Political Associate (G6)

Background:

The work of the 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 in all levels, as well as supporting the reform of the justice sector, implementation of election reform, gender equality and building open and resilient societies.

The post is located in the Political and Reporting Unit (PRU) of the Office of the Head of Mission (OHoM). The PRU’s role is to support the senior management in political analysis, reporting, and liaison activities. This includes reviewing external communication and project-related documents and coordinating the drafting process of speeches, talking points, and background information for the Head of Mission (HoM) and Deputy Head of Mission (DHoM). Furthermore, the RPU closely co-ordinates its work with all departments of the POiB, especially the Press and Public Information Unit, the Executive Unit, and the Programme Co-ordination Unit. In addition, the RPU liaises with OSCE staff from other executive structures and other relevant partners, such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic and representatives of the diplomatic community and international organizations.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

Under the overall supervision of the National Political Officer, the successful candidate will be tasked with the following duties:

1. Monitoring, maintaining and acquiring accurate, detailed and up-to-date knowledge of the political, economic, social, and other relevant political developments in the country and the region; contributing to analyzing trends and developments in the country and the region on relevant issues of interest, especially with the potential to influence the POiB and its activities;
2. Reviewing and updating relevant information to ensure its accuracy and completeness in line with the OSCE style guide; evaluating and applying appropriate methodological tools for information collection and storage, including proper management of the unit’s archive;
3. Conducting independent research and preparing draft background documents, programmatic and ad-hoc reports in co-ordination with NPO;
4. Drafting talking points, meeting notes, presentations, speeches, letters, and other documents, as directed by the NPO and SPA; provides inputs to a wide variety of documents; ensures consistent and accurate recording of data;
5. Contributes to the ongoing co-ordination with POiB programmatic and other units for the purpose of effective reporting; maintains knowledge of the programmatic work of the POiB; remains aware of the newest relevant developments in the area of monitoring, evaluation, and reporting;
6. Developing and maintaining contacts with representatives of government, political parties, civil society organizations, media, and international partners in the country, as guided by the NPO and the SPA;
7. Attends internal and external meetings, as needed, and prepares informative and succinct notes on these meetings, as well as ensures the consistent and accurate recording of data;

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

Necessary Qualifications:

• Completed secondary education, supplemented by specialized training or formal studies in political science, regional studies, international relations, peace and conflict studies, public policy, research methods and/or other relevant fields.
• Minimum 6 years (5 years with a first-level university degree or 4 years with a second-level university degree) of work experience in a related field, such as working for government bodies, international organizations, or non-government organizations;
• Very good knowledge of political processes and strong analytical capabilities;
• 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;
• Sense of responsibility and organizational skills. Ability to take initiative and to work independently;
• Ability to work under pressure and tight deadlines;
• Advanced oral and written communication skills;
• Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, and an ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities.
• Advanced computer literacy with practical experience in Microsoft Office applications.

 Proven professional-level written and oral communication skills in English, Kyrgyz and Russian languages.

Remuneration Package:

Monthly remuneration, subject to social security deductions is 1048.25 Euro/month. Social benefits will include OSCE participation in the Cigna medical insurance scheme and the OSCE Provident Fund. Please note that appointments are normally made at step 1 of the applicable OSCE salary scale.

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.