Director of the CPC/Deputy Head of the OSCE Secretariat

The OSCE has co-operative and comprehensive approach to security that encompasses politico-military, economic and environmental, and human dimension aspects. It therefore addresses a wide range of security-related concerns, including arms control, confidence- and security-building measures, human rights, freedom of media, protection of national minorities, democratization, rule of law, policing strategies, border management, 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 Conflict Prevention Centre (CPC) plays a key role in supporting and co-ordinating the OSCE's activities aimed at reducing tensions, responding to conflict situations and providing support in addressing the root causes of conflicts and instability through structural prevention and peacebuilding. It facilitates the work of OSCE field operations, provides analysis and policy advice to the Secretary General and the Chairperson-in-Office; leads Organization’s activities in developing and implementing conflict cycle toolbox and supporting various negotiating formats and special/personal representatives dealing with protracted conflicts. The CPC also serves as the focal point in the Secretariat for co-ordinating and developing OSCE's role in the politico-military dimension and supporting the work of the OSCE Forum for Security Co-operation (FSC).

The OSCE is committed to gender equality. This is a senior management role and females are currently underrepresented in senior management grades. Female candidates are therefore encouraged to apply.

The Director of the Conflict Prevention Centre/Deputy Head of the OSCE Secretariat is responsible for planning, co-ordinating and directing field-related activities and activities related to politico-military aspects of security. He/she co-ordinates effective application of the OSCE conflict cycle toolbox encompassing early warning, conflict prevention, risk reduction, crisis management and post-conflict rehabilitation as well as supports enhancement and use of the Organization’s mediation and dialogue facilitation capabilities as mandated by the relevant OSCE decisions and commitments. He/she also serves as the focal point in the Secretariat in relation to all politico-military matters and co-ordinates support to the proceedings of the OSCE Forum for Security Co-operation by providing advice and facilitating the work of  the FSC Chairmanship and the Troika. He/she oversees the programmatic activities of the CPC, with respect to development and implementation of programmes and projects managed by CPC. He/she co-ordinates activities of the CPC as the focal point for effective programme and project management and implementation of the Organization’s project management methodology and tools.

In line with the above summary, as a part of the senior executive leadership team, under the guidance of the Secretary General, you will be responsible for:

1. Supervising and directing the work of the Policy Support Service, the Operations Service and the Situation/Communications Room, the Programming and Evaluation Support Unit, the Forum for Security Co-ordination Support Section and the Communications Network;
2. Assisting the Secretary General and the Chairperson-in-Office by providing support, policy advice and operational guidance and serving as the main contact point for the Heads of the OSCE Missions with regard to the planning of their field activities, the implementation of their mandates, the daily facilitation of operations and reporting on activities of the field operations and improved efficiency thereof;
3. Representing the Secretary General at external events and internal functions, as required;
4. Providing policy analysis and advice, facilitating finalization and circulation of reports from field operations and co-ordinating requests for inputs to surveys as well as factual information;
5. Assisting field operations throughout the budget cycle, and in relation to project activities, with a view to ensuring appropriate co-ordination;
6. Overseeing the planning and deployment of new OSCE field operations as well as surge activities or sudden enhancements in existing missions in response to crisis situations; co-ordinating support to the field operations in case of change of their mandates or decision about their closure;
7. Leading activities aimed at strengthening the Organization’s mediation and dialogue facilitation capacities and their effective use in support of respective negotiation formats, representatives, field operations and institutions. Taking the lead in drawing lessons and developing best practices from OSCE operations and thematic activities in the area of mediation support and dialogue facilitation;
8. Supporting the activities of the OSCE FSC, its Chair and the Troika, inter alia, by monitoring the implementation of Confidence and Security Building Measures (CSBM), by assisting in the implementation of project activities in the politico-military area and managing the OSCE Communications Network (including the Chairmanship of the OSCE Communications Group);
9. Overseeing CPC’s role as the Organization’s focal point for supporting the development and management of programmes and projects and ensuring effective implementation of project management methodology and tools building the capacity of staff in this area through coaching and training;
10. Maintaining and further enhancing communication, practical co-operation and operational contacts with partner organizations and institutions in the areas of competence;
11. Representing the CPC at various conferences, seminars and other events and actively promoting the role of the Organization in the entrusted areas of competence, particularly regarding conflict prevention and conflict management as well as politico-military aspects of security;
12. Performing other related duties as assigned.

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

• Second-level university degree in political science, law, international relations, history or related field; a first-level university degree in combination with two years of additional qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the second-level university degree;
• A minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible professional experience in government or national administration, at least seven years of which at the international level;
• Experience at the senior management and policy making level;
• Ability to effectively co-ordinate activities of several work units to achieve overall objectives; ability to lead, motivate and supervise staff;
• Knowledge of the past and present functioning and activities of the OSCE particularly with respect to its conflict cycle toolkit and the politico-military aspect of security;
• Excellent knowledge of international politics, political and security developments in the OSCE and wider area with emphasis on conflict response and management as well as on the politico-military aspects of security;
• Proven diplomatic skills and experience in multilateral diplomacy, with respect to leading and facilitating negotiations, moderating events and interacting with partner organizations and governments;
• Demonstrated experience with leading and managing a diverse team with multifaceted roles and tasks;
• Demonstrated ability to ensure response to emerging and crisis situations, develop strategic and operational concepts and action plans and co-ordinate their effective implementation;
• Professional fluency in English and working knowledge of at least one other OSCE working language, preferably Russian;
• Excellent communication, presentation and writing skills;
• Strong interpersonal skills coupled with sound judgement and a high level of integrity;
• Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, and an ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities;
• Demonstrated track record and experience in promoting gender mainstreaming and gender perspective policies and implementing respective management tools;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations in a team of people of different national and cultural backgrounds whilst 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 11,625 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.

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 4 years.

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