Special Adviser to the Director / Director’s Representative

Job Posting Organization:
The Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) is a principal institution of the Organization for security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), which was established to promote democracy, human rights, and the rule of law across its 57 participating States. ODIHR is actively involved in election observation, democratic development, and human rights advocacy. The organization operates in various countries, focusing on a comprehensive approach to security that includes political, economic, and environmental dimensions. The OSCE was founded in 1975 and has since grown to encompass a wide range of security-related concerns, ensuring that all participating States enjoy equal status and that decisions are made by consensus. The ODIHR is committed to addressing issues such as human trafficking, national minorities, and counter-terrorism, and it implements assistance projects in accordance with its mandate. The organization emphasizes diversity and inclusion within its workforce, encouraging candidates from various backgrounds to apply.

Job Overview:
The Special Adviser to the Director / Director’s Representative plays a crucial role within the Director’s Office at the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR). This position is designed for individuals who can provide high-level political and policy advice to the Director, monitor developments in the OSCE region, and prepare analyses and recommendations. The incumbent will represent the Director in key OSCE meetings and briefings, ensuring that ODIHR's positions are effectively communicated. This role also involves coordinating the Director's agenda and travel, preparing briefing materials, and leading the preparation of official communications and documents. The Special Adviser will be responsible for maintaining internal coordination and implementation of policies, providing guidance on mandates, and supporting strategic planning within ODIHR. This position requires a proactive approach to managing relationships with senior officials and external stakeholders, ensuring consistency and continuity in support of the Director's objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Under the supervision of the Director of ODIHR, the incumbent will perform the following functions:

• Provide high-level political and policy advice to the Director, including monitoring political and human dimension developments in the OSCE region, preparing analyses and recommendations, and representing the Director in key OSCE meetings and briefings.
• Act as ODIHR's senior representative in Vienna, maintaining regular contact with Permanent Delegations, OSCE institutions, and international organizations, and conveying ODIHR positions and updates.
• Coordinate and prepare the Director's agenda and travel in collaboration with ODIHR departments and external counterparts, including preparing briefing materials and position papers.
• Lead the preparation and clearance of official communications and documents, drafting and reviewing statements, speeches, reports, and correspondence for the Director, ensuring political and policy coherence.
• Monitor and facilitate internal coordination and implementation, ensuring follow-up on policy issues, providing guidance on the implementation of mandates such as CMRS, budget processes, and administrative procedures, and supporting strategic planning and inter-departmental communication within ODIHR.
• Maintain collaborative coordination with senior ODIHR officials, working closely with the Senior Political Adviser and the second Special Adviser to ensure consistency, complementarity, and continuity in support to the Director.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a second-level university degree in law, political science, economics, international relations, or a related field, preferably with a specialization in international law, human rights, or democracy assistance. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in diplomacy, political affairs, international law, or human rights, including relevant research or fieldwork. Demonstrated knowledge of OSCE structures and participating States is essential, and experience working in an OSCE field mission and headquarters is considered a significant asset. Candidates must exhibit proven political judgment, excellent communication and negotiation skills, and the ability to work independently under pressure. Excellent written and oral communication skills in English are mandatory, while a working knowledge of other OSCE official languages is an asset. Candidates should also demonstrate gender awareness and the ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities, as well as the ability to work in a team and establish effective working relationships with individuals from diverse national and cultural backgrounds.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a second-level university degree, which is equivalent to a Master's degree, in fields such as law, political science, economics, international relations, or a related discipline. Candidates with a first-level university degree may still be considered if they possess two additional years of qualifying experience, which highlights the importance of practical experience alongside formal education in this role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in relevant fields such as diplomacy, political affairs, international law, or human rights. Candidates with a first-level university degree are expected to have at least twelve years of relevant experience. This extensive experience is crucial for understanding the complexities of the OSCE's work and for effectively advising the Director on political and policy matters.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory for this position, with excellent written and oral communication skills being essential. While English is the primary language of communication, a working knowledge of other OSCE official languages is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with a diverse range of stakeholders and contribute to the organization's multilingual environment.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as an International Secondment and is fixed-term, with a full-time schedule. The maximum period of service in this post is limited to 10 years, reflecting the OSCE's commitment to staff rotation. Candidates should be aware that the OSCE conducts appointments subject to medical clearance and does not request payment at any stage of the application process. The organization emphasizes that vacancies are open for competition only among nationals of participating States, and candidates are encouraged to apply well in advance of the deadline to ensure timely processing of their applications. Delayed nominations will not be considered, and the OSCE retains the discretion to re-advertise or cancel the vacancy as needed.