Senior Adviser

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 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 Documentation 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.

Under the overall supervision of the Secretary General (SG) and the direct supervision of the Director, Office of the Secretary General (D/OSG) the incumbent will advise on political and other developments within and outside the OSCE requiring attention, and propose solutions, action or consultations to solve problems on the basis of thorough analysis, while ensuring proper co-ordination within the Executive Management. He/she will draft substantive speeches for the Secretary General and Chairperson-in-Office, and provide relevant background information. More specifically he/she will perform the following duties:

1. Co-ordinating preparation of analytical materials, position papers and respective background documents for the SG’s activities;
2. Providing advice and other expert and advisory support to the Secretary General on issues relevant to the implementation of his/her mandate;
3. Co-ordinating the review of political, military, economic, environmental, human rights and other security-related developments in the OSCE, assessing and analyzing trends and providing up-to-date information, position papers and background documents to the Secretary General regarding substantive political matters and developments relevant to his/her mandate;
4. Closely following the ongoing discussion within the respective OSCE decision-making bodies with the view to provide relevant advice and information to the Secretary General;
5. Providing support to the CiO by coordinating the drafting and reviewing of Executive Management submissions such as speeches, statements and reviewing files for consistency and quality; providing analysis and advice on draft decisions and statements;
6. Drafting and contributing to the reports of the Organization on matters concerning the Secretary General, CiO and the Secretariat;
7. Ensuring consistency and coherence in documents provided by the Secretariat to the CiO and to participating States;
8. Performing other related duties as required.

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, international economics, law, public administration or related fields; A first-level degree in combination with three years of additional qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu;
• A minimum of eight years of progressively responsible professional experience in international relations work at national and international levels, experience in a large governmental, intergovernmental or international organization is an asset;
• Excellent knowledge of the OSCE, its sphere of work and its areas of activity;
• Sound judgement and high levels of tact and political sensitivity, prior experience  working with senior level officials would be an asset
• Proven ability to conduct in depth analyses of complex scenarios,  reach well informed conclusions and develop alternative courses of action; experience in ensuring reliable outputs in a dynamic office environment is an advantage;
• Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing;
• Effective interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with people of different national and cultural backgrounds whilst remaining impartial and objective;
• Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, and an ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities;
• Professional fluency in English with excellent drafting skills; knowledge of other OSCE working languages would be desirable;
• Computer literate with practical experience with Microsoft applications.

• 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 7,804 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/ourcompetency-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.