Senior Adviser on New Voting Technologies

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 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.

Under the general guidance of the Head, Elections Department, the Senior Adviser on New Voting Technologies performs the following functions:

1. Taking part in needs assessment missions to recommend possible observation activities in OSCE participating States and follow-up missions to present ODIHR election reports to assess the respective participating State’s preparedness to implement ODIHR recommendations and to formulate a follow-up strategy for a given OSCE participating State;
2. Building institutional knowledge and capacity of the Elections Department in the field of new technologies applied to election processes;
3. Developing conceptual and practical approaches to new technologies applied to election processes as well as designing and implementing programmatic activities;
4. Providing advice to the Head, Elections Department on issues and developments related to the introduction and use of new technologies applied to elections, including electronic voting machines, Internet voting and their implications for the work of the Department;
5. Establishing and maintaining contacts with the academic, scientific and electoral communities that deal with these issues with a view to ensure optimal co-ordination with these actors;
6. Providing advice to the Elections Department staff on electoral issues, the formulation of ODIHR recommendations, content of election reports, good practices in electoral matters, reviews of election legislation and ongoing new and emerging challenges in the electoral field;
7. Organizing, attending and reporting on seminars and workshops, relevant to the work of the Department in the capacity of senior representative, including election observation and assessment missions as necessary;
8. Performing other duties as required.

For more detailed information on the structure and work of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, please see: http://www.osce.org/odihr.

• Second-level university degree in international relations, political sciences supplemented by studies in information and communication technologies, computer science or a related field is required;
• At least eight years (full-time equivalent) of progressively responsible professional experience, in the field of elections and/or information and technology, including two years of practical experience in new voting technologies, gained at a national or international level;
• Established experience with providing policy and strategic advice;
• Experience in researching and good drafting skills;
• Experience in project design and implementation;
• Professional fluency in the English language; knowledge of another OSCE language is desirable;
• Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, and an ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities;
• Excellent computer skills and understanding of modern technologies used during elections and ability to operate all Microsoft applications;
• Ability to work in a team and to establish and maintain effective working relationships with people of different national and cultural backgrounds.

• 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

• 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

• 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 and skill development opportunities

Monthly remuneration is approximately EUR 6,100 depending on post adjustment and family status. OSCE salaries are exempt from taxation in Poland. Social security will include participation in the Cigna International medical insurance scheme and OSCE Provident Fund maintained by the OSCE. 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.

Please note that appointments are normally made at step 1 of the applicable OSCE salary scale.

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

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

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

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 the OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application and review process.