Olga Jukova

Please tell us about your professional background. Where have you worked before coming to the OSCE and what did you do?

I started my career at the Ministry of Energy, where I applied my technical education to work with figures and finance. When I saw an OSCE vacancy in Tashkent in the early 2000s, I was eager to apply, as it aligned with my skillset and presented an opportunity to grow within an international organization. My initial role as a finance assistant laid the groundwork for my later achievements, eventually becoming one of the first Chief of Fund Administrators (CFAs) in the OSCE.

What’s your academic background? How does it align with the career you developed?

I graduated from Technical University with a focus on technical studies, which prepared me for roles that require a strong analytical and numerical foundation. My academic background made me comfortable working with figures, an essential part of my early role with the OSCE. Over time, I pursued further training in management, finance, human resources, and professional procurement, including CIPS certification, allowing me to expand into managerial and strategic responsibilities within the OSCE.

Where are you based now and what do you like most about your current job at the OSCE?

I have worked in various OSCE locations (Tashkent, Yerevan, Kyiv, Pristina and Bishkek) as local and international CFA, where I found ways to enhance efficiency of administrative processes through streamlining procedures and improving controls over the expenditures. Currently based in in the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan, I enjoy the OSCE's openness to innovation. It’s fulfilling to implement ideas that support productivity, enhance operational efficiency, and make a tangible difference in the organization. My professional and dedicated colleagues I’ve been working with in all OSCE Field Operations, is something I highly value.

What type of advice would you give to applicants considering international civil service?

International civil service demands adaptability and a readiness to embrace change. For those considering this path, I would emphasize the importance of flexibility and a willingness to learn new skills—whether in finance, management, or other fields that might not be directly related to your primary role. Building resilience is key, as is being proactive in finding ways to improve efficiency and support colleagues. Finally, the satisfaction that comes from making a difference in an international context makes the effort worthwhile.