Security Expert – Election Observation Missions (SSAs)

Background:

This is a roster call to extend the pool of Security Experts for ODIHR Election Observation Missions. The Experts who were deployed on the ODIHR EOMs between 1 January 2023 until now do not need to re-apply.

This consultancy-based role is designed for temporary short-term assignments, to support OSCE/ODIHR short-term field missions.

The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) supports OSCE participating States in the implementation of their OSCE commitments in the human dimension through a range of mandate-related activities. These are primarily election observation activities, but may also encompass other brief activities, including assembly monitoring, and various other activities intended to fulfil these commitments. In this context, ODIHR engages Security experts (consultants) with recognized specialization in the area of personnel, asset, premises, and travel security to support the safe and effective conduct of field activities and to safeguard personnel, observers, and mission operations.

During their assignment, the selected security expert shall be directly subordinate to the relevant Head of Mission or the Head of Department for which the field activity is deployed, with dotted-line reporting to ODIHR’s Logistics and Security Officer (the office’s lead security official).

Objective of Assignment:

The objective of respective assignments is the provision of safety and security to mission members and the facilitation of ODIHR missions in the safest manner possible given the conditions.

Duration of Assignment:

Duration of the contract will vary depending on the length of the mission of assignment.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

Under the overall supervision of the «Title_Supervisor», the successful candidate will be tasked with the following duties:

1. Collects and assesses information on the situation in the country/ region of assignment with a focus on the safety and security of mission members and success of mission objectives.
2. Advises mission leadership on all security-related matters.
3. Develops procedures and protocols in accordance with the provisions of the OSCE Security Management System for the safe conduct of the mission.
4. Develops and maintains open lines of communication with ODIHR’s Logistics and Security Officer, security officer(s)/focal points for any local OSCE field operation, adjacent international organizations, and security attaches at relevant bilateral embassies of OSCE participating States.
5. Conducts continual assessments and analysis of field activities to proactively identify potential vulnerabilities.
6. Establishes the mission’s Area Security Management Team (ASMT) within the first two weeks of mission establishment. Advises the ASMT on all aspects of safety and security affecting the mission.
7. Depending on the security context of the country (as outlined in the relevant Security Risk Assessment (SRA)) in which the mission is established, elaborates an emergency evacuation plan to be implemented in the event of a major crisis, including open armed conflict and/or total collapse of governmental institutions and the rule of law.
8. Conducts formal evaluation of each potential venue to be selected for mission headquarters, conference and briefing venues with a focus on life safety installations and ease of evacuation in the event of an unanticipated emergency.
9. Support operations and procurement experts in finalizing security-compliant logistics and transport arrangements.
10. Ensures that fire detection devices and fire-fighting equipment are available in temporary office/premises. In the absence of a plan provided by the relevant property owner/manager, develops and maintains an effective office emergency/fire evacuation plan.
11. Maintains office security by ensuring the office selected provides adequate entry control and engages adequate guard forces (based on the specific risks of the environment).
12. Recruits and supervises Security Assistant(s) and Security Guards in close collaboration with operations, procurement, and human resources staff.
13. Establishes and maintains emergency communication means and protocols appropriate to the environment in which the mission is established.
14. Delivers professional and culturally competent security briefings appropriate to the environment to mission members, visitors, and partner organizations (e.g., parliamentary assemblies).
15. Validate routes for long-distance driving for security suitability and advises on access restrictions and high-risk areas.
16. Investigates incidents and accidents involving mission members, formulating reports with root-cause analysis, conclusions, and makes appropriate recommendations to mission leadership.
17. Contributes to internal mission reporting on security aspects and provide recommendations for improving security planning, deployment models, and coordination mechanisms.

Necessary Qualifications:

• First-level university degree in the field of intelligence, security management, emergency or crisis management, or an equivalent professional qualification from a recognized certification or diploma awarding body (e.g. ASIS International, or ISMI) and military or police educational institutions may be accepted in lieu of a university degree,
• Minimum seven years of relevant hands-on experience in security or crisis management,
• Experience protecting small-scale cash-in-transit operations.
• Thorough understanding of the concept of duty of care.
• At least two years of experience developing and formulating security protocols and plans.
• Ability and willingness to work long/irregular hours and under the pressure of short deadlines.
• Familiarity with secure communications, tracking, and reporting tools commonly used in international missions.
• Ability to assess physical security measures for offices, accommodation, and transport.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills, must be prepared and capable of delivering high quality, culturally competent security briefings to large and diverse audiences.
• At least two years of supervisory experience.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English; knowledge of local or regional languages relevant to the deployment context is a strong asset.
• Prior experience in OSCE/ODIHR missions or comparable international observation or field operations is a strong asset.
• Security management experience in a conflict/post-conflict environment with an international organization, non-governmental organization, or commercial corporation is an asset.
• Hostile Environment Training (HEAT) or similar training is an asset.
• Flexibility to respond to assignments on short notice as part of the roster;
• 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.

Remuneration Package:

Remuneration will be in accordance with established OSCE election consultancy rates. Coverage of travel expenses and a standard per diem will be provided by ODIHR, in accordance with OSCE travel policies.

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.

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: Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights
• Requisition ID: ODI000283
• Contract Type: Special Service Agreement (SSA) / Consultant
• Grade: No grade
• Job Type: Consultant
• Number of posts: roster
• Location: ODI - Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), Warsaw
• Issue Date: Mar 17, 2026
• Closing Date: Apr 7, 2026