Background:
The OSCE has a comprehensive approach to security that encompasses politico-military, economic and environmental, and human aspects. It therefore addresses a wide range of security-related concerns, including arms control, confidence- and security-building measures, human rights, combating human trafficking, national minorities, democratization, policing strategies, counter-terrorism and economic and environmental activities. All 57 participating States enjoy equal status, and decisions are taken by consensus on a politically, but not legally binding basis.
The OSCE Secretariat in Vienna assists the Chairpersonship in its activities, and provides operational and administrative support to the field operations, and, as appropriate, to other institutions.
The Department of Management and Finance (DMF) is responsible for managing the material and financial resources of the Organization. The objective of DMF is to provide efficient and effective management of non-staff resources in support of OSCE programmatic activities. It provides policy guidance on the management of OSCE financial and material resources and develops and maintains OSCE Financial Regulations and Rules and Financial Administrative Instructions. DMF consists of Budget and Finance Services, Mission Support Section, Information and Communication Technology Section and the Information Security and Co-ordination Unit.
Mission Support Section (MSS) provides the working framework for OSCE’s procurement and contracting assets, logistics, transport, travel and facilities management activities. It also acts as the policy development and co-ordination point for resource administration in the OSCE’s Executive Structures in relation to these activities, including providing on-site assistance and technical training programmes.
Tasks and Responsibilities:
Under the overall supervision of the Chief, Procurement and Contracting Unit (C/PCU), as Associate Procurement Officer, you will provide all services and functions covering the support and guidance on procurement issues and processes to all OSCE staff and for the procurement of goods and services required by the OSCE Secretariat, or OSCE field operations, in accordance with OSCE financial Regulations and Rules, established procurement policies and procedures and relevant administrative instructions.
You will work independently and under minimal supervision, to facilitate timely delivery of the procurement process and meeting the internal client objectives, while not jeopardizing the Organization’s objectives.
More specifically, you will perform the following functions:
- Planning, developing and managing procurement projects of varying complexity relating to goods, works and services for the OSCE Secretariat, other programmes and extra-budgetary funded projects, and ensuring that best value for money is always secured;
- Providing support and guidance to OSCE officials at the OSCE Secretariat and field operations on procurement issues during all stages of the procurement cycle;
- Preparing and issuing tender dossiers and ensuring that the evaluation and contract award criteria are adequate; supervising the solicitation process and bid opening, preparing and reviewing tender evaluation reports;
- Actively participating in contract negotiations, evaluation and administration;
- Conducting market research to keep abreast of market developments and new technologies and analysing statistical data and relevant commercial trends;
- Participating in the maintenance of the OSCE regulatory framework on procurement and contracting, contributing to the formulation and regular revision of OSCE common technical standards, in consultation with the relevant units;
- Performing other duties as assigned.
For more detailed information on the structure and work of the OSCE Secretariat, please see https://www.osce.org/secretariat
Necessary Qualifications:
- First-level university degree in procurement/supply chain, business administration, commerce, engineering or related field;
- Professional certification such as CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply) Public Procurement Certification Level 3 is highly desirable;
- A minimum of four years of progressively responsible experience in procurement, commercial contracting or supply chain management, preferably in an international environment;
- Familiarity with public procurement policies and procedures, as well as knowledge of polices of other international organizations is an asset;
- Ability to analyse market and product information as well as other statistical data;
- Professional fluency in English, including good drafting skills; knowledge of other OSCE working languages is desirable;
- Digital literacy, including the ability to operate Microsoft applications, the internet and email; experience with Oracle ERP system is desirable;
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with people of different national and cultural backgrounds whilst maintaining impartiality and objectivity;
- Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, and ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities.
Remuneration Package:
Monthly remuneration is around EUR 5,700, with the actual monthly salary depending on post adjustment and family status. OSCE salaries are exempt from taxation in Austria. Social benefits will include possibility of 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.
Please note that appointments are normally made at step 1 of the applicable OSCE.
If you wish to apply for this position, please use the OSCE’s online application link found under https://vacancies.osce.org/.
The OSCE retains the discretion to re-advertise/re-post the vacancy, to cancel the recruitment, to offer an appointment at a lower grade or to offer an appointment with a modified job description or for a different duration.
Only those candidates who are selected to participate in the subsequent stages of recruitment will be contacted.
Please note that vacancies in the OSCE are open for competition only amongst nationals of participating States, please see https://www.osce.org/participating-states.
The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all religious, ethnic and social backgrounds to apply to become a part of the Organization.
Candidates should be aware that OSCE officials shall conduct themselves at all times in a manner befitting the status of an international civil servant. This includes avoiding any action which may adversely reflect on the integrity, independence and impartiality of their position and function as officials of the OSCE. The OSCE is committed to applying the highest ethical standards in carrying out its mandate. For more information on the values set out in OSCE Competency Model, please see https://jobs.osce.org/resources/document/our-competency-model.
The OSCE is a non-career organization committed to the principle of staff rotation, therefore the maximum period of service in this post is 7 years.
Please be aware that the OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application and review process.
Additional Information
- Issued by: OSCE Secretariat
- Requisition ID: SEC000161
- Contract Type: International Contracted
- Grade: P2
- Job Level: Professional
- Job Type: Contracted
- Number of posts: 1
- Location: SEC – OSCE Secretariat, Vienna
- Issue Date: Mar 6, 2023
- Closing Date: Apr 3, 2023
- Employee Status: Fixed Term
- Schedule: Full-time
- Education Level: Bachelor’s Degree (First-level university degree or equivalent)
- Job Field: Procurement
- Target Start Date: As soon as possible