Consultant - Roster of Experts on Virtual Assets and Blockchain-based Finance

Job Posting Organization:
The Organization for security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) is the world’s largest regional security organization, established to promote peace, security, and stability across its 57 participating States. The OSCE operates with a comprehensive approach to security that encompasses politico-military, economic and environmental, and human dimensions. The organization addresses a wide range of security-related concerns, including arms control, human rights, national minorities, democratization, and counterterrorism. The OSCE Secretariat, located in Vienna, provides operational and administrative support to field operations and other institutions, assisting the Chairpersonship in its activities. The Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities (OCEEA) focuses on promoting economic prosperity and good governance among participating States, thereby fostering peace and stability.

Job Overview:
The position involves contributing to the OSCE's extra-budgetary project aimed at mitigating money-laundering risks associated with virtual assets. The project seeks to enhance the capacities of national authorities in various participating States to effectively regulate and oversee virtual assets and their service providers. The consultant will be part of a roster of experts who will provide thematic and technical expertise, assisting in the development of national risk assessments, policy recommendations, and training workshops. The role requires a deep understanding of the challenges posed by virtual assets and the ability to design and implement effective regulatory frameworks in line with international standards, particularly the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Recommendations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Selected experts will be responsible for designing and delivering capacity-building workshops focused on anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CFT) risks associated with virtual assets. They will contribute to the development of guidelines and manuals for beneficiary agencies, covering various aspects of regulation and supervision of virtual asset service providers (VASPs), compliance enforcement, customer due diligence, and investigation techniques using blockchain analytics. Experts will also provide advice on national policy frameworks and risk assessment methodologies, support the preparation of training curricula, and contribute to research and evaluation efforts to ensure sustainability of project results. Assignments may be conducted remotely or on-site in participating States, depending on project requirements.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a second-level university degree in law, economics, finance, information technology, or a related discipline. A minimum of seven years of relevant professional experience in fields such as combating money laundering and terrorism financing, supervision and regulation of virtual assets, and blockchain analytics is required. Demonstrated expertise in blockchain technology and virtual asset operations, along with strong analytical, drafting, and presentation skills, is essential. Professional fluency in English is mandatory, and knowledge of Russian or other OSCE languages is considered an asset. Candidates should also demonstrate gender awareness and sensitivity, and the ability to work effectively in multicultural environments.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree or second-level university degree in a relevant field such as law, economics, finance, or information technology is required for this position. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of virtual assets and the regulatory frameworks that govern them.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of professional experience in relevant fields, including but not limited to AML/CFT, supervision of VASPs, and blockchain analytics. Experience working with financial intelligence units, central banks, and law enforcement agencies on AML/CFT matters is highly desirable. Previous experience with international organizations such as the OSCE, UNODC, or FATF is an advantage, as it demonstrates familiarity with international standards and practices.

Languages:
Professional fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of Russian or other OSCE languages is considered an asset, as it may facilitate communication with diverse stakeholders in the participating States.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy position is temporary in nature, with an expected cumulative duration of up to 180 working days within one calendar year, depending on specific project requirements. The contract type is a Special Service Agreement (SSA) or Consultant, and the job level is classified as Senior Professional. The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce and encourages qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply. The remuneration package will be based on the consultant's qualifications and experience, in accordance with OSCE established rates. The OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application process.