Legal Advisor in the Action against Terrorism Unit

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 encompasses politico-military, economic, environmental, and human aspects. The OSCE Secretariat, located in Vienna, provides operational and administrative support to field operations and other institutions, assisting the Chairpersonship in its activities. The OSCE's Transnational Threats Department (TNTD) was established to address transnational security threats and ensure coordination across all OSCE dimensions. The TNTD includes various units, including the Action against Terrorism Unit (ATU), which plays a pivotal role in the organization's counter-terrorism efforts.

Job Overview:
The position of Legal Advisor in the Action against Terrorism Unit (ATU) involves providing specialized legal advice and technical input on complex legal aspects related to counter-terrorism. The successful candidate will work under the supervision of the Head of Anti-Terrorism Issues and will be responsible for reviewing legislation, conducting legal research, and preparing legal documentation for policy-level use. The role requires advising the TNTD Coordinator and the Head of the Unit on legislative matters and interacting with participating States to promote compliance with international anti-terrorism instruments. The ATU focuses on implementing technical cooperation programs and capacity-building workshops, contributing to the development of policies and guidelines related to counter-terrorism. The working environment is complex and sensitive, requiring a high level of discretion and accuracy to maintain the OSCE's professional credibility.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Legal Advisor will undertake a variety of duties, including: reviewing legislation and conducting legal research and analysis; providing specialized legal advice on complex issues; advising on legislation and compliance with international standards; monitoring participating States' implementation of anti-terrorism commitments; planning and organizing technical cooperation programs; supervising program/project development and implementation; identifying legal problems and proposing corrective actions; facilitating interaction among participating States and international organizations; providing expertise on criminal justice and rule of law issues; developing new actions to promote human rights-compliant approaches to preventing terrorism; providing technical assistance to participating States; assisting in guiding fund managers; and performing other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a second-level university degree in international law, criminal law, political science, or international relations. A first-level university degree combined with at least two years of additional qualifying experience may be accepted. Specialization in legal aspects of terrorism prevention is highly desirable. A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible professional experience in terrorism prevention and criminal justice matters is required, with at least two years in international organizations. Experience in diplomatic affairs, policy formulation, and coordination with UN-system organizations is highly desirable. Good drafting skills and professional fluency in English are essential, along with knowledge of other OSCE languages being an asset. Candidates should demonstrate gender awareness and sensitivity, and the ability to work in a diverse team environment.

Educational Background:
The position requires a second-level university degree (Master's Degree) in a relevant field such as international law, criminal law, political science, or international relations. A first-level university degree may be accepted if accompanied by sufficient relevant experience. Specialization in terrorism prevention and its international dimensions is highly desirable, indicating a strong academic background in legal and political frameworks related to counter-terrorism.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in terrorism prevention and criminal justice, preferably with a focus on rule of law or closely related issues. Experience working with international organizations is essential, with at least two years in a relevant role. Practical experience in diplomatic affairs, policy or treaty formulation, and coordination with UN-system organizations, the Council of Europe, and the European Union is considered a distinct asset. Familiarity with counter-terrorism issues and the OSCE's strategic areas is also desirable.

Languages:
Professional fluency in English is mandatory, with excellent oral and written communication skills. Knowledge of other OSCE languages is considered desirable, enhancing the candidate's ability to interact with diverse stakeholders and participating States.

Additional Notes:
This position is a secondment opportunity, meaning that candidates must be nominated by their respective participating States. All costs related to the assignment must be borne by the nominating authority. The OSCE Secretariat does not provide a Board and Lodging Allowance for seconded staff members. The contract is fixed-term, full-time, and the target start date is as soon as possible. The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply. The organization adheres to high ethical standards and expects its officials to conduct themselves in a manner befitting their status.