National Programme Coordination Officer (NP1)

Background:

The mandate of the OSCE Presence in Albania is to promote democratization, the rule of law, and human rights as well as to consolidate democratic institutions in line with OSCE principles, standards and commitments.
Originally established in 1997, today, the Presence’ s activities range from arms control and the fight against trafficking to electoral assistance; anti-corruption initiatives; gender mainstreaming and environmental projects; human rights protection; legislative, judicial, and media reform; and the capacity-building of law enforcement officials.

A vacancy for a fix-term appointment has arisen in the OSCE Presence in Albania for a National Programme Coordination Officer (NP1).
The post of Programme Coordination Officer is located in the Office of the Head of Presence, within the Programme Co-ordination Unit (PCU) and under the direct supervision of the Head of PCU.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

Under the overall supervision of the Head of PCU, the successful candidate will be tasked with the following duties:

1. Provides analytical assessment of the quality, coherence and strategic alignment of strategic  documents, project proposals, budgets and evaluation reports, identifying systemic issues, risks and areas for improvement and formulating recommendations. Validates extra-budgetary (ExB) projects’  financial reports for donor submission in alignment with donor agreements. 
2. Provides technical information to programme staff on project design, implementation, and reporting processes in line with project cycle management guidelines, ensuring proper application of established procedures. Contributes to the consistency and harmonization of project documentation and practices across programmes; assists in the preparation of guidance materials and tools. 
3. Contributes to drafting regular briefings and background materials on programme implementation, donor developments, and relevant policy issues for internal use. Coordinates programme and project monitoring meetings, ensuring timely organization, effective stakeholder engagement and systematic follow-up on agreed actions.
4. Serves as a focal point for evaluation-related activities, contributing to the review of Terms of Reference (ToRs) to ensure compliance with OSCE evaluation policy, standards and guidelines.
5. Liaises, as required, with the OSCE Secretariat and other OSCE structures, as well as external partners, to support coordination of activities related to projects and donor contributions

Necessary Qualifications:

• Education: 
  - First-level university degree in political science, international relations, public administration, economics, 
  development studies, or a related field. 
• Experience and knowledge/skills: 
  - Minimum two years of relevant professional experience in programme/project coordination, administration 
  or management. 
  - Experience with project cycle management, including project design, implementation, monitoring and 
  reporting. 
  - Experience in donor funded projects, including familiarity with budgets, financial reporting and extrabudgetary funding is an advantage. 
  - Experience liaising with internal and external stakeholders, including international organizations or 
  government counterparts, is desirable. 
  - Strong analytical and drafting skills for documents, reports and briefings. 
  - Ability to work independently while respecting supervisory guidance. 
  - Excellent organizational skills, including coordination of meetings and tracking follow-up actions. 
  - Some knowledge of the OSCE principles and commitments is desirable. 
• Languages: 
  - Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and Albanian. 
  - Working knowledge of other languages from the OSCE region is an asset. 
• Required Values and Competencies 
  OSCE core values: 
  Commitment. Diversity. Integrity. Accountability. 
  OSCE core competencies: 
  Communication. Collaboration. Analysis & decision-making. Planning. Initiative-taking. Flexibility

Remuneration Package:

According to the fixed OSCE salary scale, the remuneration is approximately 2,148 EURO , subject to National Social Security deductions. OSCE salaries are exempt from taxation.

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.