Public Participation Section Manager

Job Posting Organization:
The Organization for security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) is a prominent international organization founded in 1975, dedicated to promoting peace, stability, and democracy across its member states. With a mission to foster security and cooperation in Europe, the OSCE operates in 57 participating states, spanning North America, Europe, and Central Asia. The organization employs thousands of staff members, including international and local personnel, working collaboratively to address various security challenges, including conflict prevention, crisis management, and post-conflict rehabilitation. The OSCE Mission in Kosovo specifically focuses on supporting the development of democratic governance and civil society in the region, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and participation in the democratic process.

Job Overview:
The Public Participation Section Manager will play a crucial role in leading the Public Participation Section within the OSCE Mission in Kosovo. This position involves providing strategic direction and oversight for the section's initiatives aimed at enhancing public participation in democratic governance. The incumbent will be responsible for supervising professional and support staff, ensuring that all projects align with departmental and mission strategies, and adhere to OSCE rules and regulations. The role requires a deep understanding of civil society dynamics, particularly concerning women, youth, and non-majority community participation. The manager will advise senior management on relevant issues, assist in developing cross-cutting themes, and coordinate with various mission units and external partners. This position demands a proactive approach to fostering collaboration and engagement among diverse stakeholders, ensuring that the voices of all community members are heard and integrated into the democratic process.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including but not limited to:

• Providing strategic direction for the Public Participation Section, ensuring alignment with the overall mission objectives.
• Supervising all professional and support staff within the section, fostering a collaborative and productive work environment.
• Overseeing the design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of all projects undertaken by the section, ensuring compliance with OSCE standards.
• Advising senior management on issues related to civil society engagement, particularly focusing on women, youth, and non-majority communities.
• Assisting in the development and implementation of cross-cutting themes related to public participation, coordinating efforts with other mission units.
• Drafting reports based on information provided by the section and field operations, ensuring accurate representation of activities and outcomes.
• Collaborating with international partners, NGOs, and community organizations to enhance public participation initiatives.
• Representing the section at meetings, seminars, and conferences, advocating for the importance of inclusive governance.
• Performing other duties as assigned by the Director of the Democratization Department, contributing to the overall mission objectives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must meet several qualifications to be considered for this position. These include:

• A second-level university degree in political sciences, social sciences, international relations, public policy, law, 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.
• A minimum of six years of relevant professional experience in public administration, international organizations, civic associations, political parties, or economic and political development.
• Proven management and supervisory experience, demonstrating the ability to lead teams effectively.
• Strong organizational, communication, analytical, and interpersonal skills, essential for navigating complex stakeholder environments.
• Professional fluency in English, with excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, with the ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a second-level university degree in fields such as political sciences, social sciences, international relations, public policy, law, or other related disciplines. Candidates with a first-level university degree may be considered if they possess two additional years of qualifying experience, showcasing the importance of both formal education and practical experience in this role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of six years of relevant professional experience. This experience should be in areas such as public administration, international organizations, civic associations, political parties, or economic and political development. Candidates should demonstrate a strong track record of working in environments that require collaboration with diverse stakeholders and managing complex projects.

Languages:
Professional fluency in English is mandatory for this position, including excellent oral and written communication skills. Knowledge of the local language or the most common lingua franca spoken in the mission area is desirable, as it can enhance communication and engagement with local communities. Additionally, familiarity with other languages relevant to the region may be beneficial.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as an international secondment, with a contract type that is fixed-term and full-time. 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 or in the same mission is seven years, reflecting the organization's commitment to staff rotation. Candidates should be aware that OSCE appointments are subject to medical clearance, and the organization does not request payment at any stage of the application process. The target start date for this position is as soon as possible, and candidates are encouraged to apply well in advance of the deadline to ensure timely processing of their applications.