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 Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) is the principal institution of the OSCE responsible for the human dimension. ODIHR is active throughout the OSCE area in the fields of election observation, democratic institutions and processes, human rights, tolerance and non-discrimination, and Roma and Sinti issues. ODIHR’s assistance projects and other activities are implemented in participating States in accordance with ODIHR’s mandate.

The Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Unit provides support to ODIHR in the field of Information and Communication Technology, including information systems for technical programmes and management. It is responsible for planning, developing and implementing an ICT strategy, for setting and enforcing common ICT standards and for supporting local ICT serves and their users.

Tasks and responsibilities:

Under the direct supervision of the Second Deputy Director, the incumbent performs the following functions:

1. Managing the IT Infrastructure operations (systems, LAN/WAN, Helpdesk), business application systems, telecommunications, systems security, systems administration, user support for about 200 staff members, and limited systems support and development;
2. Preparing budgets, projections for ICT spending and ICT and Business Applications strategy and policies; monitoring the budget and procurement requirements of the Unit to ensure optimal planning and use of financial resources;
3. Managing hardware and software standards, planning capacity, evaluating and selecting the most appropriate and cost-effective hardware and networking infrastructure;
4. Providing recommendations for the development and management of business applications, information, resources, and technology to support the organization’s strategic goals and priorities;
5. Providing ICT guidance and support for ODIHRs field activities, observation missions, conferences, projects and tools for external customers. Coordinating together with the business units the design, implementation and continuous development of IT-tools and methodologies necessary to support the implementation of their mandate;
6. Making presentations to higher level management on ICT strategy, budget and related activities and advising and assisting Senior Management on the application of Information Technology services as a cost effective tool;
7. Providing leadership and managing the staff of the Unit to ensure the timely delivery of outputs and the availability of the right skills and competencies; monitoring staff performance and carry out performance appraisals, managing the continuous update and skills training for staff, particularly in relation to new ICT technologies and Applications developments, coordinating related work assignments and resource allocation.

For more detailed information on the structure and work of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, please see https://www.osce.org/odihr.

Education and Experience:

• First-level university degree in Computer Science or equivalent course of study; formal certification in ITIL and Project Management;
• A minimum of six years of progressively responsible professional experience in the ICT area, including managerial and versatile technical experience, and experience of working for an international corporation or organization.
• Excellent knowledge of English with highly-developed presentation and writing skills is essential; working knowledge of other OSCE languages is an asset;
• Ability to work with people with different national, religious or cultural backgrounds.
• Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, and an ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities.

Remuneration Package:

Monthly remuneration is approximately EUR 6,700 depending on post adjustment and family status. OSCE salaries are exempt from taxation in Poland. Social benefits will include participation in the Cigna medical insurance scheme and the OSCE Provident Fund. The Organization contributes an amount equivalent to 15% of the employee’s salary to this Fund and the employee contributes 7.5%. Other allowances and benefits are similar to those offered under the United Nations Common System.

Appointments are normally made at step 1 of the applicable OSCE salary scale.