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

The Department of Management and Finance (DMF) is responsible for managing the material and financial resources of the Organization. The objective of DMF is to provide efficient and effective management of non-staff resources in support of OSCE programmatic activities. It provides policy guidance on the management of OSCE financial and material resources and develops and maintains OSCE Financial Regulations and Rules and Financial Administrative Instructions. DMF consists of Budget and Finance Services, Mission Support Section, Information and Communication Technology Section and the Information Security and Co-ordination Unit.

Mission Support Section (MSS) provides the working framework for OSCEs procurement and contracting assets, logistics, transport, travel and facilities management activities. It also acts as the policy development and co-ordination point for resource administration in the OSCE's Executive Structures in relation to these activities, including providing on-site assistance and technical training programmes.

Tasks And Responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of the Chief, Procurement and Contracting Unit, as Procurement and Contracting Officer, you will perform the following functions:

Planning, developing and managing all aspects of procurement and contract projects of significant complexity related to worldwide procurement of diverse services and commodities, while taking into account local economic and other conditions;

Preparing and distributing invitations to tender and following-up on the replies; evaluating quotations and recommending the selection of most suitable suppliers;

Developing and formulating strategies and plans for complex and intricate procurement cases; ensuring that appropriate risk mitigation measures are in place;

Participating in negotiations with representatives of suppliers; signing purchase orders up to the authorized value and preparing case presentations for submission to the Materials Management Committees;

Advising requisitioning units and recipient entities on the full range of procurement issues; providing support and guidance at all stages of the procurement process;

Managing the contracting elements of procurement operations for the OSCE Secretariat Fund; drafting, negotiating and concluding contracts for the supply of goods and services, and obtaining clearance from Legal Services as required;

Providing advice on contractual issues to procurement staff in field operations as and when required;

Establishing and maintaining the work program and schedules for on-going and newly-planned contracts; periodically examining contracting practices and procedures of other international organizations and recommending areas for improvement;

Overseeing adherence to contractual agreements; recommending amendment or extension of contracts; advising all concerned parties on contractual rights and obligations;

Providing training on contract or procurement-specific issues;

Performing other related duties as required.

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

Necessary Qualifications

First-level university degree in law, business administration, supply chain management, commerce or related field;

CIPS Level 3 or equivalent public procurement or supply chain qualification is a distinct advantage;

A minimum of six years of progressively responsible experience in procurement and contracting operations;

Experience and familiarity with the procurement policies and procedures of other international organizations is an asset;

Knowledge and experience on complex policy revision exercises relating to procurement and commercial contracting related internal policies is an asset;

Knowledge and experience in sustainable procurement is an advantage;

Professional fluency in English; knowledge of another OSCE working language is an asset ;

Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, and an ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities;

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with people of different national and cultural backgrounds whilst maintaining impartiality and objectivity;

Computer literacy with practical experience with Microsoft applications; experience in web-based ERP systems (Oracle or SAP) is an asset.

Remuneration Package

Monthly remuneration is around EUR 6,700, with the actual monthly salary depending on post adjustment and 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. Other allowances and benefits are similar to those offered under the United Nations Common System.