National Consultant to Support the Independent Evaluation of the OSCE's Work

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 established in 1975, with a mission to promote peace, stability, and democracy in Europe. The OSCE operates in 57 participating states across Europe, Central Asia, and North America, and has a workforce of approximately 3,500 employees. The organization focuses on various areas including conflict prevention, crisis management, and post-conflict rehabilitation, and is committed to fostering cooperation among its member states to address security challenges.

Job Overview:
The position of National Consultant is integral to the independent evaluation of the OSCE's projects related to Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) and Conventional Ammunition (CA) in Kyrgyzstan. The consultant will provide local support to the evaluation team leader, facilitating access to local stakeholders, gathering relevant information, and offering contextual knowledge of the national environment. The consultant's role is crucial in ensuring that the evaluation accurately reflects the achievements, challenges, and sustainability of the projects, as well as identifying lessons learned and good practices. The consultant will work closely with the evaluation team to collect data, conduct site visits, and compile evidence to inform the evaluation report, which will guide future OSCE assistance in the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The successful candidate will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including: collecting and reviewing project documentation and monitoring data; providing contextual information on the national environment regarding SALW and CA; organizing stakeholder interviews and meetings; assisting the evaluation team leader with data verification; conducting site inspections and facility verifications in project areas; compiling an evidence matrix to support the evaluation report; and providing inputs to the country case study report. The consultant will also facilitate meetings with local authorities and beneficiary communities, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the projects' impacts and challenges.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in social sciences, political science, international development, public policy, military or security studies, or a related field. A Master's degree is preferred. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of 6 years of professional experience in research, monitoring, or evaluation within the security or law enforcement sector, with a strong understanding of Kyrgyzstan's political and security context. Familiarity with SALW and CA life-cycle management is highly desirable, as is experience evaluating projects in Kyrgyzstan or Central Asia. Candidates must also have no prior involvement in the design or implementation of the OSCE's SALW/SCA projects in Kyrgyzstan for at least one year following the evaluation report submission.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor's degree is required, with a Master's degree being advantageous. Equivalent professional experience may be considered in lieu of formal education. The educational background should be relevant to the fields of social sciences, political science, international development, public policy, military or security studies, or similar areas that provide a foundation for understanding the complexities of security sector evaluations.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 6 years of relevant professional experience, particularly in research, monitoring, or evaluation within the security or law enforcement sectors. Candidates should demonstrate a solid understanding of the political, institutional, and security contexts of Kyrgyzstan and the wider Central Asian region. Experience in evaluating similar projects or working in comparable regional contexts will be considered an advantage.

Languages:
Professional fluency in written and spoken Russian is mandatory, while a working knowledge of English is desirable. The ability to communicate effectively in both languages will facilitate stakeholder engagement and data collection during the evaluation process.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration for this consultancy is 25 days, and the position is classified under a Special Service Agreement (SSA). The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging candidates from various backgrounds to apply. The remuneration package 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, and candidates should conduct themselves in a manner befitting the status of an international civil servant.