Chief, Situation/communications Room

Background:
This position is open for secondment only and participating States are kindly reminded that all costs in relation to an assignment at the Secretariat must be borne by their authorities.

The OSCE has a comprehensive approach to security that encompasses politico-military, economic and environmental, and human aspects. It therefore addresses a wide range of security-related concerns, including arms control, confidence
- and security-building measures, human rights, combating human trafficking, national minorities, democratization, policing strategies, counter-terrorism and economic and environmental activities. All 57 participating States enjoy equal status, and decisions are taken by consensus on a politically, but not legally binding basis.

The OSCE Secretariat in Vienna assists the Chairpersonship in its activities, and provides operational and administrative support to the field operations, and, as appropriate, to other institutions.

The Conflict Prevention Centre (CPC) plays a key role in supporting and co-ordinating the OSCE's activities in the field, in providing analysis and policy advice to the Secretary General (SG) and the Chairpersonship, in leading work on all aspects of the conflict cycle, and in supporting the various formats dealing with protracted conflicts. The CPC also serves as the focal point in the Secretariat for co-ordinating and developing the OSCE's role in the politico-military dimension.

Within the CPC, the Operations Service covers a broad variety of tasks such as operational planning for the set-up, reorganization, and closure of field operations. It provides strategic advice and analysis on conflict cycle issues, including early warning, early action, conflict prevention, crisis management, conflict resolution, mediation, dialogue facilitation and mediation support, post-conflict rehabilitation and peacebuilding. It also contributes to the preservation of key institutional memory through the development and exchange of lessons learned and best practices, and maintains a 24/7 Situation/Communications Room. In its efforts, it ensures operational liaison with other international organizations.

Tasks and Responsibilities:
The Chief of the SitRoom reports directly to Deputy Director of the CPC for Operations Service, while the Director of the CPC/Deputy Head of the OSCE Secretariat is the second level supervisor.

Internally, the Chief of the SitRoom interacts closely with all SitRoom staff to manage their work. The Chief interacts with OSCE senior management, including the Director of the CPC and the SG, for management, co-ordination, and information sharing, in particular related to crises. The Chief interacts also with all sections of the CPC and relevant departments of the OSCE Secretariat. Other interactions include OSCE institutions and thematic units of the Secretariat, as appropriate, to exchange information.

Externally, the Chief of the SitRoom interacts with representatives of the Chairpersonship, other participating States, and Partners for Co-operation to provide briefings on the SitRoom’s activities. The Chief also interacts with other international organizations and their crisis rooms exchange information and lessons learned.

More specifically, the Chief, SitRoom will perform the following tasks:

- Managing all operational and administrative matters related to the SitRoom, including planning, co-ordination and daily prioritization of SitRoom tasks; providing clear guidance and ensuring effective information sharing with duty officers related to all aspects of the SitRoom's work, in particular given the virtual nature of the team, which works in a shift system;
- Supervising seven general service staff, as well as any temporary staff, interns and JPOs, including all aspects of performance management; participating in recruitment processes for new SitRoom staff; drafting and issuing guidelines to ensure a high standard of daily work, approving shift rosters, reviewing and revising SitRoom working methods, and updating Standing Operating Procedures, as required;
- Closely monitoring crises and emergencies to ensure the rapid and effective response of the SitRoom in delivering timely and efficient support; overseeing the output of the daily morning, afternoon and special news briefs, regional/thematic compilations, and calendars of upcoming events, by ensuring that deadlines are met, quality is high, and feedback is provided for corrective action, if required;
- Carrying out all tasks of Duty Officer, as required, including, compiling all SitRoom products/briefs/compilations; conducting directed research; acting as a primary point of contact outside normal working hours; performing a liaison role in crisis and security situations, and providing administrative support, as required; providing a surge capacity by performing (additional) shifts during crises and unforeseen absences in the team, as required;
- Regularly reviewing and updating SitRoom proced