Programme Associate

Job Posting Organization:
The OSCE Centre in Ashgabat is part of the Organization for security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), which was established to promote peace, stability, and democracy in the region. The Centre focuses on various areas including border security and management, and operates in multiple countries across Europe and Central Asia. The OSCE is committed to fostering cooperation among its participating states and has a diverse workforce dedicated to its mission. The Centre in Ashgabat specifically works on enhancing border security and management in Turkmenistan and collaborates with other Central Asian countries to achieve its objectives.

Job Overview:
The Programme Associate plays a crucial role in the implementation of the Centre's extrabudgetary multi-donor flagship border project activities. This position involves establishing and maintaining contacts with relevant border and law enforcement agencies in Turkmenistan, as well as liaising with representatives from Central Asian countries. The Programme Associate is expected to contribute significantly to the delivery of the ExB project's objectives by ensuring effective communication with government institutions, experts, and beneficiaries regarding project proposals and activities. This role also includes securing the participation of host country representatives and experts in OSCE events both in Turkmenistan and abroad, providing guidance and advice as necessary. The Programme Associate will be responsible for logistical arrangements for meetings, trainings, and workshops, as well as monitoring project implementation and ensuring compliance with quality assurance criteria.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The successful candidate will be tasked with a variety of duties under the overall supervision of the Programme Coordinator. These include arranging travel, accommodation, and official travel authorizations for OSCE and non-OSCE officials related to the project. The Programme Associate will support the organization of project meetings, trainings, and workshops for border agencies, ensuring all logistical and organizational arrangements are made in collaboration with the Fund Administration Unit (FAU). Additionally, the candidate will collect relevant data and contribute to drafting project proposals and budgets, assist in preparing monthly activity reports and quarterly progress reports for donors, and monitor project implementation with a focus on overseeing Suppliers and Special Service Agreements (SSA). The role also involves facilitating the participation of government officials in project events, preparing standard correspondence, maintaining contacts with project beneficiaries, and drafting and updating work plans and project tracking sheets.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must have at least 6 years of relevant work experience in office administration and project management, preferably within international organizations or companies. A university degree in a relevant field may substitute for up to two years of work experience. Professional fluency in English, Turkmen, and Russian is required, along with excellent communication skills, both oral and written. Candidates should demonstrate gender awareness and sensitivity, and possess the ability to work as part of a team with individuals from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds. Proficiency in Microsoft applications is also necessary.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a high school diploma or equivalent (GED). A university degree in a relevant field is preferred and may be considered as a substitute for some work experience.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 6 years of relevant work experience in office administration and project management. Experience in international organizations or companies is highly desirable, and candidates with extensive experience in similar roles will be given preference.

Languages:
Mandatory languages for this position include English, Turkmen, and Russian. Candidates must demonstrate professional fluency in these languages, with excellent communication skills. Additional language skills may be considered an asset but are not required.

Additional Notes:
The position is a full-time, fixed-term contract with a monthly remuneration of EUR 1,159, subject to social security deductions. OSCE salaries are exempt from taxation in Turkmenistan. Social benefits include participation in the Cigna medical insurance scheme and the OSCE Provident Fund. Appointments are typically made at Step 1 of the OSCE salary scale, with the possibility of an initial appointment at up to Step 3 in exceptional cases. Candidates should be aware that the OSCE does not reimburse expenses related to interviews, tests, visas, or relocation. The mandatory retirement age for contracted positions is 65 years, and candidates must be aware that OSCE appointments are subject to medical clearance. The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion and encourages qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply.