Legal Adviser (P3)

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 High Commissioner on National Minorities (HCNM) promotes conflict prevention and integration of diverse societies. HCNM was established to identify and seek early resolution of ethnic tensions that might endanger peace, stability or friendly relations between OSCE participating States. Among the tools that the High Commissioner uses are recommendations to governments of OSCE participating States regarding the treatment of national minorities. The Legal Adviser supports the work of the High Commissioner as part of a dynamic team of political and legal advisers, project staff and administrators that values diversity. 

Tasks and Responsibilities:

Under the supervision of the Head of Section, the successful candidate will be tasked with the following duties:

1. Advising the High Commissioner on legal aspects regarding the execution of HCNM's conflict prevention mandate, and on questions relating to the protection and promotion of the rights of persons belonging to national minorities and on other issues of international public law;
2. Researching and drafting memoranda on international best practices in minority protection and country-specific national legislation, including thematic issues such as education, political participation, language rights and integration;   
3. Researching and preparing comprehensive legal analyses, notes, reports and recommendations for the High Commissioner, the Director and the Head of Section on minority-related international instruments and international case law;
4. Providing country-specific analysis of legal developments and the promotion and protection of persons belonging to national minorities as assigned;
5. Preparing and conducting or participating in staff visits, at times on short notice;
6. Preparing briefs or any other documents as requested prior to the visits of the High Commissioner;
7. Establishing and maintaining contacts with other OSCE institutions and missions as well as other international organizations with regard to the legal aspects of minority issues, e.g., relevant bodies of the Council of Europe, the United Nations and the European Union;
8. Providing legal advice and consulting on minority-related issues when required;
9. Speaking on behalf of the High Commissioner at conferences and other occasions as assigned, including among representatives of governments, 
   non-governmental organizations and intergovernmental organizations;
10. Drafting speeches for the High Commissioner, Director or Head of Section as assigned;
11. Providing both in-house and external trainings on relevant human and minority rights issues;
12. Performing other related duties as assigned.
        

For more detailed information on the work of the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities, please see: https://www.osce.org/hcnm.

Necessary Qualifications:

• First-level degree in International Law, Comparative Law and Politics, International Relations or related field; specialization in the international protection of human rights, particularly minority rights is an asset;
• Six years of progressively responsible professional experience in dealing with minority issues and human rights, international relations, public administration or other related field, including three years at the international level;
• Thorough knowledge of international relations, European security issues, international law and human rights;
• Excellent analytical skills;
• Good communication skills, resourcefulness, team spirit, initiative;
• Professional fluency in English with excellent communication (oral, written, drafting) skills; working knowledge of Russian would be desirable;
• Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, and an ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities;
• Ability and willingness to work independently and as a member of a team, with people of different cultural, and religious backgrounds and diverse political views, while maintaining impartiality and objectivity;
• Ability to work with minimum supervision;
• Ability to travel regularly, including to remote areas or post-conflict regions;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with people of different national and cultural backgrounds, whilst remaining impartial and objective;
• Computer literate with practical experience using Microsoft applications.

 

Remuneration Package:

Monthly remuneration amounts to approximately EUR 7,600 per month depending on post adjustment and family status. OSCE salaries are exempt from taxation in the Netherlands. 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.  

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 shortlisted  candidates 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.

The mandatory retirement age at the OSCE is 65 years for contracted positions at the general service, professional and director level. The Organization shall apply an age limit of 63 years at the time of appointment as the incumbent selected is normally expected to carry out the contractual obligation of two years. 

 

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