DISCLAIMER: This vacancy has been reposted to increase the applicant pool. Candidates who already applied for this position are still under consideration and do not need to re-apply.
Background:
ODIHR is the leading agency in Europe in the field of election observation. It co-ordinates 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 standards for democratic elections and 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.
Duration of Special Service Agreement: duration of the contract is subject to length of particular deployment
Objective of the assignment:
Under the guidance of the Head of Mission (HoM) and in close co-ordination with the Deputy Head of Mission (DHoM) and the ODIHR Election Department, in consultation and in oversight of ODIHR Logistics and Security Officer, the Security Expert will ensure the security operations in compliance with OSCE Framework of Security Management. In case of any security and safety related incidents, the Deputy Head of the Election Department, the Election Adviser responsible and the ODIHR Logistics and Security Officer must be immediately informed.
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.
1. Security Expertise and Advice
a. Collect general and election-specific information regarding the security situation in the country;
b. Abstract, evaluate and understand the information collected for its accuracy and value, to prepare required security briefings and reports;
c. Acquire thorough knowledge of the ODIHR Election Observation Handbook, OSCE Framework of Security Management, Operations Guidelines for election field activities, and other relevant materials, such as risks/threat assessment prepared by ODIHR;
d. Provide advice to the HoM and DHoM on security issues as required;
e. Participate in the mission Crisis Management Team together with the HoM, DHoM, Operations Expert, and LTO Co-ordinator;
f. Participate in selection of support staff to core team members according to the established procedures;
g. Supervise the effective and efficient implementation of the contract with security services provide;
h. Manage Security Assistant and Security Guards, including certifying and evaluating the results of their work.
2. Security and safety of mission members
a. Co-ordinate and ensure that all necessary security and safety arrangements are provided to the election observation mission, including to the core staff, long-term observers (LTO) and short-term observers (STO), if applicable, and all other persons/delegations/organizations participating in ODIHR co-ordinated observation of the elections;
b. Prepare Draft a Security Risk Assessment and advise on the selection of the office premises (when applicable); followed by ODIHR approval process.
c. Advise core team members when selecting their temporary residence;
d. Issue appropriate security instructions for the election observation mission, including core team members, LTOs and STOs (if applicable);
e. Issue personal safety guidelines and establish an emergency contact list;
f. Issue aide-memoire with all essential phone numbers to all observers that will also cover emergency and evacuation instructions;
g. Set up a round the clock Security Operations Desk during the entire stay of STOs (if applicable);
h. Perform any other security related duties as directed by executive management of ODIHR
i. Fully support the activity of international core team members, LTOs and STOs (if applicable); during the course of their work, respond to their inquiries and follow up as appropriate with the relevant authorities.
j. Prepare a comprehensive security plan for the observation mission in accordance with the OSCE Framework of Security Management (using ODIHR security templates), including medical evacuation plan and contingency plans for possible security emergencies;
k. In consultation with the Operations Expert and Finance Office, take all necessary measures to protect cash in the office premises;
l. Ensure adequate office protection (hire guards, access control, etc) and fire safety equipment; and
m. Issue Office Safety and Security Instruction, which should include: office guardsโ duties, firefighting, evacuation procedure, dealing with suspicious mail and phone threats.
3. Contacts
a. Establish contact with relevant authorities of the host country, OSCE security officer in the field (if applicable), as well as security officers of international organizations present in the country and major embassies; and
b. Maintain contact with the ODIHR Logistics and Security Officer as well as with the Deputy Head of the Election Department and the respective Election Adviser.
4. Briefings and Reporting
a. Provide briefings, emergency contacts, travel safety instruction, travel restrictions, personal safety guidelines, check-in system for LTOs and STOs, if applicable (i.e. a Warden System);
b. Respond to security concerns and problems of the core team, LTOs and STOs, if applicable,;
c. Monitor news regarding security related incidents, check such media reports with the government sources and report during daily staff meetings;
d. Prepare regular reports (updates) on the security situation for mission staff and the ODIHR Logistics and Security Officer;
e. Conduct security briefings for the mission, LTOs and STOs, if applicable, and all other persons/delegations/organizations participating in ODIHR co-ordinated observation of elections;
f. Deliver briefing on safety and security, including on defensive and safe driving to all mission drivers;
g. Maintain records of all security incidents in the country and immediately notify all concerned (including the ODIHR Logistics and Security Officer, Deputy Head of the Election Department and the respective Election Adviser);
h. Prepare briefing material on security issues as requested by the HoM or DHoM;
i. Participate in briefings for observers seconded by participating States, locally recruited observers, parliamentary observers, and diplomats as required;
j. Prepare a weekly report on security issues to the DHoM and OSCE/ODIHR in Warsaw; and
k. At the conclusion of the mission prepare a report to HoM or DHoM, Election Department, and the ODIHR Logistics and Security Officer about any relevant issues and recommendations concerning security.
Necessary Skills and Qualifications:
โข First-level university degree or an equivalent professional qualification in the field of intelligence and security management, business administration, management or law; extensive experience and vocational training in the area of security management;
โข A strong background in security management. Field experience of operating within challenging environments is desirable;
โข Minimum of four years of professional experience, part of it should have been acquired in an international organization or a mission environment, ideally within the area of elections;
โข Thorough understanding of security policy, principles and practices, in particular the formulation and execution of field security plans and procedures;
โข Demonstrated ability to work long/irregular hours and under pressure in a sensitive political environment;
โข Good interpersonal, communication and presentations skills and ability to provide guidance to election observers;
โข 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;
โข Excellent written and oral communication skills in English; knowledge of local language(s) is an asset; and
โข Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, and an ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities.
Remuneration Package:
Remuneration will be based on the selected consultant's/expert's qualifications, experience, the tasks and deliverables for this position and in accordance with the OSCE established rates.
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