Communications Officer (S1)

General Minimum Requirements

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

Field of Expertise Requirements

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

• University education in computer science or related field or proven 2 years' professional experience in managing information systems and supporting users
• Demonstrated planning and organizational skills in a technology environment with the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, demanding environment with multiple priorities
   

Level of Professional Competence Requirements

Furthermore, this level of responsibility requires the following:

Education:
First-level university degree in telecommunications engineering or other related field, or equivalent combination of credibly documented education, certification and experience in the telecommunications area preferably supplemented by trainings in Telecommunications Network Management

Experience:
Minimum 2 years of relevant professional experience including minimum 1 year in a relevant field strongly preferred

Mission Specific Requirements
 
Additionally, this particular post has specific requirements:

Mandatory:

• Minimum of two years of relevant professional experience in the design, installation and operation of complex telecommunications networks including in the context of international Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) projects;
• Proven experience in working with Public and Private Telecommunications Networks, VHF and HF radio systems, satellite, cellular systems, back-up power supply systems in support of voice and data communications networks;
• Proven experience in area knowledge and expertise in providing technical advice and guidance to senior Monitoring Team management, including the ability to draft technical instructions and guidelines, as well as plan for the installation and use of a wide range of communications equipment in field locations;
• Proven knowledge and experience in telecommunications planning and emergency procedures;
• Proven technical knowledge and experience with satellite, VHF and HF telecommunications equipment;
• Good analytical, problem-solving and project management skills; leadership skills and ability to plan, organize work, manage and motivate staff;
• Ability to work with minimum supervision in a demanding, unpredictable and deadline driven environment;
• Professional fluency in the English language, both oral and written;
• Proven ability and willingness to work in a team, with people of different cultural and religious backgrounds, different gender, and diverse political views, while maintaining impartiality and objectivity;
• Good interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, counterparts and external partners and other stakeholders to achieve organizational goals;
• Cultural sensitivity and political judgement;
• 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;
• Willingness to travel within Ukraine including to conflict areas.

Desirable:

• Working knowledge of Ukrainian and/or Russian language(s);
• Experience in working in international organizations;
• Possession of a valid C category driving license.

Tasks and Responsibilities

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. We encourage qualified applicants, especially women, 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.

The selected candidate will be appointed to a location deemed by the OSCE as hazardous.

NOTE: This position is within ICT Unit and is related to telecommunications (IT) field.

Under the direct supervision of the Head of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), as Communications Officer, you will be responsible for:

1. Assisting in the planning and implementation of projects for all telecommunications networks in the respective Monitoring Team, such as terrestrial and space communication links, telephone and data transmission networks, VHF, HF and Satellite radio communications networks, and taking care of their maintenance and upgrading;
2. Drafting technical documents on procedures to be used by the Monitoring Officers in the Monitoring Team in relation to the use of communications networks in the Area of Responsibility;
3. Organizing the maintenance of telecommunications networks and equipment;
4. Evaluating communication costs of related to the Monitoring team and providing adequate advice to Head of ICT and Team Leader of Monitors;
5. Contacting local telecommunications service and equipment suppliers to ensure services are provided on time and at the agreed quality;
6. Ensuring that Monitoring Officers receive proper telecommunications training;
7. Supervising and co-ordinating the work of the Communications Assistant; managing the day-to-day operations of the radio communications network in Luhansk Monitoring Team;
8. Working closely with the Telecommunications Officer in Kyiv on the implementation of telecommunications policies and architecture designs and providing input towards the overall design of the SMM telecommunications network;
9. Performing other duties as requested.

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 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.

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 well in advance of the deadline expiration to ensure timely processing of your application. Delayed nominations will not be considered. The OSCE can only process Secondment applications that have been nominated by participating States. For queries relating to your application, please refer to the respective delegation as listed here: https://www.osce.org/contacts/delegations.