Senior Adviser (P4)

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 enjoy equal status, and decisions are taken by consensus on a politically, but not legally binding basis.

The OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities (HCNM) promotes conflict prevention and integration of diverse societies. HCNM was established to identify and seek early resolution of ethnic tensions that might endanger peace, stability or friendly relations between OSCE participating States. Among the tools that the High Commissioner uses are recommendations to governments of OSCE participating States regarding the treatment of national minorities.

Senior Adviser supports the work of the High Commissioner as part of a dynamic team of political and legal advisers, project staff and administrators that values diversity. 

Tasks and Responsibilities:

Under the supervision of the Head of the South Eastern Europe and West Section (SEE and West Section), and in close coordination with the HCNM Director, the Senior Adviser will be performing the following duties:

1. Advising the High Commissioner on national minorities and other issues in his/her area of responsibility;  
2. Analyzing information related to national minorities and inter-ethnic relations in the assigned geographic region, determining issues, including thematic priorities that could lead to tensions and should be addressed, and formulating recommendations;    
3. Preparing briefing papers, speaking notes and background information in advance of High Commissioner visits and accompanying the High Commissioner on official visits as principal adviser;
4. Monitoring political and social developments, and preparing comprehensive analyses, notes and reports for the High Commissioner;  
5. Analyzing information related to national minorities – both country-specific and thematic – and recommending issues to be addressed by the High Commissioner;
6. Identifying areas, in consultation with the relevant project officers, where project activity can contribute to the fulfilment of the High Commissioner's mandate;
7. Establishing and maintaining contacts with international organizations, OSCE field operations and institutions with regard to national minority issues;
8. Representing the HCNM at seminars, conferences and meetings concerned with political, social and other issues relating to national minorities;
9. Performing other related duties asrequired.

For more detailed information on the work of the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities, please see: https://www.osce.org/hcnm.

Necessary Qualifications:

• Second-level university degree in Political Science, International Relations, International Law, Sociology, Public Administration or other related fields;
• A minimum of eight years of progressively responsible professional experience in dealing with minority issues and human rights, international relations, public administration, public policy, conflict prevention or other related fields, including  three  years at the international level;
• Thorough knowledge of international relations, diplomacy, European security issues, international law and human rights;
• Excellent analytical, planning and organizational  skills;
• Professional fluency in English, including excellent drafting skills; knowledge of local languages spoken in the assigned geographical area and/or other OSCE working languages, is an asset;
• Strong communication skills, resourcefulness, team spirit and initiative;
• Ability to work independently but also as part of a team;
• Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, and an ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with people of different cultural and religious backgrounds, different gender, and diverse political views, while remaining impartial and objective;
• Computer literate with practical experience using Microsoft applications.

Remuneration Package:

Monthly remuneration amounts to approximately EUR 9,100 per month depending on post adjustment and family status. OSCE salaries are exempt from taxation in the Netherlands. Social benefits will include possibility of participation in the Cigna medical insurance scheme and the OSCE Provident Fund. Other allowances and benefits are similar to those offered under the United Nations Common System.  Appointments are normally made at step 1 of the applicable OSCE salary scale. 

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, to offer an appointment at a lower grade or to offer an appointment with a modified job description or for a different duration. 

Only shortlisted  candidates will be contacted.

Please note that vacancies in the OSCE are open for competition only amongst nationals of participating States, please see https://www.osce.org/participating-states.

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.

The OSCE is a non-career organization committed to the principle of staff rotation, therefore the maximum period of service in this post is 7 years.

The mandatory retirement age at the OSCE is 65 years for contracted positions at the general service, professional and director level. The Organization shall apply an age limit of 63 years at the time of appointment as the incumbent selected is normally expected to carry out the contractual obligation of two years. 

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