Senior Management Advisor

Job Posting Organization:
The OSCE (Organization for security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security and Co-operation in Europe) is a prominent international organization that focuses on security, peace, and stability across Europe and beyond. Established in 1975, the OSCE has grown to include 57 participating states, making it the largest regional security organization in the world. The OSCE Mission to Skopje is the longest-serving field operation of the organization, dedicated to fostering social cohesion, fundamental rights, gender equality, rule of law, good governance, integrity, anti-corruption, and police reform. The mission operates in a complex environment, engaging with various stakeholders to implement its commitments and objectives effectively. The organization employs a diverse workforce, with a strong emphasis on inclusivity and equal opportunity, striving to reflect the diversity of the communities it serves.

Job Overview:
The Senior Management Advisor position is a critical role within the OSCE Mission to Skopje, primarily responsible for supporting the Head of Mission (HoM) and the Deputy Head of Mission (DHoM) in strategic decision-making and policy planning. The incumbent will play a vital role in ensuring that the mission's objectives are met through effective coordination and management of resources. This temporary position is intended to cover maternity leave, with a start date in December 2025 and a maximum duration of 5 months and 29 days. The advisor will be expected to provide high-level recommendations on the implementation of the mission's mandate, oversee budgetary processes, and ensure that departmental outputs align with the mission's strategic goals. The role requires a proactive approach to monitoring and evaluation, as well as the ability to liaise with various stakeholders, including international actors and OSCE participating states. The advisor will also be responsible for preparing materials for high-level presentations and assisting the HoM in meetings, thereby playing a key role in representing the mission's activities and achievements.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Management Advisor will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including but not limited to:

• Supporting and advising the HoM, DHoM, and other senior management on decision-making and policy planning issues.
• Providing recommendations on the progress of the mission's mandate and objectives.
• Coordinating and contributing to the preparatory work for budgetary cycle programmatic documents, including the Programme Budget Performance Report and Unified Budget.
• Ensuring that departmental outcomes are timely, quality-checked, and aligned with mission objectives.
• Formulating and providing relevant materials for the HoM's official presentations, including at high-level meetings.
• Accompanying the HoM to meetings as needed to provide assistance on programmatic and policy issues.
• Supporting senior management in developing measures to improve productivity and efficiency within the mission.
• Overseeing monitoring and evaluation processes, ensuring compliance with the OSCE Evaluation Policy.
• Serving as the focal point for the Programme Evaluation Support Unit and liaising with international representatives. 1
• Providing strategic guidance and coordination for extrabudgetary projects. 1
• Supervising staff within the Policy and Programme Support Unit. 1
• Performing other duties as assigned by the HoM.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must meet several necessary qualifications to be considered for the Senior Management Advisor position. These include:

• Excellent physical condition and the ability to cope with physical hardship.
• A valid automobile driving license and the ability to drive a manual transmission vehicle.
• A university education in international studies, public policy, political science, law, or a related field.
• Experience working with international organizations and governments.
• Proven experience in preparing analytical reports.
• Excellent communication and drafting skills, along with diplomatic and negotiating abilities.
• Some knowledge of OSCE principles and commitments.
• A second-level university degree in the relevant fields is mandatory, with a first-level degree accepted if combined with two years of additional qualifying experience.
• A minimum of six years of relevant professional experience, including at least three years at a management level.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a second-level university degree in international studies, public policy, political science, law, or related fields. Candidates with a first-level university degree may be considered if they have two additional years of qualifying experience. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of international relations and the specific challenges faced by the OSCE in its mission.

Experience:
Candidates should possess a minimum of six years of relevant, diversified, and progressively responsible professional experience. This experience should include at least three years at a management level relevant to the position. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in planning, coordination, and program/project management, preferably within international organizations. Familiarity with the societal, political, and historical context of Southeastern Europe is also highly desirable.

Languages:
Professional fluency in the English language is mandatory, including experience in editing English-language documents for substance and language. Knowledge of a local language or a lingua franca spoken in the mission area is considered an asset, enhancing communication and engagement with local stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is a short-term temporary contract, specifically designed to cover maternity leave, with a start date in December 2025 and a maximum duration of 5 months and 29 days. The incumbent will receive a Board and Lodging Allowance (BLA) at the current daily rate of 123.00 EUR, in accordance with OSCE procedures. Social benefits will include participation in the OSCE Group Insurance Scheme, with the organization covering 50% of the monthly premium. The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply. Candidates should be aware that OSCE officials are expected to conduct themselves in a manner befitting their status as international civil servants, maintaining integrity and impartiality in their roles.