Head of Human Rights

Job Posting Organization:
The Organization for security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) is a security-oriented intergovernmental organization founded in 197

• It is the world's largest regional security organization, with 57 participating states from North America, Europe, and Asia. The OSCE's mission is to promote peace, stability, and democracy through political dialogue and practical cooperation. The organization has a diverse workforce and operates in various countries, focusing on conflict prevention, crisis management, and post-conflict rehabilitation. The OSCE is committed to the principles of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, and it emphasizes the importance of inclusivity and diversity within its workforce.

Job Overview:
The Head of Human Rights will oversee the Human Rights Section within the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina. This position is crucial for ensuring that governmental institutions and legislation promote reforms aimed at improving access to human rights, fostering tolerance, and strengthening social and economic rights. The role involves leading the development and implementation of the Human Rights Section's annual activity plan and budget, as well as overseeing legislative reviews and monitoring the effective implementation of the country's human dimension commitments. The successful candidate will be expected to maintain close contacts with national human rights institutions, civil society groups, and other stakeholders to promote human rights and fundamental freedoms. The position requires a strong understanding of the human rights situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, including its institutions, key legislation, and the overall political context.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manage the Human Rights Section, ensuring that relevant governmental institutions and legislation promote reforms for human rights access, tolerance, and non-discrimination.
• Lead the development and implementation of the Human Rights Section's annual activity plan and budget.
• Oversee ongoing legislative reviews and monitor the effective implementation of the country's human dimension commitments.
• Maintain close contacts with national human rights institutions, executive and legislative authorities, law enforcement, and civil society groups.
• Coordinate capacity-building activities and technical assistance for the Ministry of Human Rights and Refugees and other relevant ministries.
• Promote the implementation of the Annex 7 of the Dayton Peace Agreement.
• Act as the Roma Action Focal Point of the Mission.
• Support HDD Management in human resources planning and assist with program development and strategy formulation.
• Represent the Mission and coordinate with international and domestic organizations in the field of human rights. 1
• Integrate project evaluation and long-term impact assessment practices into policy and project work. 1
• Identify cross-cutting synergies among various areas of Mission engagement. 1
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a second-level university degree in political sciences, international relations, public policy, law, international human rights law, or other related fields. A first-level university degree combined with two years of additional qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the second-level degree. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of 6 years of relevant, diversified, and progressively responsible professional experience, including at least 3 years at a management level relevant to the position. Experience in human rights program development and political analysis is mandatory, along with strong organizational, analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a second-level university degree in fields such as political sciences, international relations, public policy, law, or international human rights law. A first-level university degree may be accepted if accompanied by two years of additional qualifying experience. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of human rights issues and the legal frameworks that govern them.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 6 years of relevant professional experience, with at least 3 years in a management role. This experience should encompass work in human rights, minority or gender issues, and programmatic or strategic planning roles. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in managing human rights programs, conducting political analysis, and producing reports and briefings.

Languages:
Professional fluency in English is mandatory, with excellent oral and written communication skills. While not required, a working knowledge of local languages would be considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with local stakeholders and communities effectively.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a middle management role within the OSCE and is offered as an international secondment. The contract is fixed-term and full-time, with a target start date as soon as possible. The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from qualified candidates of all backgrounds. Candidates should be aware that nationals or permanent residents of Bosnia and Herzegovina are not eligible to apply. The OSCE retains the discretion to re-advertise the vacancy or modify the job description as necessary. Appointments are subject to medical clearance, and the OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application process.