Politico-Military 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 to address security-related concerns through a comprehensive approach that includes politico-military, economic, environmental, and human aspects. The OSCE Programme Office in Astana was established to assist Kazakhstan in implementing OSCE principles and commitments, focusing on regional security challenges and priorities. The organization emphasizes equal status among its member states and operates on a consensus basis, making its decisions politically binding but not legally enforceable. The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, encouraging candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

Job Overview:
The Politico-Military Officer position is a middle management role within the OSCE Programme Office in Astana. The incumbent will work autonomously, providing strategic direction and oversight for the Politico-Military Dimension (PMD) activities in accordance with the office's mandate. This role involves developing and proposing strategies, identifying priority projects, and coordinating the implementation of PMD activities. The officer will also be responsible for preparing the Programme's Unified Budget proposal and monitoring its execution. The position requires collaboration with national and international stakeholders on politico-military issues, ensuring alignment with the host country's priorities and the OSCE's objectives. The officer will play a crucial role in promoting political dialogue and addressing security challenges, including border management, police reform, and counter-terrorism efforts.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Politico-Military Officer include managing the PMD and providing direction to activities in line with the OSCE's mandate. The officer will inform senior management of political priorities, identify key projects, and contribute to planning initiatives. Responsibilities also include developing and implementing strategies to address new challenges, preparing detailed proposals on programmatic issues, and compiling regular reports for the OSCE Secretariat. The officer will coordinate cooperation on major politico-military issues with various stakeholders, including government bodies, NGOs, and international organizations. Additionally, the officer will supervise the PMD team, monitor project budgets, and propose areas for potential programmatic activity. The role requires strong analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills, as well as the ability to work independently and manage a diverse team.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess significant experience in politico-military relations with international organizations or governments. They should have the ability to compile and analyze information of a politico-military nature. The position requires demonstrable organizational, analytical, communication, and team-working skills. Candidates must have experience in negotiating and liaising with government officials and institutions, including military and law enforcement agencies. A thorough understanding of multi-disciplinary issues in international cooperation and development is essential, along with the ability to manage and coach a team effectively. Candidates should also demonstrate gender awareness and sensitivity, integrating a gender perspective into their work.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a second-level university degree in international studies, diplomacy, military or police affairs, political science, law, public policy, or public administration. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two years of additional qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the second-level degree. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of international security and political dynamics.

Experience:
A minimum of six years of relevant professional experience is required for this position. This experience should be in fields related to security sector governance and reform, cybersecurity, counter-terrorism, or political dialogue with government and civil society. Candidates should have a proven track record of working in programmatic or strategic planning roles, utilizing a results-based management approach.

Languages:
Professional fluency in English is mandatory, with excellent oral and written communication skills. A working knowledge of the Russian language is also required, as it is essential for effective communication within the region. Additional fluency in Russian would be considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with local stakeholders and partners.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as an international secondment, and candidates must be nominated by their respective participating states. Nationals or permanent residents of Kazakhstan are not eligible to apply. The OSCE emphasizes the importance of ethical conduct and impartiality among its officials. The maximum period of service in this post is seven years, and candidates should be aware that OSCE appointments are subject to medical clearance. The position is full-time and offers a fixed-term contract. The OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application process, ensuring a fair and transparent recruitment process.