Senior Political Affairs 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 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, and has a workforce of approximately 3,500 employees. The organization focuses on a wide range of issues including arms control, human rights, and conflict prevention, and is committed to fostering cooperation among its member states to address security challenges.

Job Overview:
The Senior Political Affairs Officer position is a critical role within the OSCE Mission in Kosovo, aimed at providing political and policy advice to the Head of Mission and programmatic departments. The successful candidate will be responsible for drafting and consolidating various reports, conducting political analysis, and advising on political and security trends in the region. This role requires a deep understanding of the political landscape, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work under pressure. The officer will also liaise with various stakeholders, including government officials and civil society, to ensure effective communication and collaboration. The position demands a proactive approach to identifying governance issues and facilitating follow-up activities by the Mission’s programmatic departments.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Political Affairs Officer will undertake a variety of tasks, including:

• Providing political and policy advice to the Head of Mission and programmatic departments.
• Coordinating, drafting, and consolidating daily, weekly, background, and spot reports for the OSCE Secretariat.
• Conducting fact-checking and ensuring objective reporting in line with OSCE standards.
• Preparing policy notes and briefing papers as required.
• Monitoring and analyzing political and security trends in the Mission area and advising the Mission accordingly.
• Advising programmatic departments on stakeholder relations.
• Facilitating follow-up activities in response to governance and community issues.
• Liaising with international and local stakeholders.
• Ensuring that the Office of Political Affairs is informed of current developments in the Mission area. 1
• Performing other duties as required by the Head of the Office of Political Affairs.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a first-level university degree in international studies, public policy, political science, law, or related fields. They should have a minimum of six years of relevant professional experience, particularly in diplomatic or political affairs with international organizations or governments. Strong analytical, communication, and drafting skills are essential, along with knowledge of regional political history and developments. Candidates should also demonstrate diplomatic and negotiating skills, as well as some knowledge of OSCE principles and commitments.

Educational Background:
The position requires a first-level university degree in a relevant field such as international studies, public policy, political science, or law. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of political affairs and the operational environment of the OSCE.

Experience:
A minimum of six years of relevant professional experience is required for this position. This experience should ideally include diplomatic work or roles in political affairs with international organizations or government entities. Candidates should have a proven track record in preparing analytical reports and engaging with various stakeholders in a political context.

Languages:
Professional fluency in English is mandatory, with excellent oral and written communication skills. Knowledge of the local language or the most common lingua franca spoken in the Mission area is desirable but not mandatory. This linguistic capability can enhance communication with local stakeholders and improve the effectiveness of the role.

Additional Notes:
The position is classified as a Senior Professional level (Grade S2) and is a full-time, fixed-term contract under the OSCE's international secondment framework. The maximum period of service in this post or in the same Mission is seven years. Candidates must be aware that nationals or permanent residents of the duty station are not eligible to apply. The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from qualified candidates of all backgrounds. The organization emphasizes the importance of ethical conduct and adherence to the highest standards of integrity in its operations.