By continuing to browse this site, you agree to our use of cookies. Read our privacy policy

Chief, Procurement and Contracting Unit

Vienna

  • Organization: OSCE - Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe
  • Location: Vienna
  • Grade: Mid level - P-4, Internationally contracted - Open for OSCE's 57 participating States
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Logistics
    • Procurement
    • Managerial positions
  • Closing Date: Closed

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, 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 Chairmanship 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 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.

Currently female staff members at P4 grade are under-represented. We encourage female professionals to apply.

     
Tasks and Responsibilities    
     
   

Under the direct supervision of the Deputy Director, Mission Support Services, as Chief, Procurement and Contracting Unit, you will assume the overall management responsibility for the following:

  1. Planning, managing and co-ordinating all procurement and contracting related aspects in respect to the setup and implementation of Corporate and Local Window Contracts on an OSCE-wide basis; reviewing and analysing procurement requisitions; acting as the focal point of contact in respect to contracts management issues;
  2. Overseeing the development, update and implementation of Financial/Administrative Instruction on Procurement and Contracting ("FAI 6"), Procurement and Contracting Management Manual (PCMM) including relevant procurement and contracting forms and templates;
  3. Developing curriculum on procurement and contracting related professional training and capacity building measures;
  4. Providing advice, guidance and interpretation to Programmatic and administrative staff on the application of FAI 6, ensuring that procurement and contracting activities are conducted in compliance with the Common Regulatory Management System (CRMS), with strict adherence to the OSCE's code of conduct, transparency, non-discrimination, efficiency and value for money aspects; arranging awareness and training campaigns/sessions; reviewing procurement complaints and protests received and providing responses and debriefing to complainants; co-ordinating on-site support to relevant Field Operations;
  5. Providing technical assistance and support on high value and/or complex procurement and contracting cases on an Organization-wide basis; 
  6. Formulating and implementing IT-based tools and functionalities to enhance procurement planning across the Organization; overseeing their introduction and use;
  7. Preparing procurement and contracting related management reports to OSCE senior management and participating States; if necessary, conducting benchmarking analysis and data collection;
  8. Supervising around eight staff, ensuring that activities are conducted in a cost-effective, efficient and timely fashion; preparing the Unit’s budget and assisting Missions/Institutions in the budget preparation process;
  9. Reviewing and implementing best business practice principles in the field of procurement and contracting on an OSCE-wide basis, including the assessment and introduction of best business practice technological solutions, eProcurement solutions and web-based solutions as necessary in the field of public procurement and supply chain management;
  10. Administering business and market intelligence services with a view to keeping abreast of market developments and technological innovations in different industry sectors as well as in the field of procurement and contracting;
  11. Liaising with other international organizations, national procurement agencies and business interest associations to identify areas of possible co-operation and information exchange;
  12. Performing other duties as necessary.

For more detailed information on the structure and work of the OSCE Secretariat, please see https://www.osce.org/secretariat

     
Necessary Qualifications    
     
   
  • Second-level university degree in business administration, commerce, or related field(s); a first-level university degree in combination with two years of additional qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the second-level university degree;
  • Minimum of eight years of progressively responsible professional managerial experience in procurement or supply chain management, with at least six years of international managerial experience in the implementation and delivery of high-value and complex procurement projects;
  • Proven experience in procurement policy development, senior management approval and buy-in to ensure successful implementation; in-depth knowledge and experience of procurement policies, practices and processes applied by the UN and/or other international organizations;
  • Understanding and proven experience in the application of in-depth costs analysis and quality-based evaluation techniques;
  • Proven ability and experience to plan, manage and monitor the efficient and effective use of financial and/or material resources;
  • Proven hands-on knowledge and experience in risk management analysis and applications;
  • Knowledge and experience in best practices in international procurement to contribute to the development of procurement procedures and documents;
  • Experience and knowledge on automated procurement and contracting systems and functionalities, including eProcurement and applications as necessary;
  • Experience with accounting and audit procedures and practices within the context of international organizations; 
  • Professional fluency in English, with excellent written and oral communication skills; knowledge of other OSCE languages would be an asset;
  • Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, and an ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities;
  • Experience of working in a multilateral/multicultural environment; and ability to establish and maintain effective work relations with different cultural and national backgrounds;
  • Ability to operate Windows applications including word processing and email.
     
Required competencies    
     
    Core values
  • Commitment: Actively contributes to achieving organizational goals
  • Diversity: Respects others and values their diverse perspectives and contributions
  • Integrity: Acts in a manner consistent with the Organization’s core values and organizational principles
  • Accountability: Takes responsibility for own action and delegated work
Core competencies
  • Communication: Actively works to achieve clear and transparent communication with colleagues and with stakeholders of the Organization
  • Collaboration: Works effectively with others on common goals and fosters a positive, trust-based working environment
  • Planning: Works towards the achievement of goals in a structured and measured manner
  • Analysis and decision-making: Analyses available information, draws well-founded conclusions and takes appropriate decisions
  • Initiative-taking: Proposes and initiates new ideas, activities and projects
  • Flexibility: Responds positively and effectively to changing circumstances
Managerial competencies (for positions with managerial responsibilities)
  • Leadership: Provides a clear sense of direction, builds trust and creates an enabling environment
  • Strategic thinking: Identifies goals that advance the organizational agenda and develops plans for achieving them
  • Managing performance: Helps to maximize team performance by providing active feedback and skill development opportunities
     
Remuneration Package    
     
   

Monthly remuneration is approximately EUR 7,665, 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 salary scale.

     
How To Apply    
     
   

If you wish to apply for this position, please use the OSCE's online application link found under https://jobs.osce.org/vacancies

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 applicants 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 http://www.osce.org/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.

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.

     
     
     
This vacancy is now closed.
However, we have found similar vacancies for you: