Adviser on Gender Equality

This position is open for secondment only and participating States are kindly reminded that all costs in relation to assignment at the Secretariat must be borne by their authorities.

Candidates should, prior to applying, verify with their respective nominating authority to which extent financial remuneration and/or benefit packages will be offered. Seconded staff members in the OSCE Secretariat and Institutions are not entitled to a Board and Lodging Allowance payable by the Organization.

The OSCE has a comprehensive approach to security that encompasses politico-military, economic and environmental, and human aspects. It 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 Chair-in-Office in its activities, supports the participating States in implementation of the Ministerial Council Decisions across comprehensive security issues.

The incumbent will be placed in the Gender Issues Programme within the Office of the Secretary General (OSG). The OSG plays a key role in supporting the Secretary General in the effective implementation of his/her mandate and specific tasks given to him/her by the OSCE participating States. This includes assisting the Secretary General in his/her activities, serving as a focal point for liaison and support to the Chairperson-in-Office, and co-ordinating tasks across the Secretariat. The OSG ensures effective co-ordination of policy advice provided to the Secretary General and the Chair-in-Office, and management decisions taken by the Secretary General. The Gender Issues Programme of the OSG supports the efforts of the OSCE Secretary General to promote gender equality through a continuous and systematic  gender mainstreaming process within the Organization. It also ensures the full implementation of the 2004 Action Plan for the Promotion of Gender Equality, relevant Ministerial Council decisions as well as commitments to gender equality of the OSCE participating States. It implements projects, assists and advises the OSCE executive structures in the implementation of the 2004 Action Plan by providing technical assistance for the mainstreaming of gender equality in all activities, policies, programmes and projects.  

Under the general supervision of the Senior Adviser on Gender Issues, and the direct supervision of the Senior Co-ordination Adviser on Gender Issues, the incumbent will provide programmatic expertise in the thematic area of the inclusion of women in conflict prevention, crisis management and post-conflict rehabilitation. More specifically, the successful candidate will be responsible for:

1. Assisting the Secretariat, and executive structures, the Chair-in-Office and participating States, on their request,  in the implementation of the 2004 Action Plan for the Promotion of Gender Equality, and relevant Ministerial Council decisions (MCD), in particular regarding the  effective participation of women in peace processes,  conflict prevention, crisis management and post-conflict rehabilitation;
2. Suggesting strategies, undertaking research and analysis on priority topics of gender equality  as well asproviding technical assistance to various OSCE executive structures, with focus on  making the link between gender equality and politico-military security, in particular for the implementation of the Ministerial Council decision 14/05 and UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325 and subsequent resolutions on women, peace and security;
3. Assisting the Secretariat, and executive structures to develop a systematic approach to integrating a gender perspective throughout their activities; promoting the effective use of instruments for gender mainstreaming, in particular in security sector, and peace building initiatives and activities;
4. Participating in designing and delivering capacity development work for  staff,  and relevant stakeholders in OSCE participating States,  promoting thedissemination of good practices;
5. Developing, implementing, monitoring, evaluating and reporting extra-budgetary projects of the Gender Issues Programme with a focus on politico-military dimension, as well as violence against women and other relevant themes of gender equality;
6. Reviewing extra-budgetary project proposals in the politico-military dimension of security and suggesting adequate measures for gender mainstreaming;
7. Assisting in the preparation of the Annual Progress Report on Gender Equality in the OSCE, compiling data from various OSCE executive structures  and preparing analysis and recommendations;
8. Liaising with relevant international and regional organizations as well as politico-military structures within and outside the Organization with regard to gender equality matters and, as appropriate, promote the exchange of best practices;
9. Performing other related duties, such as representing the Senior Adviser on Gender Issues in various meetings and events, as required.

For more detailed information on the structure and work of the Department for Human Resources, please see: www.osce.org/secretariat

• Advanced university degree in international relations, political science, gender studies,  social sciences or a related field;
• A minimum of six years of professional experience in political affairs , gender equality and human rights;
• Demonstrated experience in programme management, implementation, monitoring and reporting in bi- or multilateral development organizations;
• Solid knowledge of international documents and conventions related to gender equality, including  the UN SCR 1325 and subsequent resolutions on the women, peace and security;
• Sound knowledge of the OSCE politico-military commitments;  experience with  the work of OSCE would be an asset;
• Hands-on experience in developing and providing training and other capacity development activities on gender equality issues;
• Proven knowledge and application of gender analysis, preferably within the context conflict, conflict resolution and post conflict recovery;
• Demonstrated ability to research, analyse and evaluate critical matters pertaining to a broad spectrum of issues related to gender equality;
• Sound knowledge of OSCE principles, commitments and fundamental documents;
• Professional fluency in English, both oral and written; knowledge of other OSCE working languages, would be an asset;
• Advanced communication and co-ordination skills;
• Proven ability to work in team while being able to work with minimum of supervision along with a strong  initiative-taking ability;
• Advanced skills for  establishing and maintaining effective working relations with people of different national and cultural backgrounds whilst remaining impartial and objective;
• Demonstrated computer-related skills and ability to operate Windows applications, including word processing and e-mail;
• Ability and willingness to travel outside the duty station.

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 the nomination of qualified female and male candidates from all religious, ethnic and social backgrounds.

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

Please apply to your relevant authorities several days prior to the deadline expiration to ensure timely processing of your application. Delayed nominations will not be considered.