Project Support Officer (P3)

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, 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 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 Conflict Prevention Centre (CPC) plays a key role in supporting and co-ordinating the OSCE's activities in the field, in providing analysis and policy advice to the Secretary General (SG) and the Chairmanship, in leading work on all aspects of the conflict cycle, and in supporting the various formats dealing with protracted conflicts. The CPC also serves as the focal point in the Secretariat for co-ordinating and developing the OSCE's role in the politico-military dimension.

The Forum for Security Co-operation (FSC) is the main OSCE body dealing with the politico-military aspects of security and provides a forum for political dialogue for OSCE participating States. The FSC Support Unit within the Conflict Prevention Centre at the OSCE Secretariat supports the work of the FSC by providing technical support and expertise. In this respect, the Unit acts as a focal point and prepares reports and overviews on military information exchanged by participating States. The Unit also fosters implementation of Confidence and Security-building Measures (CSBMs) and develops assistance projects with regard to Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) and Conventional Ammunition.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

Under the direct supervision of the Chief, FSC Support Unit, as Project Support Officer, you will carry out the following functions:

1. Advising the FSC Chairmanship, the Chairman-in-office, and others on financial, technical and managerial aspects of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW)  and Stockpiles of Conventional Ammunition(SCA) projects; 
2. Developing project proposals and co-ordinating project implementation with the OSCE field operations and partner organizations;
3. Initiating, fundraising and managing large scale SALW and SCA projects implemented by the Secretariat; 
4. Assisting the Troika of the Forum of Security Co-operation (FSC) in preparing weekly meetings of the FSC within the area of SALW and SCA project activities and representing the FSC Support Unit at the working bodies of the FSC accordingly;
5. Contributing to FSC Support Unit team work on SALW and SCA issues through supervision of the work of the Associate Project Officer and the Security Co-operation Officer and in co-ordination with CSBM Officer, and others, where appropriate; 
6. Organizing and taking part in seminars, expert meetings, workshops, training programmes and other events for the benefit of participating States and field operations  on SALW and SCA project activities and other related issues out of the pol-mil dimension; 
7. Representing the FSC Support Unit to delegations, international organizations, academic institutions, NGOs, and other agencies on issues related to SALW and SCA projects and other CSBM issues, if appropriate;
8. Providing input on the FSC Support budget and procurement process;
9. Performing other 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 international relations or political science, as well as in-depth knowledge of international regulations on SALW and ammunition, and the project management cycle;
• Minimum six years of professional experience in a national government or international organization, including minimum four years’ experience with SALW and SCA project/programme development and implementation in the OSCE region;
• Specialized work experience in the area of international security and arms control policies and implementation practice, preferably in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Defence, or international organization; good knowledge of international arms control and military affairs;
• Experience in handling larger projects at the international level, including procurement;
• Extensive experience in SALW and Ammunition project and procurement planning, implementation, management and evaluation;
• Understanding of the specificity and sensitiveness of project/programme activity in the fields of Conflict Prevention, SALW and SCA, and environment in countries of transition;
• Must have international network covering the access to international organizations in the area of SALW and SCA;  
• Experience to handle a number of diverse and demanding tasks at the same time;
• Diplomacy, tact, discretion and negotiation skills; 
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and Russian; knowledge of a third language relevant for OSCE projects in the Western Balkans, Eastern Europe, or Central Asia would be an asset;
• Relevant military background, knowledge of OSCE project management and procurement regulations are an asset;
• Excellent knowledge of the OSCE and its area of operation, previous work-experience within OSCE is an asset;
• Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, and an ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities;
• Ability and willingness to work as a member of team, with people of different cultural, and religious backgrounds, different gender, and diverse political views, while maintaining impartiality and objectivity;
• Computer literate with practical experience using Microsoft applications.

Remuneration Package:

Monthly remuneration is around EUR 7,100, with the actual monthly salary depending on post adjustment and family status. OSCE salaries are exempt from taxation in Austria. Social benefits will include possibility of participation in the Cigna medical insurance scheme and the OSCE Provident Fund. Other allowances and benefits are similar to those offered under the United Nations Common System.

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://vacancies.osce.org/. 

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.