Background:
The Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) is the principal institution of the OSCE responsible for the human dimension. ODIHR is the leading agency in Europe in the field of election observation. It coordinates and organizes the deployment of several observation missions with thousands of observers every year to assess the compliance of elections in OSCE participating States in line with OSCE commitments, other international obligations and standards for democratic elections, as well as national legislation. Its unique methodology provides an in-depth insight into all elements of an electoral process, and permits to make concrete recommendations to further improve electoral processes. Further details of the organization can be found at www.osce.org/odihr.
In order to strengthen its pool of Operations Experts for election observation missions, ODIHR is now inviting persons with relevant expertise to apply for inclusion in ODIHRโs expert roster.
Duration of Special Service Agreement: duration of the contract is subject to length of particular deployment
Objective of the assignment:
Under the overall supervision of the Head of Mission (HoM), and in close co-ordination with the Deputy Head of Mission (DHoM) and the ODIHR Election Department, and in close consultation with the ODIHR Procurement and Contracting Officer (PCO), the Operations Expert (OE) is responsible for ensuring the efficient and smooth organization of election observation missions and effective operational support to all observers. The OE should liaise with the ODIHR Deputy Head of the Election Department and respective Election Adviser on planning and implementation of the mission.
Tasks and responsibilities:
Please note that below tasks apply to all types of ODIHR observation related activities (Election Observation Missions, Limited Election Observation Missions, Election Assessment Missions, and Election Expert Teams). Some of the tasks, however, particularly due to the absence of long and short-term observers, are not applicable to Limited Election Observation Missions, Election Assessment Missions and/or Election Expert Teams.
Become familiarized with the ODIHR Election Observation Handbook, the ODIHR Election Observation Finance and Administrative Manual (thereafter โthe FAMโ), and the Operational Guidelines for election field activities (thereafter โthe Guidelinesโ), any other memos and instructions on operational and logistical aspects of ODIHR election observation activities; Co-ordinate the planning, preparation and implementation of mission with the Deputy Head of the Election Department and the respective Election Adviser and in close co-ordination with the PCO according to the Guidelines and to the FAM; Ensure the establishment of a safe, fully functional, and fully equipped mission head office, including a fast speed and reliable internet connection and office network; Ensure that mission operations run smoothly and efficiently; Manage day-to-day operational activities; Ensure a high-level and speedy support to all observers including to mission core staff, long-term observers (LTO) and short-term observers (STO) (if applicable), and all other persons/delegations/organizations involved in the ODIHR observation efforts; Together with the DHoM, Security Expert (if applicable) and LTO Co-ordinator, prepare the deployment plan for LTOs and STOs to their areas of observation; Recruit support staff under his/her direct supervision, i.e. Front Office Assistant, Operations Assistant(s), Drivers, Cleaner and ICT Assistant according to rules and procedures included in the FAM/Guidelines; Supervise and co-ordinate the work of Operations Assistants and other staff under his/her direct supervision; Ensure the liaison between the Security Expert and the Operations Team.Necessary Skills and Qualifications:
University degree in business administration, material management, logistics management, economic sciences, or other field but with equivalent professional experience; Four years of relevant professional domestic or international experience, with some experience in planning, preparing and organizing election observation missions. Field experience is essential, preferably with OSCE; Excellent negotiation, organizational and co-ordination skills; Problem solver and solution oriented; Demonstrated ability to work long hours and under pressure in a sensitive political environment; Ability to handle difficult situations with tact and confidence. Ability to be discreet and maintain confidentiality; Very good interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to work in supervisory role, and as a member of a team composed of individuals of different cultural and political backgrounds, while maintaining impartiality and objectivity; Advanced computer skills; Excellent written and oral communication skills in English. Knowledge of local language(s) is an asset; Previous experience or knowledge of the current situation in the country is desirable; and Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, and an ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities; and Abide by the ODIHR Observer Code of Conduct and the Guide on the OSCE Policy against Harassment, Sexual Harassment and Discrimination, as well as data protection responsibilities when processing the personal data of mission participants.Remuneration Package:
Remuneration will be in accordance with the consultancy fee rates established for ODIHR election related activities.
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 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.
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.
Please be aware that the OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application and review process. Additional Information