Associate Project Officer on Youth and Security (P1)

Background:

Please note that this position is funded under an Extra-Budgetary (ExB) project titled "Accelerating the Implementation of the Youth and Security Agenda in the OSCE Region", which is expected to run until 31 December 2027, subject to the funds’ availability.

The contract duration will be from 01 June 2026 to until 30 November 2026; extension of contract is subject to funding availability.

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 Office of the Secretary General (OSG) plays a key role in supporting the Secretary General in the effective implementation of his/her mandate and specific tasks given to him/her by the OSCE participating States. This includes primarily assisting the Secretary General in his/her activities, serving as a focal point for liaison and support to the Chairperson-in-Office, and coordinating tasks across the Secretariat. It groups horizontal services such as Executive Management, Communications and Media Relations, Legal Services, External Co-operation, Security Management, Gender Issues, Conference and Language Services, Central Records Management, and oversees the OSCE Documentation Centre in Prague (DCiP). The OSG ensures effective coordination of policy advice provided to the Secretary General and the Chairmanship, and management decisions taken by the Secretary General. The OSG is led by a Director who also functions as the Head of Executive Management.

This post is part of the OSG/Executive Management extra-budgetary project "Accelerating the Implementation of the Youth and Security Agenda in the OSCE Region", which aims to advance efforts of OSCE participating States and Executive Structures in the implementation of the Youth and Security Agenda. The Project highlights young people's positive contributions to peace and security in the three dimensions of comprehensive security.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

Associate Project Officer on Youth and Security will work under direct supervision of the Senior Adviser to the OSCE Secretary General and will support him/her with the implementation of the Extra-Budgetary project. The selected candidate will co-ordinate the implementation of designed/ planned project activities and the communication/ exchange with the OSCE Chairpersonship, OSCE Institutions, OSCE Executive Structures, OSCE participating States and external partners on Youth and Security.

More specifically, the incumbent will be tasked with the following:

1. Developing, designing and implementing project activities on Youth and Security Agenda and co-ordinating the activities implementation with relevant stakeholders and beneficiaries, including Chairpersonship, OSCE participating States, OSCE Executive Structures and young experts/ professionals;
2. Maintaining the operational work and communication with the OSCE Pool of Young Experts;
3. Monitoring project progress in close co-ordination with the Senior Adviser to the Secretary General, drafting project progress reports, other narrative and financial reports on the implementation of the ExB project;
4. Supporting the policy work on youth-related matters, including drafting talking points, background papers, non-papers and statements/speeches on youth-related issues for the benefit of the Senior Management;
5. Supporting work to advance efforts of OSCE participating States and Executive Structures in the implementation of the Youth and Security Agenda in the region;
6. Contributing to information sharing and exchange of good practices on youth and security within the OSCE, and among participating States, with other international and regional organizations, and civil society, including with youth organizations;
7. Representing the OSCE in meetings, conferences, seminars and academic fora as appropriate, including by giving speeches and presentations, and taking notes and drafting reports;
8. Performing other related duties as required.

For more detailed information on the structure and work of the OSCE Secretariat, please see https://www.osce.org/secretariat

Necessary Qualifications:

• A second-level university degree in international relations, law, social or political science, public administration, security studies or another related field. A first-level university degree in the same fields, in combination with two additional years of relevant experience will be accepted in lieu of the second-level university degree;

• A specialization in youth and security would be an asset;

• An advanced degree in the afore-mentioned spheres is desirable;

• A minimum of one year (two years with a relevant first-level university degree) of professional-level experience in international relations and political affairs work at national or international levels;

• Knowledge and previous experience in youth and security work;

• A minimum of two years of experience in project and budget management;

• Ability to work under pressure and tight deadlines;

• Ability to speak in the official OSCE language would be an asset;

• Professional fluency in English with excellent communication (both oral and written) skills; professional knowledge of other OSCE languages is desirable;

• Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, and an ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities;

• Ability and willingness to work as a member of team, with people of different cultural, and religious backgrounds, different gender, and diverse political views, while maintaining impartiality and objectivity;

• Computer literacy with practical experience using Microsoft applications.

Remuneration Package:

Monthly remuneration is around EUR 4,790 with the actual monthly salary depending on post adjustment and family status. OSCE salaries are exempt from taxation in Austria. 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. In exceptional cases, an initial appointment at up to Step 3 may be considered. This depends on factors such as relevant experience exceeding minimum requirements or higher previous remuneration. Any such request by a candidate must be reviewed and approved by the OSCE before the appointment

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 those candidates who are selected to participate in the subsequent stages of recruitment will be contacted.

Candidates interviewed and found suitable in the recruitment process for this vacancy notice will be placed on a roster of suitable candidates (valid for three years) for fixed-term posts, should a suitable opportunity arise. The placement on a roster does not guarantee a future appointment or assignment.

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.

Please be aware that OSCE appointments are subject to medical clearance. 

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 62 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.