Background:

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 OSCE Secretariat in Vienna assists the Chairpersonship in its activities, and provides operational and administrative support to the field operations, and, as appropriate, to other institutions.

The Forum for Security Co-operation (FSC) Support Unit (FSC SU) is part of the FSC and Operations Support Service (FOSS) within the Conflict Prevention Centre (CPC) at the OSCE Secretariat. The CPC plays a key role in supporting and co-ordinating the OSCE's activities in the field, in providing analysis and policy advice to the Secretary General and the Chairperson-in-Office (CiO) in relation to field-related activities and is the focal point in the Secretariat for co-ordinating and developing the OSCE's role in the politico-military dimension.

The FSC is the main OSCE body dealing with the politico-military aspects of security and provides a forum for political dialogue for OSCE participating States (pS). FSC SU acts as a focal point for the FSC, provides technical support and expertise, and prepares reports and overviews on military information exchanged by pS. FSC SU also supports pS in their implementation of Confidence- and Security-Building Measures (CSBMs). One of those CSBMs is the secure OSCE Communications Network (CommsNet) through which pS exchange information on military forces and activities, as well as ICT/cybersecurity-related messages.

FSC SU manages the CommsNet and provides direction to participating States as well as contractor staff regarding support of network operations and related software. Under the supervision of the Network and CSBM Officer, the incumbent supports continuous and secure network operations, provides network maintenance as well as first- and second-level user support for the CommsNet; supports users directly with incidents and handling system problem reports and system change requests; conducts root-level analysis of reported issues, co-ordinating with colleagues, vendors and consultants, including on security-related issues.

The Organization, in line with the OSCE Action Plan for the Promotion of Gender Equality, is committed to further improving gender balance among staff in all areas and levels within the OSCE. Currently female staff in the above-mentioned field of expertise is underrepresented, and are therefore encouraged to apply for this opportunity.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

The incumbent reports directly to the Network and CSBM Officer, in close co-ordination with the Senior Network and Applications Assistant. The second level supervisor is the Chief FSC Support Unit. The incumbent collaborates with the colleagues from Information and Communication Technology Section within the Department Management and Finance.

The incumbent interacts with technical consultants and contractors on issues related to troubleshooting, testing and complying with network standards and operation. The incumbent also provides first- and second-level assistance to end users of the network and States’ representatives in all capitals of the OSCE participating States on issues related to network, computer and software operations.

More specifically, the incumbent will be tasked with the following:

• 
  Administering, maintaining, operating, troubleshooting and monitoring system performance and resources of network and cyber security infrastructure, including firewalls, intrusion detection, routers, switches, network management systems, etc., receiving direction from participating States (pS) via the FSC’s Communication Group and Configuration Control Board (CCB);

• Responding directly, by remote control or by phone, to Help Desk inquiries from users, mostly at the primary and secondary levels, relating to issues such as installation, hardware troubleshooting and updates as well as developing solutions in liaison with other team-members, consultants and contractors; if necessary, that includes travel to remote OSCE locations;

• Performing system administration to include backups, updates, system testing and hardware replacement; Ensuring all configurations are in compliance with network standards (including OSCE ICT standards), reviewing log files, firewalls and servers to pre-detect problems; research problems and initiate corrective measures; To that effect, contributing to the assessment and design of technical architectures for network and security solutions and services, and maintaining contacts with product providers and service companies as needed for product updates, replacement, or troubleshooting;

• Maintaining test environment hardware and software to ensure synchronization with the production environment;

• Responding to network traffic alerts and advising when there are disconnects to the network and advising on solutions to avoid lengthy outages; Maintain network status summaries for participating States.

For more detailed information on the structure and work of the OSCE Secretariat, please see https://www.osce.org/secretariat

Necessary Qualifications:

• Completed Secondary School education, supplemented by formal training in Computer/Electrical/Electronic/Network Technology; a first-level university degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, IT Security, Computer Engineering or related fields is an asset;
• A minimum of six years of progressive experience in the operation of complex networks and security systems; a university degree in a relevant field may be considered as a substitute for up to two years of working experience only to determine eligibility;
• Experience obtained at international private or government organizations related to information technology or network operations;
• Experience supporting a political or military organization implementing network separation would be an asset;
• Professional experience with Cisco networking and cryptographic equipment (security devices, routers, switches) is required;
• Advanced understanding and integration of MS Windows Server 2019, MS Windows 10/11, MS Exchange Server 2019, MS SQL Server 2019, Linux, virtualization (especially VMWare), enterprise network administration (especially Cisco-based), and TCP/IP protocols;
• Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) Core Infrastructure and Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) related to SQL Server and Windows Server expertise, Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Enterprise/Security and Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Security Certifications would be an additional asset;
• Experience with and knowledge of Microsoft server environments (including Windows Server, Active Directory, Internet Information Services), standard Microsoft server services (e.g., DNS, DHCP etc.), and Linux is desirable;
• Demonstrated innovative mindset for the design, implementation and optimization of ICT solutions;
• Professional fluency in English with excellent communication skills (both oral and written); working knowledge of German, both oral and written, is desirable;
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to work as a member of a team and flexibility with regard to working hours and willingness to work outside of regular business hours and on weekends;
• Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, and an ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities;
• Ability and willingness to work as a member of team, with people of different cultural, and religious backgrounds, different gender, and diverse political views, while maintaining impartiality and objectivity;
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (especially Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook).

Remuneration Package:

Monthly remuneration, subject to social security deduction, is around EUR 5,580 (12 times a year) depending on family status. OSCE salaries are exempt from taxation in Austria. Social benefits will include possibility of participation in the Cigna medical insurance scheme and the OSCE Provident Fund.

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.

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

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 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.