Background:
Please note that this is a consultancy assignment of a temporary nature, with an expected duration of up to 180 working days per calendar year. Work location: home-based with possible travels to the training sites.

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 OSCE decision-making bodies in its activities, and provides operational and administrative support to the field operations, and, as appropriate, to other institutions.

The Forum for Security Co-operation (FSC) is an autonomous OSCE decision-making body that deals with military aspects of security. The FSC Support Unit co-ordinates and facilitates the OSCE’s role in the politico-military dimension. The primary task of the Unit is to provide expertise and support to the FSC. The Unit initiates, develops, implements technical assistance projects in the field of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) and Stockpiles of Conventional Ammunition (SCA), including preventing and combating illicit trafficking in all aspects, as well as performs quality assurance and quality control of the implementing agencies (OSCE Field Operations, UN agencies, and commercial contractors). The amount of Unit’s workload, as well as the need for technical expertise under specific assistance projects require relying on additional technical capacity hired through consultancy. 

Objective of Assignment: 
The OSCE extra-budgetary project “In support of strengthening capacities of Ukrainian authorities in preventing and combating illicit trafficking in weapons, ammunition and explosives in all its aspects” implemented by the OSCE Conflict Prevention Centre / Forum for Security Co-operation Support Unit aims to address challenges and risks related to illicit trafficking and misuse of weapons, ammunition, and explosives (WAE) in Ukraine.

Duration of Assignment:
To be further defined within each individual contract, at the time of contract conclusion, in line with the necessities of the above-mentioned project. 

Tasks and Responsibilities:
The consultant/expert would be hired through the FSC Support Unit within the following clusters of tasks that will be further specified in the additional Terms of Reference, including maximum number of days per task. The consultants/experts must submit a report each time a given task is completed and delivered.

1. Providing technical expertise on EOD, Improvised Explosive Device (IED) disposal, and related safety procedures in accordance with relevant standards;

2. Assessing existing EOD capacities, equipment, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and training needs of beneficiary institutions;

3. Supporting the design and delivery of EOD trainings, workshops, or study visits for national EOD operators;

4. Providing advice on procurement, use, and maintenance of EOD equipment and protective gear. 

Deliverables:
To support the effective implementation of project activities, the OSCE Secretariat seeks to engage a qualified EOD Expert to provide specialized technical expertise, support capacity-building activities and advise on EOD-related policies, procedures and operational practices. The Expert will work closely with national counterparts and project team to contribute to reducing the risks posed by explosive hazards and to strengthening sustainable national EOD capabilities.

Necessary Qualifications:

• University degree in security/defense studies or similar field;

• Minimum eight (8) years of professional experience at the national and international level, including progressively responsible experience in technical assistance activities ranging from managerial, legal, operational management to technical advisory support and planning and implementation of training/capacity building;

• Demonstrated experience working in post-conflict or high-risk environments;

• Knowledge on the OSCE best practices and international standards in the field of EOD;

• Experience working with law enforcement, armed forces, or international organizations is an asset;

• Professional fluency in English with excellent written/spoken communication skills; knowledge of Ukrainian language would be an asset;

• Holding recognized Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Level 1, 2 or 3 certifications would be an asset;

• Excellent analytical and reporting skills;

• Adherence to high standards of professional integrity;

• Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, and an ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities;

• Ability and willingness to work as a member of team, with people of different cultural, and religious backgrounds, different gender, and diverse political views, while maintaining impartiality and objectivity;

• Computer literate with practical experience using Microsoft applications.

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.