General Services Officer (P2) Short-term assignment
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.
About the role
The post is located in the General Services Unit (GSU) of the Fund Administration Unit (FAU), responsible for managing procurement, asset management, facilities management, and transportation services of the Office. The Unit oversees procurement planning and implementation to ensure timely acquisition of goods, services, and works in accordance with the OSCE Common Regulatory Management System (CRMS). It manages contract administration, supplier relationships, asset lifecycle accountability, and the operation, maintenance, and safety of Office premises and technical installations. The Unit also oversees transportation and fleet management to support operational requirements and service delivery across the Office.
The General Services Officer supports the management and oversight of procurement, asset management, facilities management, and transportation functions, ensuring effective implementation of OSCE Regulations and Administrative Instructions. The incumbent coordinates procurement activities, oversees contract administration, monitors asset utilization, and supports the efficient, economical, and transparent use of resources for Unified Budget (UB) and Extra-Budgetary (ExB) activities. The role includes monitoring compliance with regulations, providing advice to Programme Managers, and supporting operational support services.
Under the supervision of the Chief of Fund Administration Unit (P3), the incumbent provides advice and technical guidance on procurement planning, contract management, asset management, facilities management, and transport services. The role supports the implementation of UB and ExB activities in accordance with OSCE regulations and donor requirements, while proposing solutions to enhance effectiveness, accountability, and sustainability of operational support functions.
Work Relationships
The General Services Officer (P2) reports directly to the Chief of Fund Administration Unit (P3), with the Head of Programme Office (HoPO) acting as second-level supervisor. The incumbent supervises one National Procurement Officer (NP1), one Asset Management Associate (G6), one Building Management Assistant (G5), and one Transportation Assistant (G5). Internal contacts include the Fund Administration Unit (FAU) and Mission Support Unit counterparts in the OSCE Secretariat for guidance on policies and compliance. External contacts include suppliers, contractors, service providers, and other stakeholders for procurement, contract administration, and asset management.
Responsibilities
- Monitor and support the correct application of the OSCE CRMS, procurement regulations, and administrative instructions; advise Programme Managers on compliant resource use; review procurement actions and contractual commitments; resolve procurement-related issues; ensure compliance with OSCE regulations.
- Support procurement planning and contract management by reviewing operational and programme requirements; coordinating procurement plans; monitoring UB and ExB procurement needs; tracking contract implementation and supplier performance; analyzing procurement risks; ensuring compliance with OSCE policies and donor requirements; recommending measures for timely acquisition of goods, services, and works.
- Manage competitive tendering and contract award processes by conducting market research; identifying and assessing suppliers; administering solicitation exercises; supporting evaluation committees; ensuring fairness, transparency, and value for money; maintaining supplier and stakeholder relationships.
- Support asset lifecycle management by monitoring acquisition, inventory, physical verification, transfer, and disposal; reviewing asset records and utilization; contributing to accountability and stewardship; recommending improvements for compliance and practices.
- Support facilities and infrastructure management by monitoring maintenance, repair, and operational activities; reviewing service requirements and contracts; assessing risks and resource needs; recommending improvements for safe, efficient, and cost-effective operations.
- Support transportation and fleet services by monitoring vehicle utilization, maintenance, and replacement planning; reviewing transportation arrangements; analyzing fleet performance; ensuring compliance with transport regulations and safety requirements; recommending efficiency improvements.
- Support audit responses, risk management, and follow-up actions; prepare operational reports and analyses; monitor compliance with regulations and internal controls; contribute to developing and improving operational procedures.
Requirements
- First-level university degree in management, business administration, finance, supply chain management, or procurement; Certification from a Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS).
- Minimum of four years (two years with a second-level degree) of progressively responsible professional experience in procurement, supply chain, asset management, transportation management, or building/facilities management, preferably in an international organization.
- Minimum of two years of supervisory experience.
- Familiarity with international procurement practices and vendor negotiations.
- Proven experience in contract management and administration of procurement processes.
- Computer literacy with advanced experience in Microsoft applications and ERP systems (e.g., Oracle, SAP).
- Demonstrated gender awareness and ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks.
- Ability to work in a team with diverse cultural, religious, and political backgrounds while maintaining impartiality.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills in English; working knowledge of Russian.
International mission members are internationally recruited and must work in a duty station outside their home country or country of permanent residence. Nationals or permanent residents of the duty station (Bishkek) are ineligible.
Benefits
- Monthly remuneration of approximately EUR 4,596.92 (subject to social security deductions), plus a Board and Lodging Allowance of EUR 119 per day (about EUR 3,570 per month).
- Social benefits include participation in the Cigna medical insurance scheme and the OSCE Provident Fund.
- Appointments are typically made at step 1 of the OSCE salary scale, with potential for higher steps (up to step 3) at the discretion of the appointing authority.