Associate Environmental Affairs 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, combating human trafficking, 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 Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities (OCEEA) deals with economic and environmental issues, operating under the premise that promoting economic prosperity and co-operation on environmental problems can contribute to international security and stability. The OSCE's role is twofold: a) to monitor economic and environmental developments among participating States, and alert them to any threat of conflict, and b) to facilitate the formulation of economic and environmental policies and initiatives among participating States, to promote security. The Office currently comprises 22 staff members.

Under the direct supervision of the Senior Environmental Affairs Adviser, and in close co-operation with colleagues from the Environmental Co-operation Unit, and in order to assist the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities in carrying out his mandate, as set out in PC Decision 197 of 5 November 1997, the incumbent performs the following functions, focusing on environment and security, and good environmental governance issues:

1. Assisting the Senior Environmental Affairs Adviser in identification, development and implementation of activities, including project activities, in particular on environment and security and on good environmental governance;
2. Supplying information on security-related project activities of other international organizations, NGOs, sub-regional initiatives and business organizations active in their areas;
3. Assisting in conducting research and drafting background papers on environmental issues;
4. Assisting in establishing and maintaining working relations with the partners of the Environment and Security Initiative (ENVSEC) as well as other international organizations, sub-regional initiatives and NGOs to help implementing the OSCE-led components of the ENVSEC work programme and its administrative and financial aspects, including the OSCE-hosted ENVSEC Trust Fund;
5. Assisting the Senior Environmental Affairs Adviser and colleagues from the Environmental Co-operation Unit in the development, management, monitoring and reporting on environmental activities and projects in close co-operation with the OSCE field operations;
6. Assisting in maintaining contact at a comparable level with officials of international organizations, sub-regional initiatives, NGOs and business groupings to identify activities for joint implementation and to share/compare results of project analysis and findings to ensure co-ordinated programme development and implementation;
7. Helping in developing agenda items and identifying speakers for the Economic and Environmental Forum (EEF) and its preparatory meetings, the Economic and Environmental Dimension Implementation Meeting (EEDIM) and other events such as workshops, training courses and project-related activities;
8. Preparing draft briefing papers, draft speeches and reports in regards to the environmental activities;
9. Performing other duties as required.

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

• First-level university degree in International Relations, Environmental Management, Geography, Political or Environmental Science, Economics, with a focus on project management and environmental security issues;
• A minimum of four years of professional experience, preferably at the international level;
• In-depth understanding of and experience in security-related environmental issues;
• Work experience in project development would be an important asset;
• Professional fluency in the English language, including excellent written and oral communication skills; knowledge of another OSCE language would be an asset;
• Ability to operate Windows applications, including word processing and email.

• 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 5,136, 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.