Project Officer (P3)

Background:

This is an extra-budgetary position. The initial contract will be for one year, renewable until the project ends. The expected duration of the project is until March 2028, and the selected candidate should commit to being available for the duration of the project.

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 Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) is the principal institution of the OSCE responsible for the human dimension. ODIHR is active throughout the OSCE area in the fields of election observation, democratic development, human rights, tolerance and non-discrimination, and the rule of law. ODIHR's assistance projects and other activities are implemented in participating States in accordance with ODIHR's mandate.

The post is located in the Tolerance and Non-Discrimination Department within ODIHR The Tolerance and Non-Discrimination Department works in the areas of preventing and responding to hate crimes; combating racism and xenophobia, anti-Semitism, intolerance against Muslims, Christians and members of other religions; and fostering mutual respect and understanding through society. The post is located within the extra-budgetary (ExB) project "Pathways to Resilience and Inclusion" that is currently envisaged to last two years. In addition to this post, the project also comprises the following ExB posts: Associate Project Officer, P2, Dialogue and Associate Project Officer, Security P2.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

The Project Officer plays a pivotal role in the comprehensive management of the project, supervising two project team members and ensuring the successful practical and financial implementation, monitoring, evaluation and reporting of the project. Under the supervision of the Head, Tolerance and Non-Discrimination Department, the incumbent performs the following duties:

1. Planning and co-ordinating project activities by developing and overseeing project workplans and timelines in consultation with TND management, professional and administrative staff, and project stakeholders; overseeing all financial, administrative and organizational activities related to the project; 
2. Identifying and engaging external experts and consultants, assigning and supervising tasks, and evaluating deliverables; maintaining regular communication with management and identifying areas requiring strategic input; 
3. Leading on project implementation and oversight by ensuring timely delivery of project outputs and monitoring progress against objectives and key performance indicators, making adjustments as necessary; 
4. Conducting analysis and supporting project development by analysing regional developments and practices relevant to the project, and identifying issues and opportunities for ODIHR engagement; 
5. Preparing talking points, speeches and background materials.

Necessary qualifications:

• First-level university degree in human rights, international relations, development studies or education; 
• At least 7 years (5 years with relevant second-level university degree) of relevant professional experience in the field of human rights, anti-discrimination, and/or hate crime/security; 
• Demonstrated experience in managing teams, project management and monitoring of projects, in particular donor-funded projects; 
• Proven experience of budgetary oversight and financial planning; 
• Proven experience of leading the implementation of dialogue initiatives, educational projects, training programmes, and/or projects to advance institutional co-ordination and capacity-building; 
• Proven experience of working with state authorities, civil society groups, representatives of diverse communities; 
• Understanding of hate crime and the impact on individuals, communities and societies; 
• Excellent analytical, drafting and research skills; 
• Ability to work with minimal supervision, under time pressure and with tight deadlines; 
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with people of different national and cultural backgrounds; 
• Gender awareness and sensitivity, and an ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities; 
• Ability to operate Windows applications, including Microsoft Office software.

Remuneration Package:

Monthly remuneration is approximately EUR 7,100 depending on post adjustment and family status. OSCE salaries are exempt from taxation in Poland. Social benefits will include participation in the Cigna medical insurance scheme and the OSCE Provident Fund. The Organization contributes an amount equivalent to 15% of the employee's salary to this Fund and the employee contributes 7.5%. 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.

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.