Deputy Head, Human Rights Department

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 Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) is the principal institution of the OSCE responsible for the human dimension. ODIHR is active throughout the OSCE area in the fields of election observation, democratic development, human rights, tolerance and non-discrimination, and the rule of law. ODIHR's assistance projects and other activities are implemented in participating States in accordance with ODIHR's mandate.

In furtherance of the Office's mandate to promote and develop awareness of and adherence to the OSCE human dimension commitments, the OSCE/ODIHR Human Rights Department (HRD) assists participating States in fulfilling their obligations to protect and promote human rights and fundamental freedoms in general, and in areas that lie at the intersection between human rights and security. Functions covered by the Department include the monitoring and analysis of human rights developments in the OSCE area and the provision of expertise, technical assistance as well as training and capacity building, to enhance compliance with human dimension commitments.

Under the direct supervision of the Head of the Human Rights Department, the incumbent performs the following functions:

1. Assisting the Head of the Department in managing the overall work of the Department;
2. Contributing to strategic planning of programmatic activities, development of annual work plans;
3. Assisting in conceptualizing, developing and assessing technical assistance programs on promotion and protection of human rights, including budgets, evaluation, donor reports and identifying key partners;
4. Overseeing the implementation of and co-ordination of projects in thematic human rights areas including human rights monitoring, human rights education and capacity building, human rights, gender and security, human rights and anti-terrorism, and human rights and anti-trafficking, among others;
5. Supporting the Head of Department in providing leadership and guidance in the implementation of the ODIHR office-wide strategy, the Human Rights Department strategy and the OSCE Action Plan for the Promotion of Gender Equality;
6. Supporting the Head of Department in the supervision of the professional or administrative staff of the Department; administration of human resources in the Department, including the preparation and up-dating of job descriptions, recruitment, drafting and input into performance appraisals, contract extensions, and promotion of relevant professional development opportunities;
7. Managing relevant budgets (UB and ExB) in accordance with the Department’s and ODIHR’s objectives;
8. Co-ordinating of and providing substantive input to Human Rights Department-led activities, including Human Dimension events;
9. Representing the Office at international conferences and meetings:
10. Performing other duties as required.

For more detailed information on the structure and work of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, please see https://www.osce.org/odihr

• Second-level university degree in human rights, political science, law or other relevant field. Specialization in international human rights law preferred;a first-level university degree in combination with two years of additional qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree;
• A minimum eight years of progressively responsible experience in human rights or related fields, with at least three years in a management role (including human and financial resources management and change management) and minimum six years in an international environment;
• Awareness of international co-operation principles, concepts and techniques;
• Field experience is desirable;
• Professional fluency in the English langauge, both oral and written with excellent communication skills; working knowledge of other OSCE languages, in particular Russian, is strongly preferred;
• Computer literacy with practical experience of Microsoft applications.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with people of different national and cultural backgrounds;
• Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, and ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities.

• 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 6,300 depending on post adjustment and family status. OSCE salaries are exempt from taxation in Poland. Social security will include participation in the Cigna International medical insurance scheme and OSCE Provident Fund maintained by the OSCE. The Organization contributes an amount equivalent to 15% of the employee's salary to this Fund and the employee contributes 7.5%. Other allowances and benefits are similar to those offered under the United Nations Common System.

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 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 national, 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.