Associate Policy Support Officer

The OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities (HCNM) was established in 1992 to identify and seek early resolution of ethnic tensions that might endanger peace, stability or friendly relations between OSCE participating States.

HCNM is seeking an Associate Policy Support Officer to advise the High Commissioner on thematic developments within the OSCE region contributing to the formulation of relevant policy advice and taking charge of the development and implementation of projects in support of HCNM's conflict prevention mandate. Under the direct supervision of the Director, the incumbent of the job advises on thematic issues to be addressed, provides guidance on the implementation of thematic activities, and co-ordinates thematic related activities.

More specifically, as Associate Policy Support Officer, your duties will include the following:

1. Advising the High Commissioner on thematic issues affecting national minority issues in the OSCE area;
2. Analysing information affecting national minorities in the OSCE area, determining thematic issues that should be addressed and formulating recommendations for follow-up;
3. Disseminating HCNM thematic recommendations and guidelines;
4. Developing project proposals, identifying and guiding possible implementing partners;
5. Implementing, monitoring, evaluating and reporting on project implementation;
6. Overseeing project expenditure and ensuring compliance with budget and donor requirements;
7. Reporting to donors and internal partners, including the drafting of financial report narratives;
8. Organizing and evaluating conferences, seminars, and training programmes;
9. Accompanying the High Commissioner on visits, preparing briefing notes, and ensuring follow-up;
10. Co-ordinating the organization of thematic events;
11. Maintaining contact with governmental and international organizations, such as the Council of Europe, the EU, the Eurasian Union, and the UN and its specialized agencies) on issues pertaining to national minorities;
12. Exchanging views with academic and specialized institutions, and participating in missions of experts;
13. Perfoming other duties as assigned.

For more detailed information on the structure and work of the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities, please see https://www.osce.org/hcnm

• First-level university degree in project management, political science, international relations, international law, sociology or another related field;
• A minimum of four years of progressively responsible professional experience in dealing with minority issues, international relations, public administration or other related fields, including project management experience and experience in the results-based management of international, development, conflict prevention or public administration projects, including at least three years in the international sphere;
• A sound understanding of the political context in the relevant region, preferably with specialised  knowledge of inter-ethnic relations and minority issues;
• Proven knowledge and understanding of project management concepts, including project management cycle;
• Professional fluency in English, with excellent oral and written communication skills;
• Resourcefulness, team spirit and initiative;
• Ability to work independently, but also as part of a team, and to cope with a varied workload;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with people of different cultural and religious backgrounds, different gender, and diverse political views, while remaining impartial and objective;
• Ability to operate Windows applications including word processing and email.

• 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 4,690, depending on post adjustment and family status. OSCE salaries are exempt from taxation in the Netherlands. 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.

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.