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 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.

As part of the Office of the Secretary General (OSG), the Office of Legal Affairs (OLA) provides authoritative legal advice and assistance on a wide range of issues to the Secretary General and the Secretariat’s Departments, the Chairmanship, the Institutions and Field Operations and, as required, to the Delegations.

Under the general supervision of the Head, Office of Legal Affairs, the Legal Adviser supports the work of Office of Legal Affairs by providing legal advice to the Secretariat, to the field operations, to the Institutions, to the Chairmanship and to the Delegations on all legal issues relating to the functions, structure and activities of the Organization. Specifically, the successful candidate will be tasked with the following duties:

1. Providing legal advice on issues arising in relation to early conflict warning, conflict prevention, crisis management and post conflict rehabilitation, including by participating in task forces;
2. Providing legal advice on issues concerning the legal status and privileges and immunities of the OSCE and its officials;
3. Reviewing, providing legal advice in the negotiation and interpretation of legal instruments, such as agreements, memoranda of understanding, or other legal materials relevant to the work of the Organization;
4. Providing legal advice on representation or procedure in the OSCE decision-making bodies;
5. Providing legal advice in the negotiation or interpretation of comercial contracts, such as for the lease of premises, as well as on issues concerning intellectual property rights and insurance;
6. Providing legal advice on the elaboration, review, interpretation and application of the regulatory framework of the Organization, including Staff Regulations, Rules, Instructions, Financial Regulations and other administrative issuances;
7. Providing legal advice on internal justice cases, including by examining claims by or against the Organization and its officials;
8. Performing extensive legal research and analysis for the  preparation of legal opinions, studies, reports or correspondence;
9. Performing other related duties as required.

For more detailed information about the work of the Office of Legal Affairs, Office of the Secretary General,please see: http://www.osce.org/secretariat

• First-level university degree in law with specialization in public international law;
• A minimum of six years of relevant professional experience, including a minimum of two years at the international level;
• Excellent interpersonal and analytical skills;
• Professional fluency in English, with excellent oral and drafting skills; knowledge of other OSCE working languages, particularly German, is desirable;
• Computer literate with practical experience using Microsoft applications;
• Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, and ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities;
• Ability and willingness to work as a member of a team, with people of different cultural and religious backgrounds, different gender, and diverse political views, while maintaining impartiality and objectivity.

• 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 6,381, 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.

Recruitment shall be based on a transparent process, subject to open competition among nationals of participating States and without regard to gender, race, colour, religion and beliefs nor to ethnic or social origin or to nationality.

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.

Please note that vacancies in the OSCE are open for competition only amongst nationals of participating States, please see http://www.osce.org/states.