Project Associate (G6)

Background:

Please note that the vacancy is open for Kazakhstan nationals and permanent residents of Kazakhstan only.

Please note that this position is funded under an Extra-Budgetary (ExB) project on "Improving the effectiveness of the justice system in Kazakhstan", which is expected to run until 31 December 2026.

The OSCE Programme Office in Astana (hereafter - the Office) is entrusted with the mandate to assist Kazakhstan in implementing OSCE principles and commitments in the three dimensions:
politico-military, economic and environmental, and human. The Office puts long-standing efforts to strengthen the rule of law and to support the justice reform processes in the host country.

In December 2021, the Office, together with the Supreme Court of Kazakhstan, launched an Extra Budgetary Project “Improving the Effectiveness of the Justice System in Kazakhstan” funded by the USA and Polish Government Donations. The project is, primarily focused on judicial reform, it includes several components and will last for 5 years (2022-2026).
The Project objective is to promote rule of law and support the justice system's openness, transparency and accountability. It will build on the achievements in the reform process up to date and use tailored approach in working on modernizing court administration, introducing a comprehensive evaluation system for judges, improving judicial training and new evidence based approach in policy-making. The Project will engage the best national and international experts in providing advice, expertise and in proposing changes. 

Tasks and Responsibilities:

Under the overall supervision of the Senior Human Dimension Officer, S3 (SHDO) and the general supervision of the Head of Programme Office, the successful candidate will be tasked with the following duties:

1. Conducting independent research and monitoring developments in the sector and/or geographical area relevant for the project; collating and presenting data and information that may
affect the project and making recommendations concerning approaches as to how to best address the implementation of project activities; contributing to concepts, implementation plans and
other project's activities related documents.
2. Designing and implementing assigned project activities, which may include workshops, missions, conferences, study visits, workshop, training interventions etc., by recommending
priority activities, liaising with participants, preparing written material for supervisor’s approval, and obtaining the required administrative approvals; keeping track of pending matters and
following up with other offices on deadlines.
3. Co-ordinating reporting requirements and providing substantive input to progress reports, donor reports, evaluation reports, follow-up project proposals; drafting concept notes, talking points
and background material, with the provision of substantive input and putting documents into adequate style, language and format proofreading documents and editing texts for accuracy,
grammar, punctuation and style in accordance with standard practices.
4. Monitoring administration of assigned project outcomes, including coordinating the implementation and modification of the project budget, tracking budget and expenditure, and
making recommendations for improvements to the design and delivery of the work processes and practices to meet specific project needs, by focusing on the provision of defined services
and seeking opportunities to improve the delivery of the service by collaborating or integrating processes or activities.
5. Co-ordinating administrative arrangements, including the preparation of terms of reference and selection of consultants, implementing partners and vendors, administrative and logistical
arrangements for in-person, online and hybrid events, such as meetings, workshops, conferences, study visits, missions etc.; developing project databases with references and cross-references.
6. Using ERP, initiating and following up on actions related to requisitions, recruitment of consultants, training and study tours, purchase of services and goods, payments, travel
authorizations requests/claims and dealing with all related inquiries.

Necessary Qualifications:

• A minimum of 6 years of working experience in the field of human rights and fundamental freedoms /civil activism/ media development, particularly in monitoring, drafting reports and managing projects, preferably with the government, civil society, international nongovernmental organizations, diplomatic missions and/or international organizations.
• Knowledge of the domestic legal system and state institutions of Kazakhstan, particularly related to human rights and the international and regional human rights systems (UN and OSCE in particular) is a distinct advantage.
• Experience in project planning, implementation and reporting.
• Ability to conduct independent research and collect information from a variety of sources.
• Digital literacy and proficient use of Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint), internet. Experience with an ERP software is an asset.

Languages:
Excellent oral and written communication skills in English, Kazakh and Russian languages.

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:

Monthly remuneration is EUR 1477.83. Social benefits will include participation in the Cigna medical insurance scheme and the OSCE Provident Fund (subject of additional deduction from the monthly remuneration).
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.