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Senior Political Adviser Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights

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Vacancy number: VNODIS00373

Vacancy type: International seconded

Field of expertise: Political Affairs

Number of posts: 1

Duty station: Warsaw, Poland

Date of entry on duty: 1 October 2012

Date of issue: 14 August 2012

Deadline for applications: 4 September 2012

Background

This position is open for secondment only and participating States are kindly reminded that all costs in relation to assignment at 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

The Senior Political Adviser supports the senior management of ODIHR in determining programmatic priorities as well as analyzing and addressing key programmatic and political issues, with a particular focus on cross-departmental project work designed to promote and increase understanding of OSCE values and commitments. The incumbent works in close collaboration with the First Deputy Director and the Project Co-ordination Unit to ensure coherence, collaboration, and synergy among ODIHR activities and with external partners. S/he performs liaison and co-ordination functions within ODIHR and with external partners including representatives of participating States and Partners for Co-operation, other OSCE structures and other international organizations.

In particular, the incumbent will be tasked with:

  • Guiding overall programme development and its effective implementation, co-operating with ODIHR's programmatic Departments and external partners;
    advising ODIHR project staff on programme direction and project management requirements, including provision of necessary information and assisting in the evaluation of programmatic work;
  • Monitoring and assessing programmatic developments and sensitive political issues on an ongoing basis; analyzing needs and opportunities for ODIHR engagement and appraising the suitability of proposed programmes and projects in meeting these needs, recommending the approval of projects to senior management;
  • Keeping the Director informed of the status of implementation of all ODIHR activities, of successes and challenges, as well as of any programmatic issues and recommending appropriate solutions; preparing briefing papers, speeches and talking points for the Director and First Deputy Director;
  • Advising the ODIHR Director and First Deputy Director on the impact of policy and/or specific political situations on programmatic work within the Office;
  • Providing policy advice for the preparation and planning of the Office's activities, including drafting internal instructions;
  • Serving as one of the principal advisers to the ODIHR Director and First Deputy Director, including on programmatic implications of the mandates and assignments given to ODIHR, through Ministerial Council (MC) and Permanent Council (PC) decisions as well as through OSCE Action Plans;
  • Liaising with ODIHR departments and units to ensure follow up on policy, programmatic, financial, administrative and personnel issues;
  • Performing other duties as assigned.
Necessary Qualifications
  • Advanced university degree in law, political science, economics or related subject, preferably with specialization in international law and/or international relations;
  • Minimum of ten years of professional experience, which must include relevant work in diplomacy or international relations, field work in the areas of human rights and democracy assistance, including election observation;
  • Familiarity with the specific challenges of managing large scale donor-funded projects in a political context;
  • Management experience and/or project management experience;
  • An advanced level of familiarity with the countries in the OSCE region;
  • Experience within the organization, preferably including an OSCE field operation, and its Common Regulatory Management System (CRMS) is a crucial asset;
  • Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, and an ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities;
  • Professional fluency in English with excellent written and oral communication skills;
  • Proficiency in other OSCE languages, especially Russian, is an asset;
  • Ability to establish and maintain working relations with people of different nationalities, religions and cultural backgrounds.

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 deadline expiration 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.

Senior Political Adviser

Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights

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