Adviser Gender Issues

This position is open for secondment only and participating States are kindly reminded that all costs in relation to assignment at the Secretariat must be borne by their authorities. Candidates should, prior to applying, verify with their respective nominating authority to which extent financial remuneration and/or benefit packages will be offered. Seconded staff members in the OSCE Secretariat and Institutions are not entitled to a Board and Lodging Allowance payable by the Organization.

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 activities, serving as a focal point for liaison and support to the Chairperson-in-Office, and co-ordinating tasks across the Secretariat and Executive structures. The OSG ensures effective co-ordination of policy advice provided to the Secretary General and the Chairmanship, and management decisions taken by the Secretary General.

The Gender Section supports the efforts of the OSCE Secretary General to ensure a continuous and sustainable gender mainstreaming process across the Organization.  It supports the full implementation of the 2004 Action Plan for the Promotion of Gender Equality, as well as other gender-related commitments undertaken by the OSCE participating States. It assists and advises the OSCE Chair in Office and the OSCE Structures in the implementation of the Action Plan by providing technical assistance for the mainstreaming of gender in all activities, policies, programmes and projects. The Gender Section/OSG also designs and implements projects and activities that are strategically important for advancing the implementation of the OSCE commitments in the field of gender equality.

Currently male staff in the Gender Section are underrepresented. Nominations of male candidates would be strongly encouraged for this opportunity.

Under the supervision of the Senior Adviser on Gender Issues, and the direct supervision of the Senior Co-ordination Adviser, the selected candidate will provide programmatic expertise and follow-up in the thematic area of mainstreaming gender in OSCE programmes, projects, and activities, in particular those dedicated to economic and environmental security.   More specifically, the Adviser on Gender Issues will perform the following duties:

• Providing knowledge and expertise to departments at the OSCE Secretariat,  Institutions and field operations on  the development of a consistent and systematic approach to integrating a gender perspective in their programmes and projects, especially in the second dimension (economic and environmental affairs) of the OSCE’s comprehensive security work and in compliance with the following documents:
  • the OSCE Action Plan for the Promotion of Gender Equality (MC.DEC/14/04);
  • MC.DEC/15/05 on Women in Conflict Prevention, Crisis Management and Post-Conflict Rehabilitation;
  • MC.DEC/15/05 and MC.DEC/07/14 on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women;
  • MC.DEC/07/09 on Women’s Participation in Political and Public Life; and
  • MC.DEC/10/11 on Promoting Equal Opportunity for Women in the Economic Sphere and other relevant MC Decisions;
  •  
• Assisting OSCE Secretariat departments, field operations, and Institutions in designing and implementing projects and promoting the inclusion of a gender perspective in comprehensive security, with focus on economic and environmental activities; monitoring their implementation within the framework of OSCE standards and the framework of the 2004 Action Plan for the Promotion of Gender Equality and relevant Ministerial Decisions;
• Providing technical expertise and inputs on priority issues of gender mainstreaming, including to senior management, with focus on economic and environmental issues and liaising, consulting and co-operating with the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities (OCEEA);
• Contributing to briefings, proposals and reports, including the OSCE Annual Progress Report on gender equality, in all areas of the second dimension, while collaborating with all relevant Secretariat departments, Institutions and field operations;
• Drafting talking points for OSCE senior management and statements/speeches for the Senior Adviser on Gender Issues with a focus on economic and environmental  gender and security issues;
• Developing and implementing capacity building materials and activities on gender mainstreaming for the OSCE executive structures;
• Participating in capacity building of Gender Focal Points and OSCE staff in promoting networking and dissemination of good practices;
• Promoting the utilization of instruments for gender mainstreaming, co-ordinating and enhancing the exchange of information and best practices on promoting gender equality in OSCE’s work and among the participating States, in the areas identified in the 2004 Action Plan; 
• Liaising with relevant international and regional organizations;
• Representing the Senior Adviser on Gender Issues in meetings and conferences, as required;
• Performing other related duties, such as preparing fact sheets on gender related topics and drafting press releases, as required.

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

• First-level university degree in gender studies, international relations, political  sciences, economics, environmental sciences or other relevant field;
• A minimum of six years of professional experience in gender issues, human rights, economic or environmental issues;
• Solid experience in programme management in bi- or multi-lateral development organizations, including field operations;
• Solid knowledge and awareness of international texts  and conventions related to gender equality, especially the Women, Peace and Security Agenda, and concepts of technical co-operation in this field;
• Knowledge of the OSCE related economic and environmental  commitments and fields of expertise would be an asset;
• Proven ability to analyse and evaluate critical matters in the field of gender equality,  preferably in economic and environmental issues, and to design strategies to address them;
• Professional fluency and excellent drafting skills in English; knowledge of other OSCE working languages, especially Russian, would be an asset;
• Computer literacy;
• Demonstrated experience in integrating a gender perspective into tasks and activities;
• Ability and willingness to work as a member of a team, with people of different cultural and religious backgrounds, different gender, and diverse political views, while maintaining impartiality and objectivity.

If you wish to apply for this position, please use the OSCE's online application link found under https://jobs.osce.org.

The OSCE retains the discretion to re-advertise the vacancy, to cancel the recruitment, to offer an appointment with a modified job description or for a different duration.

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

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages the nomination of qualified female and male candidates from all religious, ethnic and social backgrounds.

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

Please apply to your relevant authorities several days prior to the deadline expiration to ensure timely processing of your application. Delayed nominations will not be considered.

Required competencies   

Core values

• Commitment: Actively contributes to achieving organizational goals

• Diversity: Respects others and values their diverse perspectives and contributions

• Integrity: Acts in a manner consistent with the Organization’s core values and organizational principles

• Accountability: Takes responsibility for own action and delegated work

Core competencies

• Communication: Actively works to achieve clear and transparent communication with colleagues and with stakeholders of the Organization

• Collaboration: Works effectively with others on common goals and fosters a positive, trust-based working environment

• Planning: Works towards the achievement of goals in a structured and measured manner

• Analysis and decision-making: Analyses available information, draws well-founded conclusions and takes appropriate decisions

• Initiative-taking: Proposes and initiates new ideas, activities and projects

• Flexibility: Responds positively and effectively to changing circumstances

Managerial competencies (for positions with managerial responsibilities)

• Leadership: Provides a clear sense of direction, builds trust and creates an enabling environment

• Strategic thinking: Identifies goals that advance the organizational agenda and develops plans for achieving them

• Managing performance: Helps to maximize team performance by providing active feedback