Associate Procurement Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Organization for security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) is an intergovernmental organization founded in 1975, with a mission to promote peace, stability, and democracy in Europe. The OSCE operates in 57 participating States across Europe, Central Asia, and North America. The organization focuses on a comprehensive approach to security that includes politico-military, economic, environmental, and human aspects. It addresses a wide range of security-related concerns, including arms control, human rights, and combating human trafficking. The OSCE Secretariat, located in Vienna, provides operational and administrative support to the field operations and assists the Chairpersonship in its activities. The organization is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, encouraging the nomination of qualified candidates from all backgrounds.

Job Overview:
The Associate Procurement Officer position is a critical role within the OSCE Secretariat, specifically within the Mission Support Section (MSS). The incumbent will provide essential support and guidance on procurement issues and processes to all OSCE staff, ensuring compliance with OSCE financial regulations and established procurement policies. This role is particularly focused on sustainable procurement practices and the prevention of human trafficking for labor exploitation in supply chains. The Associate Procurement Officer will work closely with the Procurement Division and the Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings (SR/CTHB) to implement best practices and training campaigns, develop sustainable procurement data tools, and support the integration of sustainable objectives throughout the procurement cycle. The position requires a proactive approach to managing sourcing requirements and ensuring the adequacy of evaluation and contract award criteria during sourcing activities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Associate Procurement Officer include:

• Providing support and guidance on procurement issues and processes to OSCE staff.
• Assisting in incorporating sustainable procurement objectives throughout the procurement cycle.
• Developing resources for improvement and implementing best practices in sustainable procurement.
• Supporting the design and maintenance of sustainable procurement data tools, including dashboards and reports.
• Conducting training and presentations for OSCE procurement personnel and external stakeholders.
• Acting as a focal point for combating human trafficking and labor exploitation data.
• Coordinating and managing the implementation of the CTHB Action Plans.
• Conducting market research to stay informed of sustainable developments in procurement.
• Planning and managing sourcing requirements for goods and services. 1
• Supervising the solicitation process and preparing final tender evaluation reports. 1
• Preparing and presenting contract awards to relevant authorities. 1
• Liaising with suppliers and addressing any issues related to contract implementation. 1
• Performing other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a second-level university degree in procurement/supply chain, business administration, commerce, engineering, law, or a related field. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of relevant experience will be accepted in lieu of the second-level degree. Professional certifications such as CIPS or sustainability certification are highly desirable. Candidates must have a minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in sustainable procurement, commercial contracting, or supply chain management, preferably in an international environment. Familiarity with sustainable public procurement policies and procedures is essential, along with demonstrated experience in supporting the management and development of sustainable procurement practices.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a second-level university degree in a relevant field such as procurement/supply chain, business administration, commerce, engineering, or law. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of relevant experience will also be accepted. Professional certifications in procurement or sustainability are highly desirable and will enhance a candidate's application.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in sustainable procurement, commercial contracting, or supply chain management. Candidates with a first-level university degree must have four years of relevant experience. Experience in an international environment is preferred, and familiarity with sustainable public procurement policies is essential.

Languages:
Professional fluency in English is mandatory, with excellent oral and written communication skills. Proficiency in another official OSCE language (French, German, Italian, Russian, Spanish) is considered an advantage. Candidates should be able to communicate data and visualization effectively through various media.

Additional Notes:
This position is open for secondment only, and all costs related to the assignment must be borne by the nominating authorities. Seconded staff members are not entitled to a Board and Lodging Allowance. The position is funded through an Extra-Budgetary Project focused on combating human trafficking in supply chains, running until December 202

• The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from qualified candidates of all backgrounds. The maximum period of service in this post is 10 years, and candidates must conduct themselves in a manner befitting the status of an international civil servant. The OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application process.