Job Description

Background:

The work of the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek (POiB) focuses on a range of security issues, from countering terrorism, border security and transnational threats such as human trafficking, to developing the country’s regions, strengthening efforts to combat corruption on all levels, as well as supporting the reform of the justice sector, implementation of election reform, gender equality and building open and resilient societies.
The post is located within the Security Unit under the Office of the Head of Mission (OHoM). The Unit provides a clear, uniform, and standardized approach to security across the POiB mission area and is responsible for ensuring the safety and security of OSCE officials, personnel, dependents, assets, premises, and operations. This includes conducting regular security and safety exercises and drills, providing security briefings and training, and managing premises security and access control. In line with the Common Regulatory Management System (CRMS) and the OSCE’s duty of care towards OSCE officials, the Security Unit facilitates security planning and preparedness, ensuring that all reasonable and practicable measures are in place to manage foreseeable risks.

Main Purpose:

To provide technical support in the area of physical safety and security of OSCE officials, personnel, facilities, and assets in Bishkek, including liaising with host country law enforcement agencies and emergency services, supporting front office security functions, and contributing to physical safety and security information management.
Working under moderate supervision, the Security Assistant assists in proposing, planning, and implementing measures to enhance safety and security coverage across POiB premises in Bishkek. The incumbent contributes to the development and implementation of fire prevention and detection programmes and ensures that appropriate security arrangements are maintained at OSCE facilities, both during and outside normal working hours. The role includes providing guidance and training to staff on fire safety and emergency evacuation procedures, delivering security briefings to newly recruited POiB personnel, and advising on the work of assigned security guards. The Security Assistant also coordinates contracts with private security companies and provides technical input on the selection, installation, and operation of security and safety equipment. Furthermore, the incumbent maintains situational awareness through monitoring of relevant open sources and contributes to the development of information-sharing networks in line with established policies and guidelines.

Work Relationships:

The Security Assistant reports directly to the National Security Officer (NP2), while Deputy Head of Programme Office (DHoPO) acts a second level supervisor. The Security Assistant leads and co-ordinates one (1) Senior Guard (G3) and seven (7) Security Guards (G2), while direct supervision remains under the National Security Officer.
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The incumbent collaborates and maintains effective working relationships with all mission members by providing timely technical support and facilitating the exchange of information related to security services. External contacts primarily include the United Nations and other Bishkek-based international organizations, as well as host country law enforcement agencies and emergency services, including fire, ambulance, and health authorities. These engagements support the development of procedures to address emergency and disaster situations, ensure continuous awareness of the security environment, and enable timely warning and response to potential threats.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

Under the overall supervision of the National Security Officer (NP2), the successful candidate will be tasked with the following duties:

Providing technical support in the area of safety and security of POiB premises, as well as mission members, high-ranking dignitaries, and OSCE visitors in the mission area. Maintaining liaison with host country law enforcement agencies and emergency services, including fire, ambulance, and health authorities, in order to support the Office’s response to emergency and disaster situations and to remain informed of relevant security developments;
Assisting in the preparation and review of physical security surveys and standard operating procedures for POiB. Supporting the application and updating of standards and guidelines to ensure that POiB premises in the mission area comply with accepted safety and security practices. In coordination with organizers of major events, meetings, and large conferences held within and outside OSCE premises in the mission area, providing technical input on the implementation of appropriate security arrangements;
Contributing to the planning and implementation of fire prevention and detection programmes, with particular attention to fire, explosives, and other safety risks. Providing technical input on the installation, operation, and maintenance of security and safety-related equipment (e.g. access control systems, CCTV, and metal detectors). Organizing and supporting training for staff on firefighting and emergency evacuation procedures, and promoting staff awareness of established safety protocols;
Supporting the National Security Officer in gathering and processing relevant security information in support of the OSCE Security Management System. Monitoring the security situation in the mission area, with particular focus on areas of operations, tracking relevant developments, and assisting in the preparation of concise written and oral reports on incidents and trends;
Supporting the coordination of security guards and other physical security measures to ensure adequate protection and screening of staff and visitors at POiB premises. Scheduling, supervising, and assigning work to security guards. Drafting and maintaining duty shift schedules for security guards. Supporting the coordination of security-related procurements by preparing technical specifications, initiating purchase requisitions (PRs), and submitting payment requests;
Assisting in fact-finding related to physical security and safety incidents in the mission area and contributing to incident reporting.

For more detailed information on the structure and work of the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek, please see: https://bishkek.osce.org/ru.

Necessary Qualifications:

Completed secondary education, supplemented by specialized training in security management, police or military;
A minimum of five (5) years of working experience in security management, police, military or security forces, part of which should preferably have been in an international organisation;
Established knowledge and understanding of the security developments in the host country;
Ability to conduct independent research and collect information from a variety of sources;
Practical knowledge of X/Ray machines and surveillance equipment operations is desirable;
Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and local languages (Russian/Kyrgyz);
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;
Computer literate with practical experience using Microsoft applications.

*Please note that this post will be proposed for establishment in the context of the 2027 Unified Budget (UB). Consequently, the issuance of a fixed-term appointment beyond 6-months is subject to approval of the post as part of the UB. However, the successful candidate may be issued short-term appointment that may be converted to a fixed-term appointment following the UB approval.

Remuneration Package:

Monthly remuneration, subject to social security deductions is 1,132 Euro/month. Social benefits will include Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe 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.

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.

Additional Information