Background:
Please note that this position is funded under an Extra-Budgetary (ExB) Project on "Empowering young professionals in the security sector towards confidence- and security-building in the OSCE area", which is expected to run until end of December 2024. The initial contract will be issued until 31 April 2024. Further extensions are subject to funding availability.
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 Chairpersonship 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 Chairpersonship, 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), develops assistance projects with regard to Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) and Conventional Ammunition, and supports the participating States in providing equal opportunities for women in the security sector.
Tasks and Responsibilities:
The Extra-Budgetary Project on "Empowering young professionals in the security sector towards confidence- and security-building in the OSCE area" seeks to empower young professionals, in particular women, to engage in the politico-military security dimension, especially in conflict prevention, resolution, management and post-conflict rehabilitation, with emphasis on arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation, and confidence and security building in the OSCE area.
Under close supervision of the CSBM Officer in the FSC Support Unit, as Assistant Project Officer, you are responsible to apply knowledge and administrative skills in supporting the interrelated administrative and programme functions in providing support to the Project objectives; and assist the FSC Support Unit on its daily work.
More specifically, you will perform the following functions:
1. Supporting Project's management through all steps of the project cycle, in accordance with OSCE performance-based programming and budgeting and Project management standards, including:
(a) Identification of Project needs analysis;
(b) Development of Project documents, including preparing project progress reports and budgets;
(c) Implementation and coordination of activities;
(d) Evaluation of project results.
2. Implementing project activities by:
(a) providing administrative support to the Project;
(b) Supporting co-ordination meetings, workshops, trainings, discussion fora, sessions, publications and others;
(c) Assisting in the monitoring of the Project implementation;
(d) Preparing Project implementation reports.
3. Administering/managing online activities for the participants:
(a) Co-ordinate the selection process of the participants;
(b) Develop, maintain and update the online training programme;
(c) Co-ordinate and assist in conducting online courses;
(d) Co-ordinate and communicate with the participants.
4. Co-ordinating in-person courses:
(a) Draft and co-ordinate the agenda;
(b) Co-ordinate organization of the in-person activities;
(c) Communicate with invited experts and moderate the sessions, when necessary.
5. Establishing and managing relations with stakeholders; ensuring co-ordination of planning and conduct of the Project with key partners in and outside the OSCE, Project beneficiaries, and donor states.
6. Supporting the implementation of the mandate of the Conflict Prevention Centre, FSC Support Unit, including:
(a) Assist the CSBM Officer in supporting the Chair of the Forum for Security Co-operation, when required;
(b) Support the CSBM Officer with the Forum for Security Co-operation daily work;
(c) Perform 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-university degree in political science, international relations or related field;
Minimum two years of working experience with international organizations; experience in co-operation on politico-military security issues is an asset;
Experience in project planning, management and implementation;
Working experience within the area of gender, youth and politico-military issues as well as experience with management methodology would be an asset;
E-communication skills, experience in management of e-learning platforms and online tools of learning;
Excellent oral and written communication skill in English; other OSCE languages would be an asset;
Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, and ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities;
Ability and willingness to work as a member of team, with people of diverse cultural, and religious backgrounds, gender, and political views, while maintaining impartiality and objectivity;
Computer literate with practical experience with Microsoft applications.
Remuneration Package:
Monthly remuneration is around EUR 4,400, 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.
Issued by: Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights
Requisition ID: SEC000216
Contract Type: International Secondment
Grade: P1
Job Level: Professional
Job Type: Contracted
Number of posts: 1
Location: SEC - OSCE Secretariat, Vienna
Issue Date: May 11, 2023
Closing Date: Jul 6, 2023
Employee Status: Fixed Term
Schedule: Full-time
Education Level: Bachelor's Degree (First-level university degree or equivalent)
Target Start Date: As soon as possible
