Security Assistant, short-term (G5)

OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR)

Application deadline: 16th April 2024.

Background:

Recruitment for a roster of temporary short-term assistance with OSCE/ODIHR to be performed outside of Warsaw, Poland.

The OSCE has a comprehensive approach to security that encompasses politico-military, economic and environmental, and human aspects. It therefore addresses a wide range of security-related concerns, including arms control, confidence- and security-building measures, human rights, combating human trafficking, national minorities, democratization, policing strategies, counter-terrorism and economic and environmental activities. All 57 participating States enjoy equal status, and decisions are taken by consensus on a politically, but not legally binding basis.

The Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) is the principal institution of the OSCE responsible for the human dimension. ODIHR’s activities are implemented in 57 participating States in accordance with ODIHR’s mandate. Among ODIHR’s main fields of activity is election observation as well as a large number of assistance projects in the areas of democratic institution building, the rule of law and human rights. 

The main objective of the Common Services Department is to support the programmatic departments so that they can fulfil the ODIHR mandate and achieve the strategic objectives. 

The Common Services Department is overseen by the Second Deputy Director, who reports directly to the Director of ODIHR. Within the Common Services Department, there exists the Logistics and Security Unit (L&SU), which serves as the main support hub for all ODIHR staff, providing both operational and technical assistance.

The role of the Security Assistant entails accompanying teams to Ukraine, offering security support, including operating L-6 armored vehicles. Additionally, the Security Assistant will provide security services to assigned individuals or groups. While on duty, the Security Assistant reports to the Logistics and Security Officer. During missions, the Security Assistant carries out tasks under the immediate supervision of the mission security team leader.

Candidates found suitable during the recruitment process will be placed on the roster for short-term assignments (STA) and shall be ready for deployment to the field at a short notice. The assignment duration is envisaged for 1-2 weeks and will mainly involve travel in the vicinity of Kiev and in western Ukraine.

Suitable candidates may also be placed on a roster for consultancy Special Service Agreements (SSA).

Tasks and Responsibilities:

Under the general supervision of Logistics and Security Officer, incumbent will be responsible for providing security and driving services, to transport passengers and/or goods under the rules of the OSCE Transport Manual and the Code of Conduct, and in particular:

1. Providing mission security escort services, including driving of armoured vehicles, for the transportation of passengers - OSCE/ODIHR officials and mission personnel, under conditions and circumstances of increased security risk; ensuring a safety and security of all passengers;
2. Assisting the mission security team leader in accomplishing effective protective security coverage for their assigned clients, remaining vigilant, alert and maintaining close communication with Logistics & Security Unit at all times during missions;
3. Providing basic first aid to members of team in case of medical emergency; 
4. Performing a thorough vehicle security and safety check before and after any movement, to ensure the vehicle is safe for operation, free from damages, and without any attached external components that could compromise the safety of its occupants;
5. Ensuring that the assigned vehicles are in good operational conditions: conducting daily checks (oil, fuel, brakes, tyres, battery, tool kits, etc) on all assigned vehicles and before the commencement of any trip/mission, and reporting of any defects to the L&SU for immediate repairs and maintenance; carry out minor mechanical emergency repairs on vehicles as and when required;
6. Ensuring up to date knowledge and following all rules and regulations in relation to Host Country law, best security practises, Standard Operating Procedures, as well as OSCE Rules and Regulations,  and OSCE Code of Conduct;
7. Ensuring that the steps required by rules and regulations are taken in case of involvement in accident.

Necessary Qualifications:

• Completed secondary education;
• At least 4 years of relevant working experience including security driving, preferably for logistics service providers, government or international organizations;
• Category C driving licence (vehicles over 3,5 t) valid in Poland / EU members states;
• Good communication skills in English and Polish; knowledge of Russian or Ukrainian would be an asset;
• Basic knowledge of computer applications (MS Word, Excel);
• Defensive Driving Training is preferred;
• Basic First Aid Training desirable;
• Readiness to work over weekends, public holidays and in a stressful and dynamic environment;
• Able to work harmoniously with others and within the multicultural environment;
• Experience in close protection or similar role will be considered an advantage;
• Ability and willingness to be deployed from Poland in a short notice;
• Authorised to travel legally and without limitations from and to Ukraine. 

Remuneration Package:

Monthly remuneration, subject to social security deductions, is approximately PLN 8,200, and will be pro-rated in accordance with the duration of the assignment. OSCE salaries are exempt from taxation in Poland.

Social security will include participation in the Cigna medical insurance scheme (current approximate deduction for a staff member is 56 Euro).

Appointments are 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.

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 the OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application and review process.

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 63 years at the time of appointment as the incumbent selected is normally expected to carry out the contractual obligation of two years.