National ICT Officer (NP1)

Background:

1.    The work of the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek (POiB) focuses on a range of security issues, from countering terrorism, border security and transnational threats such as human trafficking, to developing the country’s regions, strengthening efforts to combat corruption on all levels, as well as supporting the reform of the justice sector, implementation of election reform, gender equality and building open and resilient societies.
2.    The post is located in the ICT Section of the Fund Administration Unit (FAU), which is responsible for coordinating IT support to OSCE ICT infrastructure users, maintaining communication and network services, overseeing ICT security and threat prevention, ensuring the functionality of hardware and software, providing user training and technical guidance, administering ICT systems and databases, supporting videoconferencing and collaboration tools, and ensuring business continuity through data backup and disaster recovery measures.
 

Main purpose:

1.    To manage and supervise the provision of ICT support to OSCE ICT infrastructure users and ensure comprehensive support in maintaining the communication services and infrastructure (including satellite and radio communication). The incumbent will also be responsible for the maintenance of the local ICT infrastructure, including servers, switches, routers, and other equipment, and will oversee all ICT security measures, including security readiness and threat prevention, for the Programme Office in Bishkek.
2.    Working under the close supervision and guidance of the Chief of the Fund Administration Unit, the National ICT Officer is responsible for recommending improvements to the ICT security arrangements of the POiB. The Officer is also expected to remain abreast of the latest developments in the ICT field and propose new approaches and solutions to POiB management, while consulting with ICT experts in the OSCE Secretariat as appropriate. The incumbent follows established processes, recommends measures to ensure the continuity of ICT and communication services, and plays a key role in problem identification, solution development, and decision-making to safeguard the daily operations and information security of the POiB.
 

Tasks and Responsibilities:

Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Fund Administration Unit (P3), the successful candidate will be tasked with the following duties:

1. Overseeing ICT infrastructure and service delivery; managing and ensuring the effective operation of the POiB’s ICT infrastructure, including network systems, Microsoft backend services, VOIP, security systems, mobile and satellite communications, business applications, and user support for staff across multiple office locations; 

2. Leading ICT planning, budgeting, and project implementation; developing and monitoring ICT budgets and expenditure forecasts; evaluating and procuring hardware and software in line with OSCE standards; planning capacity needs and acting as project manager for ICT-related initiatives, ensuring timely and cost-effective delivery.

3. Supervising ICT team and ensuring operational continuity; supervising and coordinating daily operations of the ICT team, ensuring 24/7 service availability including weekends and holidays; developing local Standard Operating Procedures to maintain service quality and business continuity across all systems.

4. Implementing and monitoring Information Security Standards; acting as the Information Security Focal Point; conducting risk assessments, implement technical controls and policies in alignment with Secretariat guidance; detecting and responding to security incidents, and ensuring preventive, detective, and recovery measures are in place.

5. Coordinating policy implementation and user support; enforcing OSCE-wide ICT policies, service level agreements, software licensing, and hardware standards; acting as the senior focal point for end-users; organizing technical support and training activities, ensuring that all staff are informed of ICT procedures and security protocols.

6. Enhancing ICT governance and strategic alignment; maintaining documentation and reporting standards related to ICT operations and security; engaging with senior management and international counterparts to align ICT governance; ensuring compliance with internal regulations; and contributing to long-term strategic planning for digital services within the POiB.

7. Providing technical expertise in ICT procurement; participate as a technical expert in all procurement processes related to ICT assets for the POiB and projects, including drafting specifications, evaluating bids, and advising on the selection of cost-effective and compliant solutions

    

   
   For more detailed information on the structure and work of the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek, please see: www.osce.org/programme-office-in-bishkek

Necessary Qualifications:

Education:

• First-level university degree in computer science, computer engineering, programming, IT networking, ICT security, MIS (Management Information Systems) or related fields.

   

Experience and knowledge/skills:
 

• A minimum of two (2) years of relevant professional experience in information technology, network administration, technical IT support, or other ICT-related fields, part of which should preferably have been in an international organization;

• Technical ICT certification 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 genders, and diverse political views while maintaining impartiality and objectivity.

Languages:

• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and local languages (Kyrgyz and Russian).

Remuneration Package:

Monthly remuneration, subject to social security deductions is 1569 Euro/month. Social benefits will include OSCE participation in the Cigna medical insurance scheme and the OSCE Provident Fund. Appointments are normally made at step 1 of the applicable OSCE salary scale.

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.

Please note that for this position the OSCE does not reimburse expenses such as travel in connection with interviews, tests, visas and relocation.

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.