Project Officer, SSG/R (P3)

Background:

This is an extra-budgetary post with the duration until 31 December 2025.

 

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, as part of the OSCE Secretariat in Vienna) plays a key role in supporting and coordinating 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.

 

Within the CPC, the Operations Service covers a broad variety of tasks, such as operational planning for the set-up, reorganization, and closure of field operations; analysis related to early warning, conflict prevention, crisis management, conflict resolution, post-conflict rehabilitation and peacebuilding; the identification of lessons and best practices; mediation support; operational liaison with other international organizations; and maintaining a 24/7 Situation/Communications Room (see last page for personnel details and organigram).

 

The post is located in the Planning and Analysis Team (PAT) within the OSCE Secretariat's Conflict Prevention Centre (CPC)/Operations Service. It is a three-year extra-budgetary post within the project “Support, capacity-building and awareness-raising for Security Sector Governance and Reform (SSG/R) within the OSCE: Phase III”.

 

Tasks and Responsibilities:

Under the overall supervision of the Senior Operational Support Officer, the successful candidate will be tasked with the following duties:

 

1. Leading the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the SSG/R ExB project by identifying potential programmatic activities; preparing project proposals; defining implementation modalities; forecasting and monitoring expenditures; providing progress reports to donors; and fundraising;
2. Acting as a focal point on SSG/R by following discussions, making presentations, and facilitating exchanges of information related to SSG/R; by liaising with Secretariat departments, OSCE institutions, and field operations in their planning and conduct of SSG/R activities (e.g., needs assessments in the security sector) by liaising with participating States in planning and conducting SSG/R related activities, on their request; as well as by liaising other international or regional organizations to exchange information and identify/conduct joint activities;
3. Co-ordinating the development and dissemination of SSG/R guidance by conducting research, analyzing data, and preparing policy or background documents; by identifying additional guidance needs related to the OSCE Guidelines on SSG/R; by developing and conducting tailored training, seminars and workshops related to the Guidelines; and by overseeing the work of external experts on issues related to the above;
4. Co-ordinating the SSG/R Focal Point Network and the Group of Friends on SSG/R by compiling background documentation and draft strategic documents and providing recommendations, expert advice, and guidance by preparing meetings of the Network and the Group of Friends, by advising SSG/R Focal Points in implementing the OSCE Guidelines on SSG/R; as well as by co-organizing with executive structures outreach events for national stakeholders;
5. Supervising the Assistant Project Officer (P1) and the Project Assistant (G5) in implementing all project tasks, manages the project workflow, evaluates the performance of staff, and supports their professional development.

 

For more detailed information on the structure and work of the Conflict Prevention Centre, please see: https://www.osce.org/conflict-prevention-and-resolution

 

Necessary Qualifications:

• First-level university degree in law, political science, international relations, or another related field; Related studies or academic activities in the field of SSG/R are an asset;
• A minimum of 6 years of progressively responsible professional-level experience in the field of SSG/R, preferably in an international environment;
• Research, operational experience, and analytical skills in the field of SSG/R;
• Knowledge of the history and role of SSG/R in the OSCE and other international organizations, especially the United Nations;
• Experience in managing international donor funded projects in the area of SSG/R;
• Experience in networking and managing a high number of contacts;
• Professional fluency in the English language, both oral and written; working knowledge of Russian 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 approximately EUR 7,100 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.

 

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.