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Special Adviser Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights

Vacancy number: VNODIS00316

Vacancy type: International seconded

Field of expertise: Political Affairs

Number of posts: 1

Duty station: Warsaw

Date of entry on duty : As soon as possible

Date of issue: 4 October 2011

Deadline for applications: 25 October 2011

This position is open for secondment only and participating States are kindly reminded that all costs in relation to assignment at OSCE/ODIHR must be borne by their authorities.

Candidates should, prior to applying, verify with their respective nominating authority to which extent financial remuneration and/or benefit packages will be offered. Seconded staff members in the OSCE Secretariat and Institutions are not entitled to a Board and Lodging Allowance payable by the Organization.

The Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) is the principal institution of the OSCE responsible for the human dimension. ODIHR is active throughout the OSCE area in the fields of election observation, democratic development, human rights, tolerance and non-discrimination, and the rule of law.

ODIHR's assistance projects and other activities are implemented in participating States in accordance with ODIHR's mandate.

Tasks and Responsibilities

As one of the Director's closest collaborators and advisers, and reporting directly to the Director, the Special Adviser will carry out a wide variety of tasks related to the management of the Director's office and agenda, as well as running of the ODIHR activities.

The Special Adviser closely co-ordinates his/her work with the second Special Adviser by keeping him/her fully informed, discussing current issues and coming up with joint positions to be presented to the Director. Their co-ordination will allow them to fully complement each other through the areas of their assigned responsibilities, but also to take over responsibilities of each other in absence of one of them.

The duties of incumbent will include:

  • Monitoring, analyzing, advising and recommending action to the Director on political and policy related issues;
  • Liaising with internal and external partners to inform them about ODIHR's activities and exchange views and keeping informed on issues related to ODIHR's work, including liaising with the permanent delegations of the OSCE participating States in Vienna, informing them about ODIHR's activities and conveying back to ODIHR the views and concerns of delegations;
  • Establishing and keeping regular contacts at different levels with partners both within as well as outside the OSCE such as the OSCE Secretariat, Institutions, field operations, participating States, the OSCE PA, international organizations and international and national NGOs;
  • Working closely with the Director, second Special Adviser, First and Second Deputy Directors, Department Heads and the Executive Assistant to plan and co-ordinate the Director's travel and work agenda;
  • Facilitating communication between the Director and his/her staff by maintaining ongoing contact with the Director and his/her deputies as well as Heads of Departments at ODIHR to consult and relay information not covered in management and other meetings;
  • Closely liaising with departments and units at ODIHR to keep informed of their activities, plans, successes and problems and facilitating problem-solving when necessary;
  • Keeping the Director informed of the status of implementation of all ODIHR activities, of successes and challenges and suggesting solutions as appropriate;
  • Ensuring that issues and decisions taken are followed up within agreed timeframe;
  • Preparing and co-ordinating Director's travel and meetings, producing position papers and accompanying him/her during those events or if necessary representing the Director and ODIHR at seminars, meetings and conferences;
  • Interpreting the mandates and tasking given to ODIHR, through Ministerial Council (MC) and Permanent Council (PC) decisions as well as through OSCE Action Plans;
  • As assigned by the Director, participating and representing ODIHR in the meetings of PC, the Advisory Committee on Management and Finance (ACMF) and other OSCE bodies as appropriate, and keeping abreast of their work and decisions;
  • Evaluating information and outcomes of the above mentioned meetings and advising the Director and Deputy Directors on the course of action and the involvement of ODIHR;
  • Following up on the assigned policy issues within ODIHR (for example, implementation of Common Regulatory Management System (CMRS), internal and OSCE wide administrative procedures and processes, financial and personnel issues, budget cycle management, extra-budgetary projects) by providing policy advice related to the preparation and planning of activities and drafting internal instructions;
  • Providing input and advice as well as taking lead in drafting, reviewing and clearing external correspondence, reports, statements and speeches to ensure political, policy and subject matter soundness of this communication;
  • Performing other duties as assigned.

Necessary Qualifications

  • Advanced university degree (including post-graduate study) in law, political science, economics or related subject, preferably with a specialization in international law and/or international relations; required academic or research background in the fields of human rights, public international law or democracy assistance;
  • Minimum of eight years of practical experience which may include relevant research work in diplomacy, international relations, as well as field work in the areas of human rights and democracy assistance, including elections observation;
  • Advanced level of familiarity with the countries in the OSCE region;
  • Experience within the organization, preferably in an OSCE field mission would be a crucial asset:
  • Excellent knowledge of English (written and oral); professional fluency in other OSCE working languages would be an asset;
  • Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, and an ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities;
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with people of different national and cultural backgrounds whilst maintaining impartiality and objectivity.

This post is open for secondment only. Candidates are requested to apply through the OSCE desk of the respective Ministry for Foreign Affairs several days prior to the deadline to ensure timely processing of the application. Delayed nominations will not be considered.

The OSCE is committed to achieving a better balance of women and men within the Organization. The nomination of female candidates is particularly encouraged.

The OSCE is a non-career organization committed to the principle of staff rotation.

Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights