Co-ordinator of Activities to Address Transnational Threats (D1)

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, 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 Transnational Threats Department (TNTD) was created in the OSCE Secretariat as per Ministerial Council Decision MC.DEC/9/11 with a view to ensuring better co-ordination, strengthened coherence of action and more efficient use of OSCE’s resources in addressing transnational threats. It supports the Secretary General in functioning as the focal point of the Organization-wide programmatic activities that relate to countering transnational threats and in ensuring co- ordination and coherence of action across all three dimensions and among all OSCE executive structures, while respecting their mandates.

The Department comprises the Co-ordination Cell (CC), the Strategic Police Matters Unit (SPMU), the Action against Terrorism Unit (ATU), and the Border Security and Management Unit (BSMU).

Tasks and Responsibilities:

Reporting directly to the Secretary General and as part of the OSCE’s senior leadership team, you will provide strategic vision and leadership for the Transnational Threats Department in a complex, fast-evolving security environment.

Your key duties will include:

1.    Leadership & Management

•    Lead and manage TNTD, ensuring effective planning, delivery, and evaluation of its work programme.
•    Enhance OSCE’s effectiveness in addressing transnational threats by providing strategic advice on major policy issues and operational improvements.

2.    Advising the Secretary General
•    Support co-ordination across OSCE executive structures, with a focus on empowering field operations in the area of addressing transnational threats (TNT).
•    Provide expert guidance on the full TNT mandate, including complex and sensitive issues.
•    Contribute to high-level reports to participating States on OSCE-wide TNT efforts.
•    Represent OSCE at senior-level meetings and TNT forums, as requested.

3.    People & Culture
•    Foster an inclusive, collaborative, and motivating work environment.
•    Promote diversity and inclusion in all departmental activities.

4.    Policy & Decision-Making
•    Contribute to and follow up on TNT-related decisions by participating States.
 

5.    Stakeholder Engagement
•    Strengthen internal co-ordination and collaboration across OSCE structures.
•    Lead OSCE engagement with international and regional organizations to enhance joint action on TNT.

6.    Other Duties
•    Perform additional tasks as required by the Secretary General.

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

Necessary Qualifications:

• Advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in political science, international relations, law, public administration, or a related field; or equivalent relevant work experience, such as being a career ambassador.  A first level degree, in combination with a recognized professional certification and relevant extensive professional experience, may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree;
• A minimum of 12 years of progressively responsible professional experience in international affairs, security policy, law enforcement co-operation, or transnational threat management;
• Political sensitivity, mature judgment and strong analytical and negotiation skills;
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and manage complex programmes;
• Experience integrating emerging technologies, including AI and data analytics, into security policy;
• Familiarity with digital trends relevant to security and transnational threat management;
• Knowledge of OSCE structures and consensus-based processes is an asset;
• Strong background in working with civil society, regional organisations, and diverse stakeholders;
• Excellent strategic thinking, political judgement, and negotiation skills;
• Proven leadership and change management abilities;
• High proficiency in communication and cross-cultural collaboration;
• Demonstrated accountability, initiative, and problem-solving capability;
• 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;
• Commitment to diversity, gender equality, and staff development;  
• Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, and an ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities;
• Professional fluency in English with outstanding drafting and communication skills; working knowledge of at least one other language from the OSCE region is an asset;
• Proficiency in modern office software and collaboration tools; 
• Ability to operate Windows applications including word processing, internet and other software applications; 

The OSCE is committed to gender equality and female candidates are encouraged to apply for this position.

Remuneration Package:

Monthly remuneration is around EUR 12,900, 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 4 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.