Background:
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 (pS) enjoy equal status, and decisions are taken by consensus on a politically, but not legally binding basis.
The Transnational Threats Department works on addressing transnational threats to security in the areas of countering terrorism, enhancing Border Security and Management, policing matters as well as enhancing cyber/ICT security. Through its Cyber Security Officer acts as focal point for cyber/ICT security related issues for all 57 participating States, the Secretary General, OSCE executive structures as well as the Chairmanship in Office and the Chair of the Informal Working Group (IWG) set up pursuant to PC.DEC/1039. A particular focus is on the implementation of cyber Confidence-Building Measures (CBMs).

A dedicated ExB project has been set up to support the implementation of CBM No. 3 and CBM No. 15, specifically on crisis communication procedures, crisis management and the classification of information communication technology (ICT) incidents in terms of the scale and seriousness of the incident. Additionally, it aims to raise State’s capacities to deal with significant cyber/ICT security incidents in an effective way. This will be achieved through:

• combination of best practice analysis;
• best-practice exchange workshops for OSCE participating States on incident severity scales usage;
• development of country specific incident severity scales and implementation workshops;
• development of a handbook on the development and implementation of national cyber incident classification.

Objective of Assignment:
The consultant will be hired to support the development of a handbook on the development and implementation of national cyber incident classification by conducting an analysis of the current cyber incident severity scales landscape of the OSCE participating States as well as conducting analysis of the outcomes of sub-regional and customized workshops previously conducted within the project.
Duration of Assignment:
The duration of the consultancies will depend on specific activity.
Tasks and Responsibilities:

Under the supervision of the TNTD/CC, more specifically under the supervision of the Cyber Security Officer, the Project Manager, and by substantive technical guidance of the Project Assistant, the consultant will be tasked with the following:

• Conducting an analysis of the current cyber incident severity scales landscape of the OSCE participating States.
• Based on an input provided by TNTD, conducting analysis of the outcomes of sub-regional and customized workshops previously delivered within the project.
• Contributing to the preparation of a handbook on the development and implementation of national cyber incident classification.

Deliverables:

• Regular briefings with the Project manager and the Project Assistant
• Handbook on the development and implementation of national cyber incident classification

Necessary Qualifications:

• First-level university degree in the field of computer science, information and communication technology, other cybersecurity related field, specialized training in cybersecurity with a professional certification, or in international relations with a proven understanding of cybersecurity topics;
• Minimum 6 years of professional/working national and/or international experience in the field of cybersecurity;
• Knowledge of policy and practical challenges in cybersecurity in the context of critical infrastructure protection (OSCE cyber/ICT security CBM 15)
• Professional fluency in the English language, both oral and written, including excellent communication and drafting skills;
• Digital literacy and proficient use of Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint), internet;
• Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, an ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities;
• Previous experience in international capacity-building assistance, with the OSCE or other international organizations would be an asset.

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.
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 be aware that the OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application and review process.

• Issued by: OSCE Secretariat
• Requisition ID: SEC000805
• Contract Type: Special Service Agreement (SSA) / Consultant
• Grade: No grade
• Job Level: Professional
• Job Type: Consultant
• Number of posts: Roster Call
• Location: SEC - OSCE Secretariat, Vienna
• Issue Date: Apr 30, 2025
• Closing Date: May 13, 2025
• Employee Status: Short-Term
• Schedule: Part-time
• Education Level: Bachelor’s Degree (First-level university degree or equivalent)
• Target Start Date: As soon as possible

Please refer the Job description for details