International Expert/Trainer on Small Arms, Light Weapons (SALW) and Conventional Ammunition (CA) Registration Software (SSAs)

Background

During 2023–2026, the Ministry of Defense (MoD) of the Republic of Tajikistan significantly updated the national guiding documents related to the physical security and stockpile management (PSSM) of small arms and light weapons and conventional ammunition (SALW&CA). Several new instruction manuals were developed and approved by the Minister of Defense, including manuals for the Armed Forces on SALW&CA record keeping and maintenance of weapon ordnance, guidance for arms and ammunition depot managers, and technical guides on the marking of firearms, ammunition and explosives within the Armed Forces. Additional instructions covering SALW&CA categorization, repository management systems, and registration of arms and ammunition have also been developed or are expected to further strengthen the national SALW&CA management system.

During the same period, the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe provided expert and advisory support to the Ministry of Defense in reviewing and aligning the newly developed guiding documents with relevant OSCE documents on SALW&CA and international good practices. In light of these updates, the Office plans to organize two five-day workshops in November 2026 for executive management staff of the Ministry of Defense and Tajikistan Border Troops (TBT). The workshops will bring together approximately twenty (20) participants — ten (10) representatives from the Ministry of Defense and ten (10) from the Tajik Border Troops, drawn from Dushanbe and regional centres. The training will provide senior and executive management personnel an opportunity to familiarize themselves with relevant OSCE principles, international standards and good practices on SALW&CA PSSM and to examine their practical application in the context of Tajikistan’s recently updated national guiding documents. The activity will contribute to strengthening institutional awareness and management capacity in physical security, stockpile management, accountability, record keeping, marking, categorization, storage and risk management of SALW&CA.

Objective of Assignment

To design and conduct two five-day comprehensive workshops for approximately twenty (20) representatives of the Ministry of Defense and Tajikistan Border Troops on physical security and stockpile management of SALW&CA. The workshop will enhance participants’ knowledge and awareness of international standards, OSCE documents and good practices related to SALW&CA PSSM, while strengthening their understanding of the application of Tajikistan’s newly developed and approved national guiding documents. The training will combine expert presentations, facilitated discussions, practical exercises, case studies and management-level scenarios, with a particular focus on the responsibilities of decision-makers and practical measures for strengthening institutional PSSM systems. The workshop will take place in Dushanbe.

Duration of Assignment

Ten days.

Tasks and Responsibilities

• Review relevant OSCE documents, international standards and recognized good practices concerning SALW&CA physical security and stockpile management.
• Review relevant national guiding documents and instructions of the Ministry of Defense concerning SALW&CA provided by the Office.
• Develop a detailed five-day workshop programme and training materials in consultation with the Office.
• Conduct two five-day PSSM workshops for approximately twenty (20) representatives of the Ministry of Defense and Tajikistan Border Troops in November 2026.
• Conduct, in coordination with OSCE project staff, pre- and post-training assessments of participants’ knowledge, where applicable.
• Prepare and submit a final report summarizing training activities, participant performance, identified capacity gaps and recommendations for future capacity-building activities.

Deliverables

• Relevant OSCE documents, international standards and recognized good practices concerning SALW&CA PSSM, as well as national guiding documents and instructions of the Ministry of Defense provided by the Office, are reviewed. Key observations and recommendations are identified and reflected in the workshop programme and training materials.
• Preparation of the workshop programme and training materials. A detailed five-day agenda, presentations, practical exercises, case studies and relevant supporting materials are prepared and submitted to the Office prior to the training.
• Two five-day workshops are successfully delivered. The training includes theoretical and practical components and addresses international PSSM standards, OSCE documents and Tajikistan’s national guiding documents.
• Participants’ knowledge and understanding of key PSSM concepts are assessed through pre- and post-training evaluation tests.
• Final workshop report submitted, including evaluation results and expert feedback.

Necessary Qualifications

• University or equivalent military institute degree in security studies, military affairs, international relations, arms control, defence management or a related field.
• Minimum 8 years of professional proven experience in military and security affairs and minimum 5 years of experience in the areas of securing SALW&CA, ammunition, strengthening arms control measures.
• Proven experience in designing and conducting training for military, law enforcement, or government personnel, particularly in the PSSM field.
• Demonstrated knowledge of national standards and good practices related to SALW&CA PSSM.
• Familiarity with relevant OSCE documents and commitments on SALW&CA and ammunition/explosives management.
• Experience in reviewing or supporting the development of national SALW&CA regulations, instructions or technical guidance in Central Asia is highly desirable.
• Previous engagement in SALW&CA-related capacity-building activities within an international or regional organization is highly desirable.
• Professional fluency in Russian and/or Tajik languages both oral and written; fluency in English would be an asset.
• Digital literacy and proficient use of Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint), internet.
• 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 a team, with people of different cultural and religious backgrounds, different gender, and diverse political views, while maintaining impartiality and objectivity.

Remuneration

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.