Closing date: 21 Mar 2018
Background:
ODIHR is the leading agency in Europe in the field of election observation. It co-ordinates and organizes the deployment of several observation missions with thousands of observers every year to assess the compliance of elections in OSCE participating States in line with OSCE commitments, other international standards for democratic elections and national legislation. Its unique methodology provides an in-depth insight into all elements of an electoral process, and permits to make concrete recommendations to further improve electoral processes. Further details of the organization can be found at www.osce.org/odihr.
In order to strengthen its pool of Security Experts for election observation missions, ODIHR is now inviting persons with relevant expertise to apply for inclusion in ODIHR’s expert roster.
Objective: Under the guidance of ODIHR Logistics and Security Officer, in close co-ordination with the Head of Mission (HoM) and the Deputy Head of Mission (DHoM) and in liaison with the ODIHR Election Department, the Security Expert will ensure the security operations in compliance with OSCE Framework of Security Management. In case of any security and safety related incidents, the ODIHR Logistics and Security Officer, the Deputy Head of the Election Department and the Election Adviser responsible must be immediately informed.
Tasks and Responsibilities:
Security Expertise and Advice:
- Collect general and election-specific information regarding the security situation in the country;
- Abstract, evaluate and understand the information collected for its accuracy and value, to prepare required security briefings and reports;
- Acquire thorough knowledge of the ODIHR Election Observation Handbook, OSCE Framework of Security Management, Operations Guidelines for election field activities, and other relevant materials, such as risks/threat assessment prepared by ODIHR;
- Provide advice to the HoM and DHoM on security issues as required;
- Participate in the mission Crisis Management Team together with the HoM, DHoM, Operations Expert, and LTO Co-ordinator;
- Participate in selection of support staff to core team members according to the established procedures;
- Supervise the effective and efficient implementation of the contract with security services provide; and
- Manage Security Assistant and Security Guards, including certifying and evaluating the results of their work.
Security and safety of mission members:
- Co-ordinate and ensure that all necessary security and safety arrangements are provided to the election observation mission, including to the core staff, long-term observers (LTO) and short-term observers (STO), if applicable, and all other persons/delegations/organizations participating in ODIHR co-ordinated observation of the elections;
- Prepare a Security Risk Assessment and advise on the selection of the office premises (when applicable);
- Advise core team members when selecting their temporary residence;
- Issue appropriate security instructions for the election observation mission, including core team members, LTOs and STOs (if applicable);
- Issue personal safety guidelines and establish an emergency contact list;
- Issue aide-memoire with all essential phone numbers to all observers that will also cover emergency and evacuation instructions;
- Set up a round the clock Security Operations Desk during the entire stay of STOs (if applicable);
- Fully support the activity of international core team members, LTOs and STOs (if applicable); during the course of their work, respond to their inquiries and follow up as appropriate with the relevant authorities.
- Prepare a comprehensive security plan for the observation mission in accordance with the OSCE Framework of Security Management (using ODIHR security templates), including medical evacuation plan and contingency plans for possible security emergencies;
- In consultation with the ODIHR Logistics and Security Officer, Procurement and Contracting Officer, Finance Office and the election mission’s Operations Expert, take all necessary measures to protect cash in the office premises;
- Ensure adequate office protection (hire guards, access control, etc) and fire safety equipment;
- Issue Office Safety and Security Instruction, which should include: office guards’ duties, fire fighting, evacuation procedure, dealing with suspicious mail and phone threats.
Contact:
- Establish contact with relevant authorities of the host country, OSCE security officer in the field (if applicable), as well as security officers of international organizations present in the country and major embassies;
- Maintain contact with the ODIHR Logistics and Security Officer as well as with the Deputy Head of the Election Department and the respective Election Adviser.
Briefings and Reporting:
- Provide briefings, emergency contacts, travel safety instruction, travel restrictions, personal safety guidelines, check-in system for LTOs and STOs, if applicable (i.e. a Warden System);
- Respond to security concerns and problems of the core team, LTOs and STOs, if applicable;
- Monitor news regarding security related incidents, check such media reports with the government sources and report during daily staff meetings;
- Prepare regular reports (updates) on the security situation for mission staff and the ODIHR Logistics and Security Officer;
- Conduct security briefings for the mission, LTOs and STOs, if applicable, and all other persons/delegations/organizations participating in ODIHR co-ordinated observation of elections;
- Deliver briefing on safety and security, including on defensive and safe driving to all mission drivers;
- Maintain records of all security incidents in the country and immediately notify all concerned (including the ODIHR Logistics and Security Officer, Deputy Head of the Election Department and the respective Election Adviser);
- Prepare briefing material on security issues as requested by the HoM or DHoM;
- Participate in briefings for observers seconded by participating States, locally recruited observers, parliamentary observers, and diplomats as required;
- Prepare a weekly report on security issues to the DHoM and OSCE/ODIHR in Warsaw;
- At the conclusion of the mission prepare a report to HoM or DHoM, Election Department, and the ODIHR Logistics and Security Officer about any relevant issues and recommendations concerning security.
Deliverables:
- Comprehensive security plan for the observation mission in accordance with OSCE Framework of Security Management (using ODIHR security templates), including medical evacuation plan and plans for possible security emergencies;
- Security instructions for core team members, LTOs and STOs, if applicable;
- Personal safety guidelines;
- Emergency contact list;
- Instruction on safety in the office;
- Aide-memoire with all essential phone numbers to all observers that will also cover emergency and evacuation instructions;
- In consultation with the ODIHR Logistics and Security Officer, proposing possible revisions/amendments to the existing ODIHR’s Security Files framework to optimise election missions’ security framework.
- Co-ordination of support staff under direct supervision, including certification and evaluation of their work;
- Regular Security Updates.
Necessary Qualifications, Experience and Skills:
- First-level university degree or an equivalent professional qualification in the field of intelligence and security management, business administration, management or law; extensive experience and vocational training in the area of security management;
- A strong background in security management. Field experience of operating within challenging environments is desirable;
- Minimum of six years of professional experience, part of it should have been acquired in an international organization or a mission environment, ideally within the area of elections;
- Thorough understanding of security policy, principles and practices, in particular the formulation and execution of field security plans and procedures;
- Demonstrated ability to work long/irregular hours and under pressure in a sensitive political environment;
- Good interpersonal, communication and presentations skills and ability to provide guidance to election observers;
- Demonstrated ability to work in supervisory role and as a member of a team composed of individuals of different cultural and political backgrounds, while maintaining impartiality and objectivity;
- Excellent written and oral communication skills in English; knowledge of local language(s) is an asset;
- Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, and an ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities.
Remuneration:
Remuneration will depend on the selected consultant’s qualifications and experience and be in accordance with OSCE established rates. Coverage of travel expenses and a standard per diem will be provided by the OSCE/ODIHR, in accordance with OSCE travel policies.
How to apply:
If you wish to apply for this position, please use the OSCE's online application link found under https://jobs.osce.org.
Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all national, religious, ethnic and social backgrounds to apply to become a part of the Organization.
The OSCE retains the discretion to re-advertise the vacancy, cancel the recruitment, offer a consultancy at a different level or with modified terms of reference or for a different duration.