Head, General Services

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 objective of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) is to contribute, throughout the country and in co-operation with the concerned OSCE executive structures and relevant actors of the international community, to reducing tensions and fostering peace, stability and security; and to monitoring and supporting the implementation of all OSCE principles and commitments.

The Mission is composed of about 1500 mission members, from more than 40 participating States and has a budget over EUR 100 million.

The Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM), in line with the OSCE Action Plan for the Promotion of Gender Equality, is committed to further improving gender balance among staff in all areas and levels within the SMM. We encourage qualified applicants, in particular female candidates, to apply for this position.

If applicable, deployment is subject to attendance to and successful completion of pre-deployment training and assessment.

Applicants are hereby notified that the Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) is designated by the OSCE as a nonfamily duty station. This designation is based on the fluid and dynamic working environment in the SMM. The currently prevailing working conditions in the duty station may include working in a hazardous location with extended hours of service, and possibly curtailed freedom of movement. Successful candidates who are appointed to locations deemed by the OSCE as hazardous will receive hazard pay. In addition, all successful candidates will be required to participate in the OSCE accident and life insurance scheme in accordance with the OSCE Staff Regulations and Staff Rules.

The Administration and Finance Department comprises the following Units: Medical Services, Human Resources, Finance and Budget, Procurement and Contracts Management, Infrastructure (including General Support Services and Dnipro Forward Logistics Base) and ICT Management.

Under the direct supervision of the Director of Administration and Finance (DAF), as Head, General Services, you will provide general guidance and leadership in the management and co-ordination of building support, procurement, asset management, logistic and transport services within the Mission. You will support the DAF in reviewing policies and formulating procedures to optimize the Mission's resource and logistics management and in streamlining the provision of general support services. You will have to travel within Ukraine occasionally to visit different SMM locations to enhance and support the development of mission-wide General Services practices.

More specifically, your responsibilities will include the following:

1. Implementing the Mission's policies on all aspects of procurement, materials building management, logistics and transport in order to support the implementation of the Mission's mandate; 
2. Implementing a service optimization plan to ensure continuous improvement in the quality and delivery of services to the Mission;
3. Implementation of the Mission's support work plan, ensuring co-ordination and monitoring of overall strategies for the general services activities and their consistent implementation in all Mission locations; 
4. Overviewing work to General Services Section managers, ensuring implementation, evaluating performance and ensuring that staff development needs are met; planning the activities of the Asset, Supply and Logistics Unit;
5. Be responsible for ensuring professional and cost effective materials management throughout the Mission;
6. Ensuring that Mission staff are properly supported, guided and advised on the consistent application of organizational policies on asset management and on the establishment of asset replacement plans;
7. Providing advice on technical matters and recommendations to the DAF in relation to Mission equipment, receipt, inspections and storehouse management; working closely with the Head, Finance and Budget in developing and presenting  to the DAF the annual Capital Expenditure Plan for endorsement by the CM;
8. Reviewing procedures and practices for improved management of materials; interpreting and assessing the impact of policy changes and those made to Common Regulatory Management System (CRMS) within the area of materials management and making recommendations for follow-up action;
9. Identifying gaps and weaknesses in assets management and inventory practices, developing and implementing plans for improvement;
10. Acting as the principal liaison for logistical support activities in the Mission or between the Mission and OSCE Secretariat where necessary; 
11. Formulating strategies and designing innovative solutions to resolve complex procurement, transport and building management issues;
12. Performing other related duties assigned by DAF and/or CM as required. 

For more detailed information on the structure and work of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine, please see https://www.osce.org/special-monitoring-mission-to-ukraine

• Citizenship of an OSCE participating State, excluding citizenship of Ukraine;
• Second-level university degree in public/business administration, logistics or engineering, or related field; 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;
• A minimum of ten years of professional experience in procurement material resource management, logistics, asset management or building management, preferably in an international setup;
• Established supervisory experience as a senior manager;
• Ability to effectively communicate complex technical information and concepts to managers with non-technical expertise;
• Leadership to foster motivation, interest, involvement and team work on the part of staff;
• Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, and an ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities;
• Professional fluency in the English language, including excellent oral and written communication skills;
• Effective interpersonal skills, able to influence effectively and build partnerships and consensus, in teams and with stakeholders;
• Ability to work effectively and inclusively in high stress environments;
• Possession of a valid international driving license; 
• Readiness to travel regularly within Ukraine;
• Computer literate with practical experience with Microsoft applications.

• 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

• 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

• 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

Monthly remuneration subject to social security deductions is about USD 7,486 to which is added Board and Lodging Allowance (currently EUR 125 per day subject to change without prior notice). Social benefits will include possibility of participation in the Cigna medical insurance scheme and the OSCE Provident Fund.

Please note that appointments are normally made at step 1 of the applicable OSCE salary scale.

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 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.

The OSCE is a non-career organization committed to the principle of staff rotation, therefore the maximum period of service in this post is 5 years.

Please be aware that the OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application and review process.