OSCE: it is about people

We all know the OSCE as the world’s largest regional security organization, but it is primarily about the people, who stand behind a large organization, devoted to their mission, working for the benefit of the OSCE and Kyrgyzstan.

So is Bakyt Usenbaev, who has been part of the OSCE family for 20 years. He joyfully walks to the office every day to fulfil his role as the driver in the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek.

“Initially, I worked as a driver for a general, who headed the Internal Affairs Directorate of Bishkek. The work was difficult, sometimes even unsafe, with irregular schedule and frequent night calls,” recalls Bakyt. During those years, Bakyt showed himself well at work, and it came as a surprise when in 2003 the general offered Bakyt to join the OSCE’s police project in Kyrgyzstan.

Bakyt’s previous experience of military service helped a lot and, soon after passing the interview, he was offered the position of an OSCE field mission guard. "I have to say at the time I was a little worried about the proposed working conditions due to the nature of the project – I was offered a limited contract that was supposed to be renewed on a monthly basis," shared Bakyt. His earnings were the family’s main source of income, thus it was a difficult choice for Bakyt, as there was always a risk of staying unemployed the next month; nevertheless, the desire to gain experience in a large international organization prevailed.

In 2011, the risk was justified and Bakyt was offered the position of a full-time driver at the OSCE field mission in Bishkek. Working as a driver he travelled around Kyrgyzstan far and wide and visited different countries. “I have over 30 years of driving experience and I love it. I do not regret that I made the decision to stay in the OSCE,” smiles Bakyt. Most importantly, back then his family fully supported Bakyt in this decision.

“During the years with the OSCE I have learned so much about my homeland, as I visited different cities and provinces of Kyrgyzstan, and the country, indeed, has a lot of spectacular places,” says Bakyt. Usually, during a work trip that lasts couple of days Bakyt can cover distances of several thousand kilometres. He performs a responsible role and takes his colleagues to various provinces for work, "I understand that my colleagues' work is not easy, they need to focus on meetings and events, and the last thing I would like them to worry about is their safety on the road, that's my concern," proudly says Bakyt. Once, Bakyt and his fellow colleagues drove OSCE vehicles all the way from Turkey to Kyrgyzstan, travelling 5,000 kilometres.

Another time he took two foreign experts to the Toktogul hydroelectric power station in the south of Kyrgyzstan. Though the trip took place in early autumn, unexpectedly a lot of snow fell at a high pass located at 3,600 meters above sea level. Bakyt remembers they were stuck for eight hours, waiting for kilometres long line of cars to start moving. The situation was tense and both experts were deeply worried. “I reassured them by saying that our car had winter tires and we were safe, and though I said simple things to them I felt very confident and calm, and therefore my passengers soon felt relieved and calmed down. Then I realized that the driver’s mood can be transmitted to the passengers as well," Bakyt concluded.

According to Bakyt, constant maintenance of the car, compliance with traffic rules and speed limits, and preliminary preparation ensure the safety of every trip. “For all the time I worked as a driver, I have never even burst a tire,” laughs Bakyt.

"I like trips to provinces, but I also like working in Bishkek, because the schedule is comfortable and I have time to spend with my family during weekends." The family usually goes for a walk in parks, climb mountains, go skiing and skating, and in warm weather they ride horses and travel to the lake Issyk-Kul. “We started building our own house, so on the weekends I am also busy with construction works.”

Answering the question whether Bakyt still likes working for the OSCE, he says that he recommends it to everyone, since the working conditions are good, he goes to work and leaves on time, surrounded by a friendly team, has medical insurance, travels for business, meets new Kyrgyzstani and foreign colleagues, has little overtime, for which he always gets paid.

“I like my life here and want to stay in Kyrgyzstan, and I like working for the OSCE, I like the team and management, I do not plan on leaving,” concluded Bakyt.

If you liked Bakyt’s story and if you wish to become part of the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek, please visit this website to see all current vacancies and internship opportunities https://vacancies.osce.org.