Associate Employee Relations Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Organization for security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) is an intergovernmental organization founded in 1975, with a mission to promote peace, stability, and democracy in Europe. The OSCE operates in 57 participating States across Europe, Central Asia, and North America. The organization employs a diverse workforce and is committed to addressing a wide range of security-related concerns, including arms control, human rights, and economic and environmental activities. The OSCE Secretariat, located in Vienna, provides operational and administrative support to field operations and other institutions, ensuring that the organization effectively implements its mandates.

Job Overview:
The Associate Employee Relations Officer position is situated within the HR Administration and Policy Unit of the OSCE Secretariat’s Department of Human Resources (DHR). The incumbent will play a crucial role in providing advice and guidance on the interpretation and application of rules related to staff conduct, discipline, and grievance processes. This role requires the individual to ensure that the organization adheres to due process in handling staff cases, including allegations of prohibited conduct and performance-related grievances. The position also involves fostering collaboration with decentralized OSCE institutions and field operations, as well as staff representatives, to develop and coordinate the OSCE’s duty of care framework. The successful candidate will be expected to engage in various HR-related activities, including research, data-gathering, and policy development, contributing to the overall improvement of HR practices within the organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Associate Employee Relations Officer will be responsible for a range of duties, including:

• Providing guidance to staff and managers on the application of established rules and procedures related to conduct and disciplinary matters;
• Assisting in clarifying roles and responsibilities and supporting the management of individual cases, including documentation and procedural steps;
• Supporting the administration of formal grievance and disciplinary cases by reviewing documentation, preparing case summaries, and liaising with the Office of Legal Affairs;
• Coordinating with OSCE institutions and field operations to promote a respectful and inclusive workplace;
• Participating in meetings and training courses to share information and present resolutions to common HR issues;
• Assisting in research and data-gathering related to staff well-being and duty of care initiatives;
• Conducting research on HR policies and practices and contributing to the preparation of policy drafts or updates;
• Reviewing requests for exceptions to HR policies and drafting recommendations for management consideration;
• Performing other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a second-level university degree in human resource management, law, or a closely related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of relevant experience will be accepted. A minimum of two years of experience in human resource management or administrative law is required, particularly in dealing with employee grievances or disciplinary procedures. Candidates should also have legal or paralegal experience in drafting and reviewing procedural documents, and experience working in an international or multicultural setting. The ability to approach difficult situations with empathy, patience, and neutrality is essential, along with proven experience in managing sensitive information with confidentiality and integrity.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a second-level university degree in human resource management, law, or a closely related field. A first-level university degree will be accepted if accompanied by two additional years of relevant experience. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of human resources and administrative law within an international context.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of two years of relevant experience in human resource management or administrative law. Candidates with a first-level university degree must have four years of relevant experience. This experience should include dealing with employee grievances, disciplinary procedures, and working in an international or multicultural environment. The ability to manage sensitive information and approach challenging situations with discretion and professionalism is also necessary.

Languages:
Professional fluency in English is mandatory, with excellent communication skills in both oral and written forms. Candidates should demonstrate gender awareness and sensitivity, with the ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities. While English is the primary language required, knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
This position is a fixed-term contract under the international secondment category, with a maximum service period of 10 years. The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce and encourages the nomination of qualified candidates from all backgrounds. The organization emphasizes the importance of ethical conduct and integrity among its officials. Candidates should be aware that appointments are subject to medical clearance and that the OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application process. The target start date for this position is as soon as possible.