Project Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Organization for security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) is a regional security organization founded in 1975, with a mission to promote peace, stability, and democracy in its member states. The OSCE operates in 57 participating states across Europe, Central Asia, and North America, and has a comprehensive approach to security that encompasses politico-military, economic, environmental, and human aspects. The organization employs a diverse workforce and is committed to the principles of equality and consensus in decision-making, ensuring that all participating states have an equal voice in its operations.

Job Overview:
The Project Officer position is integral to the OSCE's efforts in addressing the illicit proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) and Stockpiles of Conventional Ammunition (SCA). The role involves the implementation of specific activities aimed at enhancing the physical security and stockpile management capabilities of participating states in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. The Project Officer will facilitate daily operations related to the project, ensuring that activities align with national and regional priorities. This position requires a proactive approach to project management, including the development of knowledge products and e-learning courses based on best practices and lessons learned. The Project Officer will work closely with government officials, donor partners, and international stakeholders to ensure effective project execution and reporting.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Project Officer will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including:

• Providing senior advice and support coordination to enhance national capacities in SALW and ammunition life cycle management for authorities in Eastern Europe and Central Asia.
• Leading the development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of project activities, including preparing proposals and defining implementation modalities.
• Conducting advisory missions to Moldova and Kazakhstan, ensuring project outputs align with national priorities.
• Engaging with government officials and coordinating with donors and international partners to facilitate project activities.
• Monitoring project implementation through discussions, field visits, and analysis of progress reports, making necessary adjustments to ensure project success.
• Organizing briefings and debriefings on project activities, focusing on country and regional aspects.
• Developing knowledge products and e-learning courses based on project experiences and lessons learned.
• Producing regular progress reports for donor reporting and conducting frequent duty travel within the project regions.

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 degree. Recognized project management certification is an asset, as is military service or training in life cycle management of SALW and/or ammunition. Candidates should have a minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional experience in life cycle management of SALW and/or ammunition, and project management, preferably in an international context. Demonstrated experience in planning, implementing, and managing donor-funded projects is essential, along with proven knowledge of 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, or military/technical engineering. Candidates with a first-level university degree may be considered if they have additional qualifying experience in related 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 should have at least seven years of relevant experience. Experience in advising governments on through-life management considerations and managing donor-funded projects 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 engage with stakeholders in the project regions.

Additional Notes:
This position is open for secondment only, meaning that candidates must be nominated by their respective authorities. All costs related to the assignment must be borne by the nominating authorities. The initial contract will be for 12 months, with potential extensions subject to funding availability. 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 should be aware that OSCE officials must conduct themselves in a manner befitting their status as international civil servants.