Adviser on Youth and Security

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 whether their respective nominating authority supports candidates financially to posts at the OSCE Secretariat, and if so, 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) supports the Secretary General in implementing all aspects of his mandate by facilitating processes and supporting the Secretariat, as well as other executive structures and delegations. This includes diplomatic liaison, press and public information, legal services, internal auditing, gender issues and contacts with international and nongovernmental organizations and with the OSCE Partners for Co-operation. Within the OSG, Executive Management serves as the Secretary Generals personal staff, assisting him with both policy and administrative co-ordination. OSG includes a Policy Team and a Co-ordination Team, both of which are responsible to the Director of OSG (D/OSG).

The Office of Secretary General is looking for talented candidates for the post of Adviser on Youth and Security. This is an exciting newly created position based at the OSCE Secretariat in Vienna. 

What would you gain from this assignment?

• First-hand experience serving as a close adviser to the OSCE Secretary General.
• Insight into the work of the Secretariat and other OSCE Executive Structures.
• The opportunity to closely work with delegations of OSCE participating States and Partners for Co-operation.
• Exposure to a multi-cultural professional environment.
• The chance to be part of a team of deeply committed professionals.

What would your tasks be? 

If you are selected for this mid-level professional role, under the overall supervision of the Director of the Office of the Secretary General and the direct supervision of the Senior Adviser and Head of Executive Managements Policy Advisory Unit, you will support efforts to help identify the contribution that youth can make to addressing current security challenges in the OSCE region. The Adviser on Youth and Security will promote and facilitate inclusion and participation of youth in OSCE activities and projects; advocate and support youth mainstreaming in the OSCE agenda and activities; and promote the implementation by OSCE participating States of youth-related OSCE commitments and UNSC Resolutions 2250 (2015) and 2419 (2018) on Youth, Peace and Security. More specifically, you will be responsible for the following duties: 

1. Providing expert advice and expertise to OSCE Secretariat departments, OSCE Institutions and field operations on the development of a consistent and systematic approach to integrating a youth perspective on comprehensive security in their programmes and projects; implementing youth-related OSCE commitments; and promoting the implementation by OSCE participating States of UNSC Resolutions 2250 (2015) and 2419 (2018) on Youth, Peace and Security;
2. Advising the Secretary General on youth-related matters, including drafting talking points, background papers and statements/speeches on youth-related issues;
3. Facilitating information sharing and exchange of best practices on youth and security through the network of OSCE Youth Focal Points, among participating States, with other international and regional organizations, and with civil society, including youth organizations;
4. Providing expert advice and support to participating States, in particular the OSCE Chairmanship and the Chair of the OSCE Group of Friends of Youth and Security, on relevant activities and youth-related events;
5. Providing policy advice on programmes, projects and activities aimed at integrating youth perspectives in international security discussions; 
6. Representing the OSCE in meetings, conferences, seminars and academic fora as appropriate, including by giving speeches and presentations, and taking notes and drafting reports. Participating in staff meetings and drafting reports as required; 
7. Performing other related duties as required.

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

• Second-level university degree in international relations, law, social or political science, public administration, security studies or other related field. Specialization in youth mainstreaming and mechanisms of youth participation in multilateral organizations would be an asset;
• A minimum of six years of progressively responsible professional experience in international relations and political affairs work at national or international levels, more specifically in the field of assignment; 
• Work or volunteer experience with youth organizations, in particular youth-led organizations;
• Professional fluency in English with excellent oral and written communication skills;  working knowledge of other OSCE languages would be an asset;
• Computer literate with practical experience using Microsoft applications;
• Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, and an ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities;
• Ability and willingness to work as a member of team, with people of different cultural and religious backgrounds, different genders, 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/vacancies.

The OSCE retains the discretion to re-advertise the vacancy, to cancel the recruitment, 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/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.

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.