Background:
The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) with 57 participating States is the world’s largest regional security organization. All 57 participating States enjoy equal status, and decisions are taken by consensus on a politically, but not legally binding basis. For more detailed information on the structure and work of the Secretariat, please see: http://www.osce.org/secretariat
In the frame of its water co-operation activities, more specifically the project “Women, Water Management and Conflict Prevention – Phase III”, the OSCE is organizing the “Drops of the Future” Youth Workshop Series on the Water-Food-Energy Nexus. The workshop series across all Central Asia countries, together with a cross-regional event addresses climate change-induced risks within the Water-Energy-Food Nexus, emphasizing the management of trade-offs and challenges related to reduced water availability variability. This cross-sectoral systemic approach takes a forward-looking perspective, combining both conceptual-visionary frameworks and solution-oriented strategies to enhance young professionals' understanding of risks and their ability to manage trade-offs, particularly within and between the water, energy, and food sectors.
The primary objectives of the workshops, the concluding event and the further planned activities are to:
Build capacity for young – particularly female – professionals in the water, energy and food sectors in Central Asia to better manage trade-offs in the context of water security based on a systemic, cross-sectoral and intergenerational approach, embedded in a jointly developed, unifying vision for a sustainable future related to the water-energy-food nexus; Increased understanding of technical / technological, organizational and conceptual future-oriented solutions at different scale and their role in working for the realization of the future-oriented vision across Central Asia; Enhance the integration of Central Asia youth perspectives in regional and international fora addressing water, food, energy, and climate issues; The project engagements build on existing co-operation and co-ordination within the OSCE and with other international and regional organizations;All activities are implemented in close collaboration with the OSCE Field Operations and international partners, such as the UNESCO’s International Centre for Water Cooperation hosted by Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI), the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC), the Central Asia Youth for Water Network (CAY4W), as well as the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO), Geneva Water Hub, The Economist Impact, Turkish Water Institute and the International Secreteriat for Water.
In this context, the OSCE, through the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities (OCEEA), is aiming at enlarging its pool of experts in the area of water, food and energy nexus that will contribute to supporting the implementation of the project, with specific skills and capacities both in the area of strategic orientation as well as in the below mentioned technical fields.
Objective of Assignment:
To be further defined within each individual contract, at the time of contract conclusion, in line with the necessities of the above-mentioned project.
Duration of Assignment:
To be further defined within each individual contract, at the time of contract conclusion, in line with the necessities of the above-mentioned project.
Tasks and Responsibilities:
The consultant(s) would be expected to provide project implementation support, strategic, analytical, and/or policy support in (either one of) the following areas:
Interdisciplinary and applied disciplines (e.g., management of natural and living resources, water resource management, environmental management, data analysis and -management, etc.); Environmental science disciplines (e.g., environmental protection, environmental management, environmental engineering, with a focus on water, food or energy, sustainable development, agroecology); Interlinkage between water, food and energy in a climate change perspective; Social and political sciences and Multilateral Agreements (e.g., communication and awareness raising, capacity building with a deep understanding of governance framework and institutions); Solution-oriented co-creation and design-thinking in a systems-related context; Project Management expertise throughout all program and project cycle phases.
Deliverables:
To be further defined within each individual contract, at the time of contract conclusion, in line with the necessities of the above-mentioned project.
Necessary Qualifications:
First or second-level university degree (MSc) in relevant life science, environmental science, social and political science, interdisciplinary and applied disciplines or other relevant fields. Third level degree is not essential but will be considered an asset; Minimum 2 years of relevant public, private or non-governmental sector, or academic experience in one or more of the above-mentioned areas of expertise, including with international/intergovernmental organizations; Technical skills, such as organising workshops, will be required depending on the nature of specific assignments in relevant discipline; Ability to participate in professional meetings (including stakeholder meetings and networking events), contribute to the organization of project events, with a focus on providing substantive input, on the topics listed above will be considered a strong asset; Professional fluency in English with excellent communication (both oral and written) skills; professional fluency in Russian would be an asset; Excellent analytical and writing skills and proficient use of Microsoft Office; Strong communication skills and ability to adapt to different audiences are essential for relevant assignments (e.g., related to communication, stakeholder engagement, capacity building) and an asset for the remaining fields. 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 appli
Remuneration Package:
Remuneration will be based on the selected consultant's/expert's qualifications, experience, the tasks and deliverables for this position and in accordance with the OSCE established rates.
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 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.
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 be aware that the OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application and review process. Additional Information
Issued by: OSCE Secretariat Requisition ID: SEC000717 Contract Type: Special Service Agreement (SSA) / Consultant Grade: No grade Job Level: Senior Professional Job Type: Consultant Number of posts: Roster Call Location: SEC - OSCE Secretariat, Vienna Issue Date: Jan 24, 2025 Closing Date: Feb 7, 2025 Employee Status: Short-Term Education Level: Bachelor's Degree (First-level university degree or equivalent) Job Field: Economic & Environmental Affairs Target Start Date: As soon as possible