Project Associate

Background:

Please note that the vacancy is open for Kazakhstan nationals and permanent residents of Kazakhstan only.

• According to its mandate, the OSCE Programme Office in Astana is entrusted with supporting Kazakhstan in implementing OSCE principles and commitments in all three dimensions within the OSCE framework approach to co-operative security, and in the regional context.
• The Economic and Environmental Dimension is one of the programmatic units of the OSCE Programme Office in Astana which support the host country in promoting economic and environmental security in line with the Programme Office’s mandate and the OSCE commitments. Economic and Environmental Dimension focusing on good governance, the fight against corruption and money-laundering, public and private partnerships, development of small and medium enterprises, transport, border crossing and customs control, energy security, management of water resources, protection of the environment, and disaster risk reduction. There are currently three positions in the Economic and Environmental Dimension in addition to the Senior Economic and Environmental Officer. The other positions are those of the National Economic and Environmental Officer and the Project Associate. The duty station is Astana city, Kazakhstan
• The incumbent takes an active role in planning and implementing project activities, in consultation with the Senior Economic and Environmental Officer. He/ she suggests tactics for the efficient organization of project tasks and provides recommendations on the feasibility of projects initiated by the Programme Office’s partners, proposes changes in the budget and on logistical arrangements related to the Office’s programmatic activities. Errors could discredit the image of the OSCE, cause delays with regard to the implementation of projects and lead to financial losses for the Programme Office.
• The incumbent will work according to the objectives and tasks set by the direct supervisor with a minimum of supervision and without written guidelines, in liaison with other units. The work in progress is reviewed by the direct supervisor with the aim at maintaining the activities in line with the POiA’s mandate and priorities as well as the OSCE rules and regulations.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

Under the direct supervision of the Senior Economic and Environmental Officer, the successful candidate will be tasked with the following duties: 

• Drafts project proposals, manages and co-ordinates rather independently the implementation of projects according to the strategy defined by the Senior Economic and Environmental Officer and Senior Management. Drafts reports, project documentation and background information to be used in discussions with the Government and other partners. Provides narrative and financial reporting on tasks assigned and proactively points out possible obstacles in implementing the Unit’s activities, suggests tactics for implementing project tasks.
• Develops and maintains close contacts and co-ordination with experts, organizations or institutions in order to provide for a successful preparation and implementation of projects and other activities in the economic and environmental field, including regional activities. Takes the responsibility for all necessary visa, logistic and administrative details related to activities and projects of the economic and environmental dimension.
• Contributes to the knowledge base of the Economic and Environmental Unit by monitoring current events and historical trends in the economic and environmental field and communicating these to the Senior Economic and Environmental Officer, thus enabling the Economic and Environmental Unit to further develop strategies for identifying specific projects. Participates in meetings, seminars and conferences as requested by the Senior Economic and Environmental Officer.
• Prepares budget estimates, terms of reference and agreements for projects, but without the authority to commit funds, to effect payments or to select implementing partners and consultants. Co-ordinates all financial and budgetary details with the Senor Economic and Environmental Officer and the FAU.
• Maintains the Unit’s routine correspondence on his/ her own responsibility, drafts correspondence upon instruction, files documents and correspondence according to OSCE rules and procedures and maintains the Unit’s archive in electronic and paper format, as well as in the Doc.In system.
• Attends seminars/roundtables related to EED’s field of expertise organized within the OSCE, by partner organizations, NGOs; prepares summary reports on the events to keep the office informed.

Necessary Qualifications:

Education:

• Completed secondary education, as well as specialized training in economic and/or environment sciences/management or related fields.

Experience and knowledge/skills:

• A minimum of 6 years of working experience in project management and co-ordination, administration and planning, preferably from other international organizations or similar. Good general knowledge of environmental and economic issues in Central Asia and ability to comprehend the political context. Good computer skills (word processing, spreadsheet skills, familiarity with Oracle applications an asset).
• 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.

Languages:

• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English, and Russian and local language

Source: https://vacancies.osce.org/jobs/project-associate-g6-3592