International Consultant/Trainer (SSAs)

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 National Border Management Strategy (NBMS) and its Implementation Plan was adopted by the decree of the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan No. 202 dated 29 April 2010. This strategy is based on the OSCE Border Security and Management Concept taking into account the local situation in Tajikistan. The strategy meets the main principle of the OSCE Border Security and Management Concept, namely to promote cooperation between border services, customs authorities, agencies issuing travel documents and visas, and law enforcement and migration agencies, as well as other competent national structures.

The strategy is the Government’s comprehensive long-term (2010 – 2025) reform plan on border security and covers all the ministries and agencies involved in border issues. The NBMS and its Implementation Plan are divided into three-time implementation periods: short-term, covering the period 2010–2014, medium-term comprising the period 2015-2025 and the long-term, covering actions and activities after beyond 2025.

This Implementation Plan includes a detailed description of the tasks needed to realise all components of the border management strategy as well as the requirements for the related reforms of the various border security and management agencies. It is a comprehensive long-term plan. The process is on-going and shall be adjusted according to annual review, state budget availability, donors input and annual agency programmatic and financial planning.

From March to May 2025, the OSCE Programme Office in Tajikistan in cooperation with BOMCA-10 project conducted the review of long-term tasks and measures envisaged for the period 2020-2025 of the NBMS and its Implementation Plan.  The review helped to identify the obstacles, problems, needs and priorities of the country as well as contemporary approaches in border security and management. Based on the results, the recommendation for the implementation of the NBMS beyond 2025 for all actors involved in border security and management of Tajikistan have been provided.

Objective of Assignment: 
The International expert will amend and conduct above-mentioned trainings, from March to November 2026, monitor and evaluate, write a report on the provided training and ensure the high-quality training delivery by observing the course of the classes and guiding the other instructors where necessary. 
The objective of the activities is enhancing technical and human capacities of Tajikistan's Border Troops with a focus on digitalization of border protection.
The project contributes to the implementation of the National Border Management Strategy and its Implementation Plan, which is in line with the OSCE Border Security and Management Concept.

Duration of Assignment:
The duration of assignment is expected to be from March to November 2026.

Tasks and Responsibilities:
Under the overall supervision of the Border Management Officer, the successful candidate will be tasked with the following duties:

1. Designing and implementing comprehensive training programs aligned with the Tajikistan Border Troops (TBT) requirements and OSCE Project Management (PM) standards;

2. Developing specialized training modules and instructional materials tailored to the operational needs of border security personnel;

3. Conducting practical methodological sessions for instructors on training methodology for local experts and TBT instructors to ensure sustainable knowledge transfer;

4. Designing and executing a robust pre-test methodology to assess baseline trainee competencies, define learning objectives, and establish data collection protocols;

5. Delivering technical training courses on border patrol and surveillance for outpost commanders, technological innovation for detachment staff, and analytical techniques for mid-ranking officers;

6. Providing ongoing mentorship and technical guidance to instructors while facilitating collaborative and informal learning initiatives;

7. Administering and evaluating post-training assessments to measure knowledge acquisition and verify the effectiveness of the curriculum;

8. Producing analytical reports for the OSCE identifying technical equipment requirements and modernization needs for TBT outposts along the Tajik-Afghan border;

9. Consolidating training outcomes and assessment data into comprehensive reports, providing evidence-based recommendations to the OSCE for future programming.

Deliverables:
For more detailed information on the structure and work of the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe, please see: https://dushanbe.osce.org/.

Necessary Qualifications:

• University degree in security and/or military sciences, or equal education and more than 20 years of the relevant national experience;

• Work experience in border security agencies, in senior positions not lower than the chief of Headquarters of the Border Detachment;

• Experience in the preparation of analytical and planning documentation related to border protection activities;

• Deep understanding of the current security and political landscape in Tajikistan and the broader Central Asian region;

• Direct experience working at the Afghan border is highly preferred;

• Understanding of the specificity and sensitiveness of border management program activities in countries of transition is an asset;

• Demonstrated analytical skills as well as maturity of judgment;

• Knowledge of the OSCE and UN organization’s area of operation. Previous work-experience within OSCE, UN or EU is an asset;

• Knowledge of OSCE field operations specifically within Central Asia and Tajikistan regarding border security and management;

• Exceptional ability to draft concise, high-level briefing papers, analytical reports, and situational updates;

• Ability to work in demanding field conditions, including travel to remote and mountainous border regions;

• Proven expertise in implementing IBM principles, including inter-agency cooperation (police, customs, and border guards) and international collaboration;

• Proficiency in assessing and implementing modern border surveillance systems, including UAVs, thermal imaging, and biometric identification systems;

• Experience in designing and delivering specialized training curricula for border security personnel, focusing on modern policing standards and human rights;

• Extensive experience in developing strategies to combat illicit trafficking (narcotics, weapons, and human trafficking) and preventing the cross-border movement of Foreign Terrorist Fighters (FTFs);

• Professional fluency in Russian or Tajik languages with excellent communication (both oral and written) skills; professional fluency in English language would be 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:

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. Candidates shall be encouraged to include in their application their financial proposals for the foreseen services.

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.