Senior Legal Adviser

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 OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities (HCNM) promotes conflict prevention and integration of diverse societies. HCNM was established to identify and seek early resolution of ethnic tensions that might endanger peace, stability or friendly relations between OSCE participating States. Among the tools that the High Commissioner uses are recommendations to governments of OSCE participating States regarding the treatment of national minorities. The Senior Legal Adviser supports the work of the High Commissioner as part of a dynamic team of political and legal advisers, project staff and administrators that values diversity.

Under the direct supervision of the Head of Section of the assigned geographical area, as Senior Legal Adviser, you will be performing the following duties:

1. Advising the High Commissioner on legal aspects regarding the execution of HCNM's conflict prevention mandate, and on questions relating to the protection and promotion of the rights of persons belonging to national minorities and on other issues of international public law;
2. Monitoring and analyzing public policy, legislation and state practice affecting human rights and national minority issues;
3. Monitoring political, social and legal developments, and prepare comprehensive analyses, notes and reports;
4. Representing HCNM at seminars, conferences and meetings concerned with legal issues affecting national minorities;
5. Establishing and maintain contacts, as necessary, with international organizations, in order to discuss national minority issues affecting OSCE programmes with a particular emphasis on legal issues;
6. Speaking at conferences and other occasions as assigned, including among representatives of governments, non-governmental organizations and intergovernmental organizations;
7. Accompanying the High Commissioner on country visits and prepare position papers for the High Commissioner on legal and national minority issues, sometimes on short notice;
8. Providing both in-house and external trainings on relevant human and minority rights issues;
9. Performing other HCNM-related duties as required.

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

• Second-level university degree in international law, comparative law and politics, or related field(s); with specialization in the international protection of human rights, in particular minority rights; 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;
• Eight years of progressively responsible professional experience dealing with minority issues and human rights, international relations, public administration or other related field, including three years at the international level. Experience dealing with minority issues and human rights in a field mission is an advantage;
• Excellent analytical and drafting skills;
• Professional fluency in the English language;
• Working knowledge of an additional OSCE language is an asset;
• Ability and willingness to work as a member of a multinational team, with people of different opinions and gender, cultural and religious backgrounds and diverse political views, while maintaining impartiality and objectivity;
• Computer literacy, including word processing, spreadsheets, e-mail and internet.

• 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 7,215, 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.