Administrative Assistant

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 has 57 participating States and operates in various countries across Europe, Central Asia, and North America. The organization focuses on a comprehensive approach to security that includes politico-military, economic, environmental, and human aspects. The OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities (HCNM) was established to address ethnic tensions and promote integration within diverse societies, working towards conflict prevention and stability among its member states.

Job Overview:
The position of Administrative Assistant at the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities (HCNM) involves providing essential secretarial and administrative support to the South East Europe and West Section of the office. The successful candidate will work under the guidance of the Senior Administrative Officer and the Senior Adviser/Head of Section. This role is critical in ensuring the smooth operation of the office, which includes organizing events, managing travel arrangements, and maintaining databases. The candidate will be expected to uphold OSCE standards in all administrative tasks and contribute to the overall mission of the HCNM by facilitating effective communication and coordination within the office and with external stakeholders. The position is full-time and based in The Hague, reflecting the organization's commitment to operational efficiency and support for its diverse initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Administrative Assistant will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including but not limited to: providing secretarial and administrative support to the section, managing travel arrangements for staff, processing travel requests, booking tickets, and handling local transportation. The candidate will also be tasked with preparing visa documents, organizing events, conducting market research for services, and managing written and email correspondence. Additionally, the role involves taking minutes at meetings, ensuring compliance with OSCE administrative rules, and acting as a backup for other administrative staff when necessary. The successful candidate will also be expected to liaise with suppliers, check invoices, and maintain section-related documents, ensuring that all materials meet OSCE standards.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must have completed secondary education and possess specialized training in administration, secretarial, and protocol areas. A minimum of four years of relevant working experience in secretarial, administrative, or support functions is required. Proficiency in digital tools, particularly Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), is essential. Experience with ERP software is considered an asset. Candidates should demonstrate strong communication skills in English, both oral and written, and fluency in Dutch is advantageous. A commitment to gender awareness and sensitivity, as well as the ability to work collaboratively in a diverse team environment, is also necessary.

Educational Background:
The minimum educational requirement for this position is a High School Diploma or equivalent (GED). Specialized training in administration or related fields is highly desirable, as it equips candidates with the necessary skills to perform the administrative functions effectively.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of four years of professional experience in secretarial, administrative, or support roles. This experience should demonstrate the candidate's ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently, work under pressure, and maintain high standards of professionalism in a fast-paced environment.

Languages:
Professional fluency in English is mandatory, with excellent communication skills required for both oral and written correspondence. Fluency in Dutch is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with local stakeholders and contribute to the office's operations effectively.

Additional Notes:
This position is offered on a short-term temporary basis, with a full-time schedule. The monthly remuneration is approximately EUR 4,118, and OSCE salaries are exempt from taxation in the Netherlands. Social benefits include the option to participate in Cigna medical insurance. The OSCE emphasizes diversity and inclusion within its workforce and encourages applications from qualified candidates of all backgrounds. It is important to note that the OSCE does not reimburse expenses related to interviews, tests, visas, or relocation, and does not request payment at any stage of the application process.