Senior Management Position at OSCE Centre in Ashgabat

Job Posting Organization:
The Organization for security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) is a prominent international organization founded in 1975, dedicated to promoting peace, stability, and democracy across its member states. The OSCE operates in 57 countries, spanning Europe, Central Asia, and North America. The organization focuses on a wide range of issues including arms control, human rights, and conflict prevention. The OSCE Centre in Ashgabat plays a crucial role in facilitating dialogue and cooperation among various stakeholders in Turkmenistan, contributing to the overall mission of the OSCE.

Job Overview:
The Senior Management Position at the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat is a pivotal role that involves overseeing the strategic direction and management of the Centre's program activities. The successful candidate will work closely with the Head of Centre (HoC) to ensure that the Centre's mandate is fulfilled effectively. This position requires a strong background in diplomatic relations, political affairs, and program management, as well as the ability to navigate complex political environments. The candidate will be expected to provide high-level advice on administrative and policy matters, coordinate with various stakeholders, and ensure the successful implementation of programs. The role also demands excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, to prepare reports and documents that reflect the Centre's activities and achievements.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Senior Management Position include:

• Assisting the Head of Centre in providing strategic direction and managing the Centre's program activities in alignment with its mandate.
• Advising the HoC on daily administrative, management, policy, and programmatic matters to ensure smooth operations.
• Overseeing the preparation of annual planning and budgeting documents, including the Programme Outline and Unified Budget submission, in coordination with the Chief of Fund Administration.
• Coordinating the preparation of various Centre reports, providing inputs, editing, and consolidating documents for submission.
• Assisting in coordinating Mission activities with the Government, international organizations, OSCE Institutions, and civil society to foster collaboration.
• Monitoring program implementation using relevant management tools to track activity planning, project progress, and budget issues.
• Acting as the Alternate Programme Manager for three thematic dimensions, ensuring continuity in leadership.
• Replacing the HoC in their absence, maintaining operational effectiveness.
• Performing other duties as required to support the Centre's objectives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong set of qualifications to be considered for this position. These include:

• A second-level university degree in international studies, public policy, political science, law, or related fields.
• A first-level university degree combined with two years of additional qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the second-level degree.
• Certification from a relevant training course is required, and a second-level degree in a management discipline is considered an asset.
• Candidates should demonstrate excellent communication and drafting skills, as well as strong analytical abilities.
• Knowledge of regional political history and developments is essential, along with diplomatic and negotiating skills.
• Familiarity with OSCE principles and commitments is highly desirable.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a second-level university degree in fields such as international studies, public policy, political science, law, or related disciplines. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two years of additional qualifying experience may be accepted. Candidates with a second-level degree in a management discipline will have an advantage. Additionally, certified training courses relevant to the field are mandatory, ensuring that candidates are well-prepared for the complexities of the role.

Experience:
Candidates must have a minimum of 10 years of relevant, diversified, and progressively responsible professional experience. This experience should include at least 5 years at the management level relevant to the position. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in diplomatic relations, political affairs, and program management, demonstrating their ability to handle complex situations and lead teams effectively.

Languages:
Professional fluency in English is mandatory, along with a working knowledge of the Russian language, both oral and written. The ability to communicate clearly and concisely in these languages is essential for the role. Additionally, knowledge of the Turkmen language is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with local stakeholders and navigate the cultural landscape effectively.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as an international secondment, with a contract type that emphasizes the temporary nature of the role. The OSCE Centre in Ashgabat is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from qualified candidates of all backgrounds. The maximum period of service in this post or in the same Mission is seven years, reflecting the organization's commitment to staff rotation. Candidates should be aware that appointments are subject to medical clearance and that the OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application process. The position is full-time, with a target start date in April 2026, and the closing date for applications is February 26, 2026.