Associate Programme Officer (P2*)

Background:

*This position is currently a P1 and is subject to a P2 upgrade, pending the approval of the OSCE 2021 Unified Budget.  

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 Transnational Threats Department/Action against Terrorism Unit (TNTD/ATU) is the focal point for co-ordinating and facilitating OSCE anti-terrorism activities. The Department contributes to the implementation of the OSCE’s counter-terrorism commitments by providing support to the Chairmanship-in-Office, the Secretary General and the participating States on anti-terrorism matters and by enhancing co-ordination within the OSCE on related issues.

TNTD/ATU also assists participating States with implementing their relevant commitments in this area, as defined by relevant decisions, and acts on requests from participating States to assist in enhancing their capacities to respond to current and emerging terrorist threats. TNTD/ATU supports the work of relevant UN bodies and enhances co-operation with external partners and other regional organizations in preventing and countering terrorism. TNTD/ATU currently comprises 10 staff members.
 

Tasks and Responsibilities:

Under the guidance of the Head of Unit, and the direct supervision of the Deputy Head, the Associate Programme Officer will contribute to the implementation of OSCE anti-terrorism commitments. More specifically, the selected candidate will develop, implement, monitor and evaluate TNTD/ATU projects and other activities within his/her field of responsibility as well as provide advice to junior staff members and oversee the work of project members. S/he will be tasked with:

1.    Identifying and proposing areas for potential programmatic activity; preparing project proposals including budget formulation; communicating with potential donors to fundraise for approved projects; implementing approved projects and activities; proposing corrective action to any problems and issues that arise;

2.    Monitoring the budget of projects being implemented and liaising with all relevant parties, to ensure timely and accurate payment of expenditures;

3.    Preparing substantive and financial reports for projects implemented; providing support in evaluating the activities of the Unit;

4.    Collecting and compiling, from various sources, information relevant to programmatic field of responsibility, to the work of the Unit and selected projects;

5.    Designing and drafting supporting flow charts, schedules, graphs and tables; preparing files for potential and approved projects;

6.    Providing ad-hoc reports and suggesting course of action on issues related to TNTD/ATU projects and activities under consideration or implementation, as well as other related fields;

7.    Liaising with OSCE Secretariat structures, delegations and capitals of participating States and Partners for Cooperation, OSCE bodies, Institutions and field operations, as well as other international organizations and relevant stakeholders in the private sector and civil society with regard to the administrative, financial and logistic aspects of TNTD/ATU projects;

8.    Contributing to written output, e.g., speeches and talking points (for the Secretary General, Chairmanship, TNTD Director, Head of Unit), analytical notes, reports and input to reports on substantive aspects of the work of the Unit and/or OSCE counter-terrorism activities;

9.    Participating in formal and informal meetings and discussions, inside and outside the Organization, on anti-terrorism related issues; making presentations on assigned topics/activities;

10.    Performing other related duties as assigned.

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

Necessary Qualifications:
 
•    First-level university degree in humanities, social sciences or a closely related field; 

•    A minimum of four years of relevant professional experience in international affairs; previous experience with OSCE or other international organizations, especially in project management is an asset;

•    Professional fluency in English, both oral and written; knowledge of other OSCE working languages is an asset;

•    Experience in multilateral affairs, project co-ordination and implementation is highly desirable. Practical experience in working for or in co-ordination with the UN system or other international organizations;

•    Experience in anti-terrorism-related technical assistance programmes and projects is a distinct asset;

•    Planning and organizing skills with ability to multi-task and adhere to tight deadlines;

•    Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, and an ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities;

•    Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with people of different national and cultural backgrounds whilst maintaining impartiality and objectivity;
•    Computer literate with practical experience in Microsoft applications.
 

Remuneration Package:

Monthly remuneration, subject to post adjustment, is approximately EUR 5,090 (*for the P2 post). OSCE salaries are exempt from taxation in Austria. Social benefits will include possibility of participation in the Cigna medical insurance scheme.

Please note that appointments are 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.