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 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 Communications and Technology Unit (CTU) manages the OSCE Communications Network and provides direction to participating States as well as contractor staff regarding the use of and support to network operations and OSCE software. The CTU also supports other entities within the OSCE, including Executive Structures and Field Operations.

The Organization, 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.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

Under the supervision of the Chief Communications and Technology Unit and in close co-ordination with the Network Management Officer, as Network Management Assistant, you will ensure continuous and secure operations, provides network maintenance and user help desk support for the OSCE Communications Network, and when appropriate secure network operations for OSCE Executive Structures and Field Offices. You will collaborate with the colleagues from Information and Communication Technology Section within the Department Management and Finance and interact with technical consultants and contractors on issues related to troubleshooting, testing and complying with network standards. You will also provide assistance to end users of the network in all capitals of the OSCE participating States on issues related to network, computer and software operations.

More specifically, as Network Management Assistant, you will perform the following:

1. Managing the network and receiving direction from participating States (pS) via the Forum for Security Co-operation’s (FSC) Communication Group and Configuration Control Board (CCB);
2. Responding directly, by remote control or by phone, to Help Desk inquiries from users, relating to issues such as installation, software troubleshooting and updates as well as developing solutions in liaison with senior staff; if necessary, that includes travel to remote OSCE locations;
3. Performing system administration to include backups, updates, system testing and hardware replacement; Ensuring all configurations as in compliance with network standards, reviewing log files, firewalls and servers to pre-detect problems; researching problems and initiating corrective measures;
4. Maintaining test environment hardware and software to ensure synchronization with the production environment;
5. Responding to network traffic alerts, and advising when there are disconnects to the network and advising on solutions to avoid lengthy outages;
6. Processing incoming arms control notifications, including verification of format, receiving into database, filing copies for FSC Support Unit and sending copies for Documents Distribution;
7. Assisting in the preparation of weekly summaries, database updates, network status summaries and other reports as well as maintaining the secure website;
8. 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:

• Completed secondary school education, supplemented by formal training in computer/electrical/electronic technology;
• A minimum of four years of progressive experience supporting worldwide networking, virtualization and Virtual Private Networks;
• Experience obtained at international private or government organizations related to information technology or network operations;
• Good understanding of global communication procedures and knowledge of MS Windows Server 2019, MS Windows 10, MS Exchange Server 2019, MS SQL Server 2019, VMWare, Cisco ASA Firewalls, VMWare, HP MSA and TCP/IP protocols;
• Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) Core Infrastructure and Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) related to SQL Server and Windows Server expertise, Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Enterprise/Security and Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Security Certifications would be desired;
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (especially Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook)
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English;
• 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.

Remuneration Package:

Monthly remuneration, subject to social security deduction, is around EUR 4,400 (12 times a year) depending on 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.

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.

Please note that for this position the OSCE does not reimburse expenses such as travel in connection with interviews, tests, visas and relocation.

Please be aware that the OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application and review process.

The mandatory retirement age at the OSCE is 65 years for contracted positions at the general service, professional and director level. The