Background:

Please note that this is an extra-budgetary (ExB) position within the project “In Support of Strengthening Biological Safety and Security in Ukraine in line with the Implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1540 (2004) on Non-Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction and Their Means of Delivery” that is currently envisaged to last three years. The duration of the post is from 01 January 2025 to 31 July 2027.

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 OSCE decision-making body dealing with the politico-military aspects of security, providing a forum for political dialogue for OSCE participating States. The FSC Support Section within the Conflict Prevention Centre supports the work of the FSC by providing technical support and expertise. In this respect, the Section acts as a focal point and prepares reports and overviews on military information exchanged by participating States. The Section 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 and other FSC-related issues.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

As Project Associate, you will provide substantive input to project planning, implementation and management, including providing guidance and advice. You will provide technical support and recommend process improvement in project management by performing skilled, semi-professional functions of substantial variety and complexity.

You will report to the Project Officer as your first-level supervisor, while the Chief of FSC Support Unit will serve as your second-level supervisor.

More specifically, you will perform the following functions:

1. Conducting independent research and monitoring developments in the sector and/or geographical area relevant for the project; collating and presenting data and information that may affect the project and making recommendations concerning approaches as to how to best address the implementation of project activities;
2. Designing and implementing assigned project activities, which may include workshops, missions, conferences, study visits, workshop, training interventions etc., by recommending priority activities, liaising with participants, preparing written material for supervisor’s approval, and obtaining the required administrative approvals; keeping track of pending matters and following up with other offices on deadlines;
3. Co-ordinating reporting requirements and providing substantive input to progress reports, evaluation reports, follow-up project proposals; drafting concept notes, talking points and background material, with the provision of substantive input and putting documents into adequate style, language and format proofreading documents and editing texts for accuracy, grammar, punctuation and style in accordance with standard practices;
4. Monitoring administration of assigned project outcomes, including tracking budget and expenditure, and making recommendations for improvements to the design and delivery of the work processes and practices to meet specific project needs, by focusing on the provision of defined services and seeking opportunities to improve the delivery of the service by collaborating or integrating processes or activities;
5. Co-ordinating administrative arrangements, including the preparation of terms of reference and selection of consultants, implementing partners and vendors, administrative and logistical arrangements for in-person, online and hybrid events, such as meetings, workshops, conferences, study visits, missions etc.; developing project databases with references and cross-references;
6. Using ERP, initiating and following up on actions related to requisitions, recruitment of consultants, training and study tours, purchase of services and goods, payments, travel authorizations requests/claims and dealing with all related inquiries;
7. 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 education, supplemented by specialized training or formal studies in project management and non-proliferation;
• At least six years of working experience in project management support in an international environment. A university degree in a relevant field may be considered as a substitute for up to two years of working experience;
• Ability to conduct independent research and collect information from a variety of sources;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English. Knowledge of other OSCE languages would be an asset;
• Experience in project planning, implementation and reporting, with PRINCE2 certification an asset;
• Established knowledge and understanding of the developments in the field of UNSCR 1540 (2004) on non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, with biological safety and security in Ukraine as an asset;
• Digital literacy and proficient use of Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint), internet. Experience with an ERP software 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.

Remuneration Package:

Monthly remuneration, subject to social security deduction, is around EUR 5,400 (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.

Candidates interviewed and found suitable in the recruitment process for this vacancy notice will be placed on a roster of suitable candidates (valid for three years) for fixed-term posts, should a suitable opportunity arise. The placement on a roster does not guarantee a future appointment or assignment.

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 OSCE appointments are subject to medical clearance.

The mandatory retirement age at the OSCE is 65 years for contracted positions at the general service, professional and director level. The Organization shall apply an age limit of 62 years at the time of appointment as the incumbent selected is normally expected to carry out the contractual obligation of two years.

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