Special Assistant to the Head of Mission (S2)

General Minimum Requirements

The general minimum requirements for working with the OSCE are:
•    Excellent physical condition
•    Possession of a valid automobile driving license and ability to drive using manual transmission
•    Ability to cope with physical hardship and willingness to work extra hours and in an environment with limited infrastructure
 

Field of Expertise Requirements

The general minimum requirements for working in this field of expertise are:

•    University education in international studies, public policy, political science or law or related fields
•    Diplomatic experience or experience working in political affairs with international organizations or governments
•    Experience in preparing analytical reports
•    Excellent communication and drafting skills
•    Knowledge of regional political history and developments
•    Diplomatic and negotiating skills
•    Some knowledge of the OSCE principles and commitments

Level of Professional Competence Requirements

Furthermore, this level of responsibility requires the following:

Education:

First level university education in a field directly relevant to the post, such as political studies, international relations, etc.

Experience:

Minimum 6 years of relevant professional

Mission Specific Requirements

Additionally, this particular post has specific requirements:

Mandatory:

•  A minimum of six years diversified and directly relevant experience for the post;
• Fluency in the English language, with experience in the editing and clearance of correspondence, reports and other written documents and communication;
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to work as a member of a diverse team, with people of different cultural and religious backgrounds and gender, and diverse political views, while maintaining impartiality and objectivity;
• Demonstrated cultural sensitivity and judgment to local conditions and communities;
• Flexibility and ability to work under pressure and with tight deadlines, proven problem solving abilities;
• Ability to operate Windows applications, including word processing and e-mail.

Desirable:

• Postgraduate university education in relevant subject;
• Demonstrable project management experience and courses/certification;
• Experience of working in international organizations;
• Experience of working with the media, including handling social media platforms;
• Working knowledge of local languages.

Tasks and Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Head of Mission, and in coordination with other Head of Mission Department colleagues the Special Assistant to the Head of Mission will be responsible for:

1. Supervising the administrative management and the organization of work in the Office of the Head of Mission;
2. Exercising final quality control of the briefing and speaking notes prepared for the Head of Mission, liaising in particular with the Office of Central Co-ordination and the Office of Political Affairs and Communication;
3. Representing the Head of Mission in Mission working groups and other internal fora, ensuring that Head of Mission's views are accurately presented, and keeping Head of Mission informed of proceedings, issues and matters requiring Head of Mission decisions;
4. Horizon scanning to ensure that the Head of Mission is made aware of upcoming  issues or challenges, including with regard to corporate, internal and management matters and to political, wider OSCE policy, media or other developments;
5. Providing support to Head of Mission in developing strategy, considering strategic documents presented to the Head of Mission for approval or decision;
6. Presenting ideas, e.g., for new initiatives, thematic reports, media opportunities, evaluation of existing activities, and coming up with suggestions for new ways of working and effective teamwork, ensuring and enhancing gender balance and a diverse, inclusive and integrated work environment;
7. Supervising the work of the Senior Secretary, including to ensure timely preparation of briefing notes and other necessary materials for meetings, conferences, seminars, official travel and other events attended by the Head of Mission; 
8. Accompanying the Head of Mission to meetings outside of the Mission area (e.g. Permanent Council, EU, UN, the OSCE Secretariat, Regional Heads of Missions meetings, etc.) and taking notes or drafting reports as required;
9. Monitoring follow-up action resulting from meetings (internal and external) and from the decisions of the Head of Mission;
10. Overseeing preparation of correspondence, reviewing and drafting correspondence in the Head of Mission's Office as required; identifying responsible Departments for the preparation of replies and feedback to be signed/cleared by the Head of Mission;
11. Coordinating the schedule of the Head of Mission with the Senior Secretary and providing necessary advice on priorities; monitoring local and international events within the assigned areas of the Mission and advising the Head of Mission accordingly;
12. Following a discussion or instructions from the Head of Mission, and in close coordination with Front Office colleagues, advising relevant Departments on the approach to be taken when drafting policy and technical papers, or other written communication on sensitive and high profile issues of concern to the Head of Mission;
13. Liaising with UNMIK, EU and the OSCE Secretariat and missions on issues of common concern, as well as with other bodies or organizations involved in the issues of interest to OSCE Mission in Kosovo or for which the Head of Mission is a focal point and ensuring follow-up;
14. Overseeing with internal and external parties, work on the schedule and programme of activities of visiting delegations and dignitaries to the Mission;
15. Assigning and co-ordinating the work of support staff in preparation for visits and other events;
16. Performing other duties as required. 

The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages the nomination of qualified female and male candidates from all national, religious, ethnic and social backgrounds. Please note that nationals or permanent residents of the country of the duty station are not eligible to apply.

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.
Candidates should, prior to applying, verify with their respective nominating authority to which extent financial remuneration and/or benefit packages will be offered. 

Please apply to your relevant authorities well in advance of the deadline expiration to ensure timely processing of your application. Delayed nominations will not be considered. The OSCE can only process Secondment applications that have been nominated by participating States. For queries relating to your application, please refer to the respective delegation as listed here: https://www.osce.org/contacts/delegations.