Project 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 has 57 participating States and operates in various countries 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. The OSCE Secretariat, located in Vienna, provides operational and administrative support to field operations and other institutions, assisting the Chairpersonship in its activities. The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce and encourages the nomination of qualified candidates from all backgrounds.

Job Overview:
The Project Officer position is primarily focused on the implementation of specific activities aimed at enhancing the security and management of small arms and light weapons (SALW) and conventional ammunition (SCA) in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. The role involves facilitating daily operations of the project "Strengthening OSCE action against the illicit proliferation of SALW and SCA - Phase 3". The Project Officer will work closely with various stakeholders, including government officials and international partners, to ensure the successful execution of project activities. This position requires a proactive approach to project management, including the development of proposals, monitoring expenditures, and providing progress reports to donors. The Project Officer will also be responsible for conducting advisory missions and developing knowledge products and e-learning courses based on best practices and lessons learned from the project.

Duties and Responsibilities:
As a Project Officer, your responsibilities will include:

• Providing senior advice and supporting coordination to enhance national capacities of authorities in Eastern Europe and Central Asia regarding SALW and CA life cycle management.
• Leading the development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of project activities, including preparing proposals and defining implementation modalities.
• Conducting advisory support missions to Moldova and Kazakhstan, ensuring project outputs align with national and regional priorities.
• Exchanging information and coordinating project activities with government officials and international partners.
• Monitoring project implementation through discussions, correspondence, field visits, and analysis of progress reports.
• Organizing briefings and debriefings on project aspects, focusing on country and regional characteristics.
• Developing knowledge products on Physical Security and Stockpile Management (PSSM) inspections and record-keeping, and creating e-learning courses based on these products.
• Producing regular progress reports for donor reporting and conducting frequent duty travel within Eastern Europe and Central Asia.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a second-level university degree in international security, political science, military/technical engineering, or a related field. A first-level university degree combined with two years of additional qualifying experience in ammunition management or arms control may be accepted in lieu of the second-level university degree. Recognized project management certification is considered an asset. Military service, logistics military officer experience, and training in life cycle management of SALW and/or ammunition are also advantageous. Candidates should have a minimum of five years (or seven years with a relevant first-level degree) of progressively responsible professional-level experience in life cycle management of SALW and/or ammunition, and project management, preferably in an international environment. Demonstrated experience in planning, implementing, and managing donor-funded projects is essential, along with proven knowledge of through life management, project management, and knowledge transfer/training.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's degree (second-level university degree or equivalent) in a relevant field such as international security, political science, military/technical engineering, or a related discipline. A first-level university degree may be accepted if accompanied by additional qualifying experience in the relevant areas.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional-level experience in life cycle management of SALW and/or ammunition, and project management. Candidates with a first-level university degree must have at least seven years of relevant experience. Experience in planning, implementing, and managing donor-funded projects, particularly in advising governments on life cycle management considerations, is crucial for this role.

Languages:
Excellent oral and written communication skills in English are mandatory. A working knowledge of Russian and/or Romanian is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively in the relevant regions.

Additional Notes:
This position is open for secondment only, meaning that all costs related to the assignment must be borne by the nominating authorities. The initial contract will be issued for 12 months, with further extensions subject to funding availability. The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging 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.