Senior Policy Support Officer (P4)

Background:

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 Conflict Prevention Centre (CPC) plays a key role in supporting and co-ordinating the OSCE's activities in the field, in providing analysis and policy advice to the Secretary General (SG) and the Chairpersonship, in leading work on all aspects of the conflict cycle, and in supporting the various formats dealing with protracted conflicts. The CPC also serves as the focal point in the Secretariat for co-ordinating and developing the OSCE's role in the politico-military dimension.

The Policy Support Service (PSS) serves as the Organization's primary point of contact on all matters concerning field operations; it monitors the implementation of the mandates of the individual field operations and advises the SG and the Chairpersonship on related policy and operational issues. It also analyses early-warning signals regarding the situation in the field and recommends the implementation of relevant preventive or reactive action. Support provided to the SG and the Chairpersonship includes background information, policy support and advice, input to speeches and travel files as well as drafting summary records. PSS facilitates the co-ordination of programmes and activities among field operations and with those of OSCE specialized units within the Secretariat and institutions and assists field operations with their input to the budget cycle process. PSS also provides support for the Chairperson-in-Office's representatives dealing with protracted conflicts and related formats.

The PSS is composed of four regional desks covering Eastern Europe, South-Eastern Europe, the South Caucasus and Central Asia.

The OSCE is committed to further increasing the number of female staff in all areas of the OSCE's work. Female candidates are encouraged to apply.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

Under the direct supervision of the Deputy Director for the Policy Support Service (DD/PSS), as Senior Policy Support Officer, you will be responsible for co-ordinating all tasks and responsibilities related to cross-cutting issues, liaising with OSCE field operations, other parts of the CPC, and other executive structures to ensure a co-ordinated approach.

1. Monitoring and analysing early warning developments and emerging crises in the OSCE area in co-ordination with PSS desks, the Operations Service, Situation/Communications Room and other relevant actors; co-ordinating related reporting, and the development of response options for submission to the OSCE Secretary General and Chair; ensuring close and systematic co-operation with relevant units of the OSCE Secretariat, OSCE field operations, and institutions;
2. Acting as focal point in PSS on all matters related to the conflict cycle; supporting effective liaison and co-ordination with partner organizations on issues related to the conflict cycle, developing crises and responses; 
3. Co-ordinating reporting issues, including reporting that is not region-specific, and capacity-building for field operations on reporting;
4. Working with other Secretariat Units on thematic issues requiring attention and co-operation within the CPC and with field operations;
5. Supporting development and effective implementation of existing and future regional processes and initiatives in close co-operation with the regional desks in PSS, OSCE field operations, other OSCE executive structures and the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly;
6. As delegated by the DD/PSS, provide input, co-ordinate, and clear policy advice and analysis, formal and informal briefings, reports, speeches, speaking points, background material and recommendations for the Chairmanship, the OSCE Secretary General, CPC Director and Deputy Director of PSS;
7. Co-ordinating events and delivering presentations related to the work of the OSCE and on the activities carried out by the CPC and OSCE field operations;
8. Co-ordinating cross-PSS issues, inputs and activities;
9. Acting as focal point in PSS for the Performance Based Budgeting process;
10. Substituting for the Deputy Director/CPC-PSS when required;
11. Performing other related duties and assignments as required.   

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

Necessary Qualifications:

• Second-level university degree in political science, public or international law, international relations or another 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;
• Eight years of progressively responsible experience in government, national administration or in a relevant non-governmental organization;
• Experience of management of staff would be an asset; 
• Work in the diplomatic service and/or international organizations would be an asset;
• Excellent communication skills, resourcefulness, initiative, maturity of judgement and team spirit;
• Professional fluency in English including excellent drafting skills; working knowledge of another OSCE official language;
• Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, and an ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities;
• Ability and willingness to work as a member of team, with people of different cultural and religious backgrounds, different gender and diverse political views, whilst maintaining impartiality and objectivity;
• Computer literate with practical experience using Microsoft applications.

Remuneration Package:

Monthly remuneration is around EUR 7,800, with the actual monthly salary 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://vacancies.osce.org/. 

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.