Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities

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 OSCE 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 instability, 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.

The OSCE is committed to gender equality. This is a senior management role and women are currently underrepresented in senior management grades. Female candidates are therefore encouraged to apply.

As part of the senior executive leadership team and under the guidance of the Secretary General, as Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities, you will lead the OCEEA in strengthening the ability of the OSCE to address the economic, social and environmental aspects of security.

More specifically, as the Co-ordinator of OCEEA, you will perform the following:

1. Be instrumental in assisting participating States in implementing the mandate and relevant OSCE commitments, with the objective of achieving dynamic and result-oriented OSCE activities in the Economic and Environmental Dimension;
2. Bringing to the attention of the Permanent Council and its Economic and Environmental Committee economic, environmental and social issues and developments which pose a threat to or might affect security and stability in the OSCE area;
3. Taking the responsibility for enhancing OSCE interaction with partners through regular consultations with international economic organizations, financial institutions and organizations active in the environmental field, particularly partner organizations in the Environment and Security (ENVSEC) Initiative as well as with regional, sub-regional and trans-border economic co-operation organizations, to assess potential security risks;
4. Strengthening the economic, social and environmental components of the work of the OSCE Field Operations, increasing interaction with the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly as well as broadening OSCE interaction with representatives of the business community, business associations and non-governmental organizations;
5. Developing, on the basis of input from participating States, a work programme for the implementation of strategic documents for the Economic and Environmental Dimension, as well as following up on meetings such as the Economic and Environmental Forum;
6. Reporting regularly to the Economic and Environmental Committee of the Permanent Council and to the Permanent Council on key activities and engaging in systematic dialogue with the participating States on all issues of relevance to the OSCE Economic and Environmental Dimension;
7. Performing other related duties as assigned.

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

• Second-level university degree in international relations, law, environmental matters, economics or a related area; a first-level university degree in combination with two years of additional qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the second-level university degree;
• Expertise in problems of transitions to a market economy and sustainable development would be an additional asset;
• A minimum of twelve years of progressively responsible and relevant professional experience, including a minimum of seven years at a senior level of responsibility, in areas related to economic and environmental issues, particularly in the region covered by the OSCE;
• Extensive experience in working with other international organizations and institutions;
• Ability to lead and manage diverse teams, and effectively co-ordinate the activities of the work units to achieve overall objectives; 
• A dynamic leader, with a results-oriented approach and knowledge of programme and project management;
• Professional fluency in English; working knowledge of other OSCE working languages is desirable;
• Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, and an ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities;
• Excellent interpersonal and diplomatic skills, including tact, discretion and political sensitivity with sound judgement and a high level of integrity;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective and constructive working relations with people of different national and cultural backgrounds.

• 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 10,699, 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 candidates 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 https://www.osce.org/participating-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.

Candidates should be aware that OSCE officials shall conduct themselves at all times in a manner befitting the status of an international civil servant. This includes avoiding any action which may adversely reflect on the integrity, independence and impartiality of their position and function as officials of the OSCE. The OSCE is committed to applying the highest ethical standards in carrying out its mandate. For more information on the values set out in OSCE Competency Model, please see https://jobs.osce.org/resources/document/our-competency-model.

The OSCE is a non-career organization committed to the principle of staff rotation, therefore the maximum period of service in this post is 4 years.

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