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 security-oriented intergovernmental organization established in 197

• It is the world's largest regional security organization, with 57 participating states from Europe, Central Asia, and North America. The OSCE's mission is to promote peace, stability, and democracy through various means, including conflict prevention, crisis management, and post-conflict rehabilitation. The organization operates in multiple countries, focusing on areas such as arms control, human rights, and the promotion of democratic governance. The OSCE Mission in Kosovo was established to support the development of a multi-ethnic society and to promote the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms for all communities in Kosovo.

Job Overview:
The Human Rights Officer position within the OSCE Mission in Kosovo is designed for individuals who are passionate about human rights and community protection. The successful candidate will be responsible for analyzing the findings of the OSCE's proactive monitoring of Kosovo institutions and municipalities, particularly from the perspective of community protection, including issues related to returns and reintegration. This role requires collaboration with Senior Communities Protection/Policy Advisers to provide informed advice and recommendations to the Department. The officer will also contribute to community protection planning by proposing directives and plans for both immediate and long-term solutions, ensuring that adopted recommendations and decisions are implemented effectively. The position demands a thorough understanding of the rights of non-majority communities in Kosovo and the ability to draft comprehensive reports on specific issues affecting these communities. The officer will also organize roundtables, seminars, and conferences to address community issues, thereby fostering dialogue and understanding among diverse groups.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Human Rights Officer will undertake a variety of tasks, including:

• Analyzing findings from the OSCE Mission's monitoring activities regarding community protection, particularly focusing on returns and reintegration.
• Collaborating with Senior Communities Protection/Policy Advisers to formulate community protection plans and directives.
• Reviewing and providing feedback on proposed initiatives from Kosovo institutions, ensuring alignment with community protection goals.
• Maintaining close communication with other OSCE sections and field teams, offering insights and contributing to training initiatives.
• Keeping abreast of the rights situation of non-majority communities in Kosovo and drafting reports on relevant issues.
• Participating in the design, implementation, and evaluation of projects aimed at addressing community concerns.
• Organizing events such as roundtables and seminars to promote discussions on community issues.
• Performing additional duties as assigned by the Chief of Communities Section.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in law, human rights, political science, international relations, or a related field. They should have a solid understanding of international human and minority rights standards, as well as knowledge of the political environment in Kosovo. Strong organizational, analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills are essential. The ability to draft reports and produce analytical documents is also required. Candidates must demonstrate flexibility and the capacity to work under pressure, as well as a commitment to teamwork and cultural sensitivity.

Educational Background:
A first-level university degree or equivalent experience is mandatory for this position. Candidates should have a strong academic background in fields related to human rights, political science, or international relations, which will provide the necessary foundation for understanding the complexities of community protection and human rights issues in Kosovo.

Experience:
A minimum of two years of relevant professional experience is required, with at least one year in a related field strongly preferred. Candidates should have experience working on human rights, minority issues, or gender-related topics, as well as a proven track record in drafting reports and conducting analytical work. Previous experience in field missions, particularly in South Eastern Europe, is highly desirable.

Languages:
Proficient knowledge of the English language is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of a local language or the most common lingua franca in Kosovo is considered an asset. Candidates should demonstrate strong communication skills in both written and spoken forms, as effective communication is crucial for this role.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as an international secondment with a fixed-term contract. The OSCE Mission in Kosovo is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from qualified candidates of all backgrounds. The maximum period of service in this post is seven years, and candidates must be aware that OSCE appointments are subject to medical clearance. The OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application process, and candidates should ensure timely submission of their applications to avoid delays.