propose updates to relevant Mission documentation, circulars, SOPs (Standard Operating Procedure), etc. You will assist ICT Staff with the design and technical direction from IT security perspective, manage and supervise ICT infrastructure in the MT AoR (Monitoring Team Area of Responsibility), and ensure the daily operation of IT services. You will manage the operation, maintenance, trouble-shooting and upgrading of information Technology and Communications systems and networks and will co-ordinate your work with ICT team in Kyiv. Moreover, you will ensure that Mission Members receive proper ICT Security awareness training as well as provide trainings and support users in various applications. 

More specifically, as ICT Officer, you will be responsible for:

1. Defining IT security requirements; keeping current with industry practices and standards; defining areas of information management and IT security that require the amendments of policies and standards in the SMM; assessing currency and efficiency of IT and security of IT infrastructure in MTs/PHs (Patrol Hubs) and FPBs (Forward Patrol Bases); revising policies and standards to meet changing requirements according to OSCE policies; developing processes to  support compliance to OSCE policies and standards;
2. Developing and implementing an on-going risk assessment program; assessing  risk items and vulnerabilities in the network, and on information technology infrastructure and applications; maintaining physical security of ICT assets and networks; proposing upgrades for server rooms, patching cabinets, etc;
3. Preparing, maintaining and updating IT infrastructure diagrams and logical schemas; keeping updated the usage of IT resources (IP addresses, asset allocation, etc.); reviewing and  identifying SMM IT requirements; identifying,  and evaluating IT system and network requirements; reviewing IT network architecture, topology, interdependencies, and constraints; preparing overall design and integration plan for new processes, protocols, and equipment; proposing improvements when necessary;
4. In close co-ordination with ICT in Kyiv, developing IT infrastructure plans to meet new and changing requirements; assessing impact of changes in IT infrastructure and on staff resources; developing criteria for IT infrastructure upgrade; designing IT framework governing IT systems;
5. Performing network vulnerability assessments; in close co-ordination with ICT in Kyiv, developing, implementing and maintaining ICT security incident management program; monitoring and reporting security incidents; defining and validating baseline security configurations for operating systems, applications, networking and telecommunications equipment; providing guidance on disaster recovery design and implementation for MT-wide disaster recovery management programs;
6. In close co-ordination with the Training Unit and ICT in Kyiv, working on the development and delivery of trainings and awareness program on Information Security matters for staff and other authorized users; providing security briefings on critical issues that may affect OSCE in general and SMM in particular;
7. Performing other duties as assigned.

• International mission members in the OSCE are internationally recruited. For the purposes of OSCE Missions (Field Operations) this means that they are hired to work in a duty station outside of their home country or country of permanent residence. As a result, nationals and permanent residents of the duty station are not eligible for international mission member positions. In the case of individuals with multiple nationalities, candidates are still ineligible for consideration even if using another citizenship for application while simultaneously maintaining the citizenship or permanent residence status of the country where the duty station is located;
• First-level university degree with specialization in information and communications systems, information security and/or computer science;
• A minimum of two years of experience in working in an IT infrastructure or information security role, including knowledge of networks, servers, workstations, databases, storage and mobile devices;
• Systems administration skills in Windows and Linux environments and familiarity with VMware tools;
• Understanding of application security, web security, threat and vulnerability management, data privacy;
• Strong knowledge of endpoint operating system security controls including built-in security features as well as layered tools such as anti-malware, intrusion prevention/firewalls, and device encryption;
• Understanding of access controls, networking, servers, firewalls and logging to security incident management platforms;
• Familiarity with encrypted communications and other telecommunication security issues;
• Experience in the management of Checkpoint and Cisco Network security platforms is an asset;
• Able to work with minimum supervision in a demanding, unpredictable and deadline driven environment;
• Possession of a valid driving license and ability to drive using a manual transmission;
• Professional fluency in English with good drafting skills; working knowledge of Ukrainian and/or Russian language(s) is an advantage;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with people of different national and cultural backgrounds whilst maintaining impartiality and objectivity;
• Ability to work effectively and inclusively in high stress environments;
• Readiness to travel regularly within Ukraine;
• Experience in working in Eastern Europe and/or knowledge of the region is desirable;
• Experience with OSCE, UN common system and/or other international organization would be an asset;
• Demonstrated commitment to gender equality objectives as well as the ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities;
• 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.

• 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 subject to social security deductions is USD 3,180 to which is added Board and Lodging Allowance (currently EUR 125 per day subject to change without prior notice). Social benefits will include possibility of participation in the Cigna medical insurance scheme and the OSCE Provident Fund.

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 candidates 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 https://www.osce.org/participating-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.

Candidates should be aware that OSCE officials shall conduct themselves at all times in a manner befitting the status of an international civil servant. This includes avoiding any action which may adversely reflect on the integrity, independence and impartiality of their position and function as officials of the OSCE. The OSCE is committed to applying the highest ethical standards in carrying out its mandate. For more information on the values set out in OSCE Competency Model, please see https://jobs.osce.org/resources/document/our-competency-model.

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.