Human Rights Officer

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

• It operates in 57 participating states across Europe, Central Asia, and North America. The OSCE's mission is to promote peace, stability, and democracy through political dialogue and practical cooperation. The organization employs thousands of staff members and is known for its commitment to human rights, conflict prevention, and crisis management.

Job Overview:
The Human Rights Officer position is crucial for implementing the programmatic goals of the Department of Human Rights and Communities (DHRC) within the OSCE Mission in Kosovo. The successful candidate will be responsible for monitoring and enhancing the capacities of local institutions and community mechanisms related to human rights and community rights. This role requires a proactive approach to assess and evaluate the situation of human rights in the region, providing recommendations and support to improve compliance with international standards. The officer will engage with local counterparts to gather information, report on developments, and advocate for necessary changes. The position demands strong analytical and communication skills, as well as the ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams and stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Proactively monitor and build the capacities of local institutions and community mechanisms in the field of human and community rights, assessing and proposing remedial actions as necessary. This includes reporting and advocacy efforts aimed at improving compliance with international human rights standards.
• Regularly meet with local counterparts to exchange information on human and community rights issues, assessing and reporting on developments, successes, and concerns.
• Collaborate closely with colleagues in the Regional Office and the DHRC Headquarters, particularly with relevant sections such as the Communities Section.
• Identify key human and community rights issues in the area of responsibility and follow up with analytical reporting, including recommendations to senior management.
• Assist in project development, implementation of project activities, and evaluation of impact at the regional/local level.
• Engage with all local communities to assess their situations and report on identified needs.
• Draft policy recommendations addressing specific human rights and community rights issues.
• Contribute to the reporting and analytical reports of the DHRC.
• Perform other duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a first-level university degree or equivalent experience in relevant fields such as political sciences, international relations, public policy, law, or international human rights law. Additionally, candidates should have experience working with human rights, minority, or gender issues, along with demonstrable organizational, analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills. Experience in drafting reports is also essential.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor's degree or first-level university degree in political sciences, international relations, public policy, law, or other human rights-related fields is required for this position. Equivalent professional experience may also be considered.

Experience:
A minimum of 2 years of relevant professional experience is required, with at least 1 year in a related field strongly preferred. Candidates should have experience in human rights monitoring, community rights, or related areas, particularly in developing or transitional countries.

Languages:
Professional fluency in English is mandatory. Knowledge of the local language or common lingua franca is desirable, as it can enhance communication and effectiveness in the role.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as an international secondment, and candidates must be internationally recruited, meaning they cannot be nationals or permanent residents of Kosovo. The contract is full-time and fixed-term, with a job level classified as Professional. The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from qualified candidates of all backgrounds. The OSCE retains the discretion to re-advertise the vacancy, cancel recruitment, or offer positions at a lower grade. Candidates should be aware that OSCE appointments are subject to medical clearance and that no payment is requested at any stage of the application process.