Associate Programme Officer (P2)

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 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. 

This post is located in the Action against Terrorism Unit (ATU)/Transnational Threats Department (TNTD) within the OSCE Secretariat. The Unit is a focal point, information resource and implementation partner for OSCE counter-terrorism activities, following decisions of participating States taken at the Permanent Council and Ministerial Council meetings, having a prominent role the PC Decision No. 1063 on the “OSCE Consolidated Framework for the Fight against Terrorism”. The post is reporting directly to the Head of Anti-Terrorism Issues with guidance from the Senior Anti-Terrorism Adviser. While the incumbent does not have a supervisory role, the post facilitates effective communication and co-ordination within the Unit and across the OSCE's broader structure. 

Tasks and Responsibilities:

The incumbent shall contribute contribute to the implementation of anti-terrorism commitments by supporting the identification of areas of assistance; contributing to the development and implementation of project proposals and programmes; and facilitating interaction among participating States, including on technical assistance and co-operation. They implement and administer elements of the ATU’s programmatic portfolio by carrying out operational and technical activities essential to project delivery, including supporting administration and evaluation processes, facilitating deliverables, monitoring the work of external experts, and maintaining co-ordination with partners.

Working under the supervision of the Head of ATU, the Associate Programme Officer provides technical support on project implementation modalities and the planning and implementation of ATU activities, in close co-ordination with other OSCE executive structures and external partners. The role includes supporting the identification of priority areas and contributing to the development of operational actions related to TNTD/ATU activities, technical assistance, and project management, and contributing to the design and delivery of initiatives under both UB and ExB Projects. Through these responsibilities, the incumbent’s inputs support the effectiveness of TNTD/ATU actions and support the OSCE’s credibility among participating States and international organizations.

Under the overall supervision of the Head of Unit and the guidance of the Senior Anti-Terrorism Adviser, the successful candidate will be tasked with the following duties:

1.  Working in close co-operation with relevant ATU portfolio managers to support efficient responsiveness to OSCE commitments on countering the misuse of the internet for terrorist purposes, with particular focus on evolving technologies, generative Artificial Intelligence and broader threats emanating from the online space;

2. Collecting, analysing and synthesizing background information on the implementation of relevant OSCE counter-terrorism commitments and decisions to assess the broader policy and operational context, support programme and project planning, and avoid duplication of efforts;

3. Implementing and monitoring programmes and projects by facilitating delivery processes; identifying needs, challenges and follow-up actions; supporting the formulation of activities and outputs, including budget forecasting; and participating in the selection and monitoring of consultants, implementing partners and vendors;

4. Supporting policy development and capacity-building efforts by analysing counter-terrorism trends, including those linked to the misuse of digital platforms and emerging technologies; identifying areas for assistance, and providing technical expertise and support to participating States, OSCE executive structures and partners, as required; 

5. Drafting and contributing to project and policy documentation, including concept notes, background and justification sections, risk assessments, progress and evaluation reports, and inputs for programme monitoring, as well as contributing to the development of new actions and projecting revisions based on evolving needs and priorities;

6. Conducting monitoring and reporting activities by tracking implementation progress, expenditures and results; identifying issues; and suggesting corrective actions to ensure effective and timely delivery of project outputs;

7. Facilitating co-operation and co-ordination by organizing and supporting meetings, workshops, briefings and other activities, and by liaising with participating States, OSCE Institutions and Field Operations, and international partners to promote synergies, share best practices, in particular on addressing technology-related threats, and strengthen the OSCE’s role in counter-terrorism efforts;

8. Participating in formal and informal meetings and discussions, inside and outside the Organization, including technical working groups, and participating in engagements with representatives from participating States, the private sector and civil society on anti—terrorism related issues, with a special focus on emerging technologies, contributing to technical and thematic presentations on assigned topics/activities;

9. Performing other 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 first-level university degree in terrorism studies, international/political affairs, security, criminology, criminal justice or a closely related field, such as military science with pertinent concentration; 
• A minimum of four years (two years with a relevant second-level degree) of progressively responsible and relevant professional experience in security affairs, and at least two years with international organizations. Previous OSCE experience a distinct asset;
• Proven knowledge of challenges related to tackling terrorist use of the internet and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence is a significant asset;
• Experience working in the UN-system or other international organizations is a distinct asset;
• Proven knowledge of counter-terrorism issues or the OSCE relevant counter-terrorism areas (prevention, rule of law, terrorism financing, critical infrastructure protection desirable);
• Demonstrated ability to foresee risks, anticipate conflicts and propose solutions;
• Professional fluency in English with excellent communication (both oral and written) skills; 
• Working level oral and written communication skills in Russian is highly desirable;  
• Working knowledge of at least one other language from the OSCE region is an asset;
• 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 literate with practical experience using Microsoft applications.

Remuneration Package:

Monthly remuneration is around EUR 6,100, 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.