Project Manager

Please note that this position is funded under an Extra-Budgetary (ExB) Project, which is expected to run until mid-2024. The initial contract will be issued for 12 months. Extension is subject to project extension and further funding availability.

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 Secretary General (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 primarily 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. It groups horizontal services such as Executive Management, Communications and Media Relations, Legal Services, External Co-operation, Security Management, Gender Issues, Conference and Language Services, Central Records Management, and oversees the OSCE Document Centre in Prague (DCiP). The OSG ensures effective co-ordination of policy advice provided to the Secretary General and the Chairmanship, and management decisions taken by the Secretary General. The OSG is led by a Director who also functions as the Head of Executive Management.

The Gender Section of the Office of the Secretary General (OSG) supports the efforts of the OSCE Secretary General to promote a continuous and sustainable gender mainstreaming process across the Organization and the full implementation of the 2004 Action Plan for the Promotion of Gender Equality, as well as other gender-related commitments undertaken by the OSCE participating States.  It assists and advises the OSCE structures in the implementation of the Action Plan by providing technical assistance for the mainstreaming of gender in all activities, policies, programmes and projects.

The OSCE Gender Section’s new three-year comprehensive project “WIN - Women and Men Innovating and Networking for Gender Equality” will advance gender equality as a necessary prerequisite for achieving and maintaining stable, prosperous and peaceful societies in the OSCE area. The project aims to accelerate the implementation of the OSCE 2004 Action Plan for the Promotion of Gender Equality and the Women, Peace and Security Agenda.  The project will also focus on the economic and environmental dimension and combating violence against women and girls (VAWG) with the aim of positively changing policy and practice in participating States. The project will strengthen existing and create new networks of female and male gender advocates in governments and civil society in order to foster and enhance an inclusive dialogue in the OSCE region, including in peacebuilding and mediation efforts. Finally, the project will increase participation of women in peace and development processes at all levels.

The Project Manager will primarily be responsible for planning, implementing, monitoring and reporting on WIN activities, as well as co-ordination and outreach with donors and partners, ensuring that consultations take place with all Executive Structures, including the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), the OSCE field operations and relevant partners. 

Under the overall direction and supervision of the Senior Gender Adviser, and in close co-operation and co-ordination with the Senior Co-ordination Adviser and Gender Advisers, the selected Project Manager will perform the following duties:

1. Driving and promoting the WIN project as trend-setting in the field of gender mainstreaming across all OSCE Executive Structures; ensuring the buy-in of internal and external partners, as well as the project's effectiveness and visibility;

2. Integrating advanced approaches to gender mainstreaming including challenging existing structures and conventions;

3. Managing fundraising activities: preparing compelling marketing- and presentation material highlighting the innovative project approach for potential donors;

4. Ensuring the implementation of project milestones, objectives and timelines across OSCE Executive Structures and that donor funds are managed effectively and responsibly; co-ordinating project activities such as webinars, events, consultations, meetings, seminars, study tours, training workshops, publications, etc. to inspire and convince stakeholders and participants;

5. Developing and implementing thematic streams as defined in the multi-year and annual workplan of the project;

6. Supervising the organisation and implementation of networking activities and events;  co-ordinating efforts to strengthen existing and support new networks of women in peace and development processes and facilitating exchanges on the integration of gender concerns into comprehensive security;

7. Supervising the creation and maintenance of a WIN community platform for key actors including governments and civil society organizations and OSCE Executive Structures;

8. Supervising the WIN project team, including National Professionals in OSCE sub-regions; preparing terms of reference, identifying and directing service providers, sub-contractors and consultants, ensuring that quality and expected standards are met;

9. Regularly updating, drafting project progress reports for and disseminating promotion products to project stakeholders and various recipients;

10. Establishing and maintaining effective working relations with national, regional and international organizations, OSCE partners and key stakeholders (such as UN Women, UNFPA, EU, COE, EIGE, research institutions and CSOs) as well as the OSCE Institutions and field operations to enhance synergies;

11. Identifying opportunities to present and promote project results at international fora and conferences;

12. Performing other duties as assigned.

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

• Second level university degree in political science, international relations, gender studies or a related field.

• 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.

• A minimum of 8 years of project management experience, including the management of large-scale, complex and politically sensitive projects, preferably in an international environment, with ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities;

• Experience with the topics of gender mainstreaming, gender-based violence and the prevention of violence against women and girls, the Women, Peace and Security agenda and the economic empowerment of women;

• Proven experience in results-based monitoring and reporting of project outputs and outcomes;

• Advanced skills in leading and supervising a multicultural team working in different locations;

• Experience in drafting reports and presentations; proficient communication style and fluency in policy;

• Computer literate with practical experience with Microsoft applications;

• Professional fluency in the English language with excellent written and spoken communication skills; knowledge of other OSCE languages would be an asset;

• Ability to work with minimum supervision and deliver results, under tight timelines and time pressure;

• Ability to handle politically sensitive issues;

• Good organizational skills and ability to work both individually and in the team;

• Problem solving skills combined with result-driven work attitude;

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with people of different national, cultural and professional backgrounds, whilst remaining impartial and objective.

• 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 7,803, 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 7 years.

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