Deputy Director, Head of the Mission Support Services

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, focusing on a comprehensive approach to security that includes politico-military, economic, environmental, and human aspects. The OSCE Secretariat, based in Vienna, supports the Chairpersonship and provides operational and administrative support to field operations and other institutions. The Department of Management and Finance (DMF) within the OSCE Secretariat is responsible for managing the organization's material and financial resources, ensuring efficient and effective management in support of OSCE programmatic activities. DMF consists of several sections, including Budget, Finance and Compliance, Mission Support Service, and Information and Communication Technology. The Mission Support Section (MSS) specifically handles procurement, contracting, logistics, and facilities management, providing policy guidance and technical training to ensure effective resource administration across the OSCE's Executive Structures.

Job Overview:
The director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Deputy Director, Head of the Mission Support Services, plays a crucial role in overseeing the OSCE's corporate supply chain management. This position involves formulating policy and strategy development in areas such as procurement, asset management, travel management, and facilities management. The incumbent is responsible for implementing the substantive work programme of Mission Support Services, ensuring that activities align with strategic and operational objectives while providing client-focused corporate services. Reporting to the Director of Management and Finance, the Deputy Director collaborates with various stakeholders, including Secretariat Directors, Fund Managers, and Programme Managers, to facilitate information exchange and provide guidance on substantive issues. The role also includes liaising with the Chairperson and members of the Advisory Committee on Management and Finance (ACMF) to discuss policies and their application, as well as coordinating work across different areas within the Service and Department.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Deputy Director will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including:

• Contributing to the formulation of management policy and conceptual frameworks that guide analysis and continuous improvement of the Financial Administrative Instructions (FAI).
• Developing corporate supply chain strategy and operational strategies, adjusting business strategy and management reform as necessary.
• Leading operational planning and management with a focus on agility, productivity, and results, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, client-focused corporate services.
• Coordinating and overseeing the preparation of work programmes and budgets, assigning and monitoring performance parameters, and reporting on budget/programme performance.
• Providing high-quality management reports to the Director of Management and Finance (D/DMF) and relevant policy organs to support effective decision-making.
• Determining priorities and allocating financial and human resources consistent with organizational goals and budget.
• Translating business opportunities into concrete measures and preparing and leading negotiations to achieve organizational objectives.
• Leading the provision of client-focused technical and managerial advice, assistance, and support to the Secretariat, Field Operations, and Institutions as necessary.
• Coordinating advisory services to the Secretariat Fund Materials Management Committee (SEC FMMC) and the Organization Materials Management Committee (OMMC). 1
• Carrying out other related duties as assigned, including deputizing for the Director of Management and Finance.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a second-level (Advanced) university degree in business administration, engineering, finance, management, or a related field. Certification in procurement, assets, logistics management, project, or audit management is considered an asset. A minimum of ten years of professional experience in procurement, supply chain management, or in management, engineering, or technical roles at a senior management and policy-making level in an international corporate environment is required. Candidates with a first-level university degree must have at least twelve years of experience. Experience in capital expenditure planning is essential, while operational experience in planning, developing, and implementing field activities is desirable. Financial management expertise is also an asset. Excellent oral and written communication skills in English are mandatory, and working knowledge of at least one other language from the OSCE region is desirable. Candidates should demonstrate gender awareness and sensitivity, with the ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities. The ability to work as a team member with individuals from diverse cultural, religious, and political backgrounds while maintaining impartiality and objectivity is crucial. Computer literacy with practical experience in web-based ERP applications is required.

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 business administration, engineering, finance, or management. This advanced degree is essential to ensure that candidates possess the necessary theoretical knowledge and analytical skills to perform effectively in this senior management role.

Experience:
The position requires a significant level of experience, specifically a minimum of ten years in relevant fields such as procurement, supply chain management, or senior management roles within an international corporate environment. Candidates with a first-level university degree must have at least twelve years of experience. This extensive experience should include senior management and policy-making responsibilities, as well as operational experience in planning and implementing field activities. Candidates should also have experience in capital expenditure planning and financial management.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, with excellent oral and written communication skills required for the role. Additionally, candidates should have a working knowledge of at least one other language from the OSCE region, which is considered desirable and beneficial for effective communication within the organization.

Additional Notes:
The position is a fixed-term contract at the senior management level (P5) with a full-time schedule. The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce and encourages qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply. The maximum period of service in this post is five years, and appointments are subject to medical clearance. The mandatory retirement age for contracted positions is 65 years, and candidates should be aware that the OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application process. The remuneration package includes a monthly salary of around EUR 11,300, which is exempt from taxation in Austria, along with social benefits such as participation in the Cigna medical insurance scheme and the OSCE Provident Fund. Other allowances and benefits are similar to those offered under the United Nations Common System.