Operational Support Officer

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 Secretariat in Vienna assists the Chairmanship in its activities, and provides operational and administrative support to the field operations, and, as appropriate, to other institutions.

The Conflict Prevention Centre (CPC) plays a key role in supporting and co-ordinating the OSCE's activities in the field, in providing analysis and policy advice to the Secretary General (SG) and the Chairmanship, in leading work on all aspects of the conflict cycle, and in supporting the various formats dealing with protracted conflicts. The CPC also serves as the focal point in the Secretariat for co-ordinating and developing the OSCE's role in the politico-military dimension.

Within the CPC, the Operations Service covers a broad variety of tasks such as operational planning for the set-up, reorganization and closure of field operations, analysis related to early warning, conflict prevention, crisis management, conflict resolution and post-conflict rehabilitation, lessons learned and best practices, mediation support, operational liaison with other international organizations, and maintaining a 24/7 Situation/Communications Room.

Under the direct supervision of the Deputy Director for Operations Service, your main responsibilities as Operational Support Officer lie in the field of operational planning and implementation, including the development and exchange of lessons learned/best practices related to operational issues. More specifically, you will carry out the following duties:

1. Providing support and assistance in co-ordinating operational planning activities with Departments, Sections and Units of Secretariat and with OSCE field operations and institutions, and other international/regional organizations as necessary;
2. Assisting in ensuring that operational guidance and plans for the deployment of crisis responses and/or new OSCE field operations, as well as the enhancement, restructuring, downsizing and closure of existing field operations are properly developed and synchronized in order to avoid delays and confusion during the implementation phase;
3. Providing support and assistance in co-ordinating with Departments, Sections and Units of Secretariat, and with OSCE field operations and institutions, and other international/regional organizations as necessary during the implementation of the operational plans;
4. Deploying to crisis areas, as required and for limited periods, in support of crisis response efforts;
5. Reviewing and amending existing or developing new guidelines, generic operational planning templates and other operational planning documents related to OSCE activities in the field;
6. Developing and running crisis response simulations for the Chairmanship and OSCE Field Operations upon request;
7. Analyzing OSCE operational experiences and international practices, including conducting after-action reviews, to develop and exchange lessons learned and/or best practices on operational issues;
8. Contributing to analytical support, strategic advice and assistance with regard to conflict cycle-related activities, as required and on a case-by-case basis;
9. Preparing briefs, speeches and speaking points on conflict cycle-related issues for the Chairmanship and senior management of the Secretariat, as required;
10. Liaising with relevant international, regional and non-governmental organizations as well as relevant academic organizations and institutions, and prominent research centres to exchange operational and conflict cycle-related lessons learned and information; identifying possible areas of co-operation;
11. Attending meetings, conferences and workshops relevant to operational planning and the conflict cycle and drafting summaries, notes or reports for internal distribution;
12. Monitoring, analyzing, and reporting on changes in field-related policies and procedures of other relevant organizations;
13. Performing additional tasks as assigned.

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

• First-level university degree in political science, international relations, or related field;
• A minimum of six years of progressively responsible professional experience in operational planning and implementation with a government agency, a national or international organization or a non-governmental organization; experience of working in an international environment and/or in the field is a distinct asset;
• Thematic expertise in one or more fields of conflict prevention, conflict resolution, crisis management or post-conflict rehabilitation, and familiarity with relevant international efforts in the field(s) of thematic expertise;
• Demonstrated ability to analyze experience and international practice in order to develop and report on best practices in the field of operational planning;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English; knowledge of another OSCE working language would be an asset;
• Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, and an ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities;
• Ability to work with people of different nationalities, religions and cultural backgrounds;
• Computer literate with practical experience in Microsoft applications.

• 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 6,374, 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 7 years.

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