Cyber Security Officer (P3)

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, 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 OSCE Secretariat in Vienna assists the Chairpersonship in its activities, and provides operational and administrative support to the field operations, and, as appropriate, to other institutions

The post is located in the Co-ordination Cell within the OSCE Secretariat’s Transnational Threats Department (TNTD), established by Ministerial Council Decision MC.DEC/9/11 of 7 December 2011. TNTD serves as the focal point for OSCE-wide programmatic activities aimed at countering transnational threats, ensuring co-ordination and coherence of action across all three OSCE dimensions among executive structures, while respecting their mandates. TNTD comprises the Co-ordination Cell, the Action against Terrorism Unit, the Border Security and Management Unit, and the Strategic Police Matters Unit.

Within this framework, TNTD enhances co-ordination, coherence, and the efficient use of OSCE resources in addressing transnational threats, including counter-terrorism, border security and management, strategic policing, and cyber/ICT security. The Co-ordination Cell (TNTD/CC), through its Cyber Security Officer, acts as the focal point for cyber/ICT security-related issues for participating States, the Secretary General, OSCE executive structures, the Chairperson-in-Office (CiO), and the Chair of the Informal Working Group (IWG) established pursuant to PC.DEC/1039. A key priority is the implementation of Confidence-Building Measures (CBMs) to reduce risks stemming from the use of Information and Communication Technologies, as set out in PC.DEC/1106 and PC.DEC/1202 and reinforced by MC.DEC/5/16 and MC.DEC/5/17.

The Cyber Security Officer acts as OSCE-wide focal point for all 57 participating States, the Sectary General, the CiO, the Chair of the IWG set up pursuant to PC.DEC/1039 and all OSCE executive structures related to cyber/ICT security. As such the Cyber Security Officer provides policy advice and technical expertise on a variety of cyber/ICT security issues with a particular focus on inter-state relations and ensures organization-wide coherence and co-ordination in activities related to cyber/ICT security. The Cyber Security Officer manages – in the role of the Project Manager – TNTD’s Extra-budgetary projects related to cyber/ICT security.

Furthermore, the Cyber Security Officer is the main interlocutor on cyber/ICT security related issues for International/Regional Organizations as well as the private sector and academia to explore potential areas of co-operation and collaboration. Other responsibilities include promoting initiatives designed to mainstream cyber/ICT security activities into all three OSCE dimensions as well as maintaining ICT resources including the OSCE Communities designed to facilitate the implementation of pertinent Permanent Council (PC) and Ministerial Council (MC) decisions by participating States.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

Under the overall supervision of the Co-ordinator of Activities to Address Transnational Threats, the successful candidate will be tasked with the following duties:

1. Developing, designing and providing policy and technical advice and recommendations on a variety of cyber/ICT security issues with a particular focus on inter-state relations to OSCE participating States, the OSCE Chairmanship, Secretary General, OSCE Delegations and OSCE executive structures;

2. Acting as the OSCE’s focal point for cyber/ICT security issues (i.e. liaises with internal and external counterparts with a view towards ensuring consistence and coherence in the Organization-wide cyber/ICT security related policies and activities and policies; explores potential areas of inter-organizational as well as public-private partnership related co-operation/synergies). In this respect, particular focus is placed on developing CBMs in the cyber/ICT field while ensuring that the OSCE does not duplicate existing efforts by other entities;

3. Supporting the Informal Working Group established by PC Decision No 1039, with a particular focus on implementation of PC Decisions Nos 1106 and 1202; 

4. Monitoring cyber/ICT security related developments and the positions/preferences of participating States as well as of other international/regional organizations, in particular as they affect pertinent confidence-building measures;

5. Contributing to providing technical advice on cyber/ICT security and management issues to the Chairmanship, Secretary General, and OSCE Delegations (e.g. concepts, food for thought papers, draft MC/PC decisions etc.);

6. Representing the OSCE at meetings, including high-level (e.g. conferences, workshops, seminars), dealing with cyber/ICT security;

7. Providing substantive guidance to capacity-building and/or awareness-raising activities organized by other OSCE structures (e.g. Field Operations and Institutions) that deal with, touch/impact on cyber/ICT security;

    

8. Performing other related duties as required.     

    

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

Necessary Qualifications:

• A first-level university degree in political sciences, international relations or international security or other relevant field;

• An advanced degree in a related specialization would be an asset;

• Recognized project management certification would be an asset;

• A minimum of seven years (five years with a relevant second-level degree) of progressively responsible professional-level experience with a national or international organization or relevant non-governmental entity, which addresses cyber diplomacy;

• At least two years of relevant experience at the international level are required;

• At least three years of experience in programmatic work in cybersecurity, including organizing capacity-building activities, e.g. trainings, workshops, etc.;

• Demonstrated experience in planning, implementing and managing donor-funded projects;

• Experience in networking and managing a high number of contacts; 

• Excellent knowledge and understanding of the political sensitivity of inter-state relations as they pertain to cyber/ICT security issues is required; 

• Professional fluency in English with excellent communication (both oral and written) skills; working knowledge of at least one other language from the OSCE region is an asset;

• 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:

Monthly remuneration is around EUR 7,800, with the actual monthly salary 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. 
 

Appointments are normally made at Step 1 of the applicable OSCE salary scale. In exceptional cases, an initial appointment at up to Step 3 may be considered. This depends on factors such as relevant experience exceeding minimum requirements or higher previous remuneration. Any such request by a candidate must be reviewed and approved by the OSCE before the appointment

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, 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 candidates who are selected to participate in the subsequent stages of recruitment will be contacted.

Candidates interviewed and found suitable in the recruitment process for this vacancy notice will be placed on a roster of suitable candidates (valid for three years) for fixed-term posts, should a suitable opportunity arise. The placement on a roster does not guarantee a future appointment or assignment.

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.

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.

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 OSCE appointments are subject to medical clearance. 

The mandatory retirement age at the OSCE is 65 years for contracted positions at the general service, professional and director level. The Organization shall apply an age limit of 62 years at the time of appointment as the incumbent selected is normally expected to carry out the contractual obligation of two years. 

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