Political Adviser OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina

Vacancy number: VNBAHS00578

Vacancy type: International seconded

Field of expertise: Political Affairs

Functional level: Senior professional

Number of posts: 1

Duty station: Sarajevo

Date of entry on duty: 5 November 2012

Date of issue: 6 August 2012

Deadline for applications: 28 August 2012

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:

Advanced degree in a relevant field

Experience:

Minimum 6 years of relevant professional experience

Mission Specific Requirements

Additionally, this particular post has specific requirements:

Mandatory:

University education in history, international relations, political philosophy, political science, law or related fields
Experience in political affairs with international organizations, governments, or non-government organizations
Professional fluency in English and proven ability to write clearly and concisely
Demonstrable organizational, analytical, communication and interpersonal skills
Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relations as a member of a team, with people of different cultural and religious backgrounds, different gender, and diverse political views, while maintaining impartiality and objectivity
Flexibility and ability to work under pressure of deadline
Ability to operate windows applications, including word processing and e-mail

Desirable:

Experience in working with the OSCE or other international organizations
Knowledge of the local language or most common lingua franca spoken in the Mission area
Knowledge of regional political history and developments;

Tasks and Responsibilities

Under the guidance and supervision of the Senior Representative of the Head of Mission (SRHoM), the Political Adviser provides analyses on the political developments in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BaH) and recommends issues for action to the Senior Representative of the Head of Mission regarding the necessary mediation and confidence building measures to further the achievement of the Mission's political objectives and programmatic activities. Specific duties include:

Advises the Senior Representative of the Head of Mission on political developments in the Federation of BaH, as they concern the Mission's mandate and its political objectives;
Analyzes the political developments at legislative and executive levels and prepares both short-term reports and long-term trend analyses, both oral and written, on the political situation in the Federation of BaH;
Recommends to the Senior Representative of the Head of Mission courses of action to address political challenges to the implementation of the Mission's mandate in the Federation of BaH;
Within the Office of the Head of Mission / Policy and Planning Unit (PPU), contributes to making recommendations for how the Mission might appropriately and efficiently focus its activities and tasks to take into account any changes in the domestic political and economic landscape;
Works together with the Policy and Planning Unit (PPU) and National Political Officers in the field to co-ordinate the gathering of political information as well as political advocacy, including meetings with political actors and leaders at both Federation BaH and cantonal level;
Co-ordinates and plans with relevant staff in the programmatic departments, and with the Heads of Field Offices, to ensure strategic and operational cohesion between political and programmatic activities;
Co-ordinates, under the supervision of the Senior Representative of the Head of Mission and in liaison with PPU, the work of National Political Officers working in the Sarajevo, Mostar and Tuzla Field Offices;
Liaises with the Senior Political Adviser and Director of Policy and Planning on co-ordination of meetings and lobbying with political parties, government officials;
Performs other tasks as assigned.

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

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 several days prior to the deadline expiration to ensure timely processing of your application. Delayed nominations will not be considered.