Communities Section Team Leader

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, security, and stability in Europe. The OSCE operates in 57 participating states across Europe, Central Asia, and North America. The organization focuses on a wide range of issues including arms control, human rights, and conflict prevention. The OSCE Mission in Kosovo was established to support the development of democratic institutions and promote human rights in the region, employing a diverse workforce committed to these goals.

Job Overview:
The Communities Section Team Leader will be responsible for overseeing the Communities Section within the OSCE Mission in Kosovo. This role involves direct supervision of a team comprised of both international and local staff, providing programmatic guidance, and ensuring effective collaboration with regional centers. The successful candidate will identify community-related issues, advocate for policies that enhance community rights, and produce thematic reports based on sound methodologies. The position requires a proactive approach to monitoring the implementation of community rights legislation and policies, as well as the ability to design and develop projects that promote gender equality. The Team Leader will also be responsible for capacity building within the OSCE and maintaining up-to-date knowledge of community rights issues in Kosovo and the surrounding region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Communities Section Team Leader include:

• Directly supervising the Communities Section team at headquarters and providing guidance to regional centers.
• Identifying and analyzing community-related issues and advocating for improvements with Kosovo institutions.
• Producing thematic reports on community rights and developing advocacy strategies based on these reports.
• Coordinating the monitoring of Kosovo institutions to ensure compliance with community rights legislation.
• Proposing the design and development of annual projects focused on community rights and gender equality.
• Providing capacity building expertise to OSCE offices and field teams.
• Reporting on the Communities Section’s programmatic portfolios to the Director of the Department.
• Coordinating advocacy strategies related to community rights with relevant stakeholders.
• Acting as a focal point for community rights and liaising with international organizations and embassies. 1
• Facilitating dialogue between community representatives and institutional actors. 1
• Performing other duties as assigned by the Director of the Department.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in human rights, law, political science, international relations, or a related field. A first-level university degree combined with two years of additional qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the second-level degree. Additionally, candidates should have in-depth knowledge of international human rights standards, particularly concerning minority rights, and significant experience in team management and project cycle management. Proven abilities in drafting analytical reports and operating Windows applications are also required. Candidates should demonstrate cultural sensitivity, impartiality, and the ability to work under pressure.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a second-level university degree in a relevant field such as human rights, law, political science, or international relations. Candidates with a first-level university degree may be considered if they have two years of additional qualifying experience. Certification in a relevant training course is desirable, and knowledge of the legislative framework in Kosovo related to human rights is beneficial.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of six years of relevant, diversified, and progressively responsible professional experience, including at least three years at a management level relevant to the position. Experience working on minority rights issues with governments and stakeholders, as well as previous involvement in project cycle management, is essential. Familiarity with gender mainstreaming and negotiation or mediation experience is also advantageous.

Languages:
Professional fluency in English is mandatory, with excellent oral and written communication skills. Knowledge of a local language or the most common lingua franca is desirable but not required. Candidates should demonstrate gender awareness and sensitivity, integrating a gender perspective into their work.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a middle management role and is offered on a fixed-term basis. 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 verify with their nominating authority regarding financial remuneration and benefits.