Consultant Canine (K9) Expert

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 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, based in Vienna, provides operational and administrative support to the field operations and assists decision-making bodies in their activities. The organization emphasizes consensus-based decision-making and works to address a wide range of security-related concerns, including arms control, human rights, and counter-terrorism.

Job Overview:
The OSCE is seeking a Consultant Canine (K9) Expert to provide expertise and advisory support related to the development and enhancement of canine capacities within law enforcement agencies (LEAs) in the OSCE region. The consultant will focus on the detection and confiscation of small arms and light weapons (SALW), ammunition, and explosives. This consultancy assignment is temporary, with a maximum duration of up to 180 working days per calendar year, and will involve both home-based work and fieldwork, including travel within the OSCE region. The consultant will work under the supervision of the FSC Support Unit Project Officers and will be responsible for delivering training, developing skills for Frontex-certified handlers, and ensuring compliance with international standards and best practices in K9 training.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for delivering training in product scent detection according to FRONTEX methodology, developing specific skills for Frontex-certified handlers, and ensuring the implementation of canine team operational standards. Additional responsibilities include providing support to beneficiary LEAs to identify gaps and offer advisory support, conducting remote and face-to-face consultations with stakeholders, and performing any other tasks related to K9 training activities as required. The consultant will also be expected to maintain effective working relationships with diverse individuals and integrate a gender perspective into all tasks and activities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a high school degree in police, security, military sciences, veterinary sciences, or a related field. A minimum of five years of professional experience at both national and international levels is required, with a focus on technical assistance activities. Candidates should demonstrate proven expertise in K9 capabilities, particularly in the context of explosives, ammunition, and small arms detection. Accreditation to deliver training in accordance with FRONTEX methodologies is essential. Strong analytical skills, the ability to work independently, and excellent communication skills in English are mandatory. Knowledge of other OSCE languages and local languages in the relevant geographical areas is advantageous.

Educational Background:
The position requires a high school diploma or equivalent (GED) in relevant fields such as police, security, military sciences, or veterinary sciences. Additional certifications or training related to K9 capabilities and FRONTEX methodologies would be beneficial.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least five years of progressively responsible experience in technical assistance roles, including managerial, legal, operational management, and technical advisory support. Experience in K9 training and operations, particularly in the context of law enforcement and security, is highly desirable.

Languages:
Professional fluency in English is mandatory, with excellent written and spoken communication skills. Knowledge of other OSCE languages is considered an asset, and familiarity with local languages in the geographical areas of OSCE projects in South Eastern Europe, Eastern Europe, South Caucasus, and Central Asia would be a distinct advantage.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy position is part-time and classified under a Special Service Agreement (SSA). The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging candidates from all backgrounds to apply. The organization emphasizes the importance of ethical conduct and integrity among its officials. Remuneration will be based on the consultant's qualifications and experience, in accordance with OSCE established rates. The OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application process.