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Human Rights Adviser - ODIHR


Background
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.
In accordance with the mandate of ODIHR the Human Rights Department (HRD) is assisting participating States in fulfilling their obligations to protect and promote human rights and fundamental freedoms. Areas of work covered by the Department include monitoring and analysis of human rights developments in the OSCE area and the provision of expertise and technical assistance to enhance compliance with human dimension commitments; supporting the development of effective human rights education and capacity building; enhancing the protection of human rights while countering terrorism; addressing the relationship between human rights, gender and the security sector; and emphasizing human rights aspects of combating trafficking in human beings.
Tasks and Responsibilities
Under the general guidance and supervision of the Deputy Head of the Human Rights Department the incumbent will perform the following duties:
  • Monitoring and analyzing implementation of OSCE Human Dimension commitments related to human rights and fundamental freedoms including related national legislation and policies with a view to identifying key areas of concern, assisting in the provision of advice and recommendations, and preparing general and issue-specific reports and/or other background material on incidents, priority issues and situations for ODIHR management;
  • Identifying, developing and implementing programmatic activities and projects on key human rights areas of concern for/with non-governmental organizations, governmental authorities and OSCE staff and missions, including preparing and co-ordinating meetings, capacity building, seminars, workshops and conferences;
  • Building alliances and networks with independent experts, international and national governmental and non-governmental actors to develop regional collaboration and sharing of best practice, exchanging information, co-ordinating activities and implementing common programs;
  • Responding to requests to ODIHR on information about implementation of OSCE Human Dimension commitments related to human rights and fundamental freedoms in key areas of concern;
  • Performing other related duties as assigned.
Necessary Qualifications
  • University degree in law, political science, international relations or social sciences, specialization in human rights;
  • At least six years of progressively responsible and relevant professional experience in the field of human rights including experience at the international level in an advisory function;
  • Experience of designing and implementing projects; knowledge of results-based management would be an asset;
  • Experience of human rights monitoring and reporting;
  • Excellent knowledge of UN, Council of Europe and OSCE human rights standards;
  • Ability to work with minimal supervision and under pressure;
  • Discretion, tact and sound political judgement;
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills in English; knowledge of Russian would be highly desirable; knowledge of other OSCE working languages would be an asset;
  • Ability and willingness to deploy to the field, sometimes on short notice, for different types of monitoring missions;
  • 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 a team, tact in dealing with people of different cultural and religious backgrounds and diverse political views, maintaining impartiality and objectivity.
Remuneration Package
Monthly remuneration, subject to social security deductions as well as monthly changes of the post adjustment multiplier and exchange rate, is approximately EUR 4,790 (single rate) and approximately EUR 5,130 (dependency rate). OSCE salaries are exempt from taxation in Poland. Social security will include participation in the Vanbreda International medical insurance scheme and OSCE Provident Fund maintained by the OSCE. The Organization contributes an amount equivalent to 15% of the employee's salary to this Fund and the employee contributes 7.5%. 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. At the discretion of the appointing authority a higher step may be approved up to a maximum of step 3 subject to specific conditions.
How To Apply
If you wish to apply for this position, please use the OSCE's online application link found underhttp://www.osce.org/employment.
The OSCE retains the discretion to re-advertise 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 applicants will be contacted.
Please note that vacancies in the OSCE are open for competition only amongst nationals of participating States, please see http://www.osce.org/who/83.
The OSCE is committed to achieving a better balance of women and men within the Organization. Female candidates are particularly encouraged to apply.
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.