Operational Support Officer

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.

Job Overview:
The Operational Support Officer position is primarily focused on providing operational and methodological guidance on issues related to the conflict cycle, which includes early warning, early action, conflict prevention, crisis management, post-conflict rehabilitation, and peacebuilding. The officer will be responsible for developing concepts and plans to operationalize various phases of the conflict cycle and will act as the focal point for coordinating the OSCE-wide Network of Early Warning Focal Points. The role requires a high level of analytical and operational support to senior management and the Chairpersonship, enhancing the effectiveness and impact of OSCE conflict cycle tools. The officer will also be involved in collecting and analyzing lessons learned from OSCE operations and supporting the organization of the Annual Security Review Conference (ASRC).

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Operational Support Officer will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including:

• Supporting the various phases of the conflict cycle by providing operational and methodological advice related to early warning, conflict prevention, crisis management, and peacebuilding.
• Contributing to operational planning and support, including the development of operational guidelines, templates, and standard operating procedures.
• Serving as the focal point for early warning, coordinating the OSCE-wide Network of Early Warning Focal Points, and providing methodological guidance on conflict analysis tools.
• Analyzing geopolitical developments and trends, and recommending appropriate responses to senior management and the Chairpersonship.
• Drafting briefs, speeches, and reports on operational and conflict cycle issues, and attending relevant meetings and workshops.
• Conducting debriefings with departing senior officials to identify lessons learned and best practices, and preparing thematic reports.
• Coordinating support for the ASRC, providing background material, and assisting in drafting the ASRC report.
• Performing other related tasks as assigned by supervisors.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a second-level university degree in political science, international relations, or a related field. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of relevant experience will also be accepted. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional experience in international relations, political analysis, or a related field, with experience in an international environment being a significant asset. Established expertise in early warning, conflict prevention, and crisis management is essential, along with excellent written and oral communication skills in English. Knowledge of another official OSCE language is desirable, and candidates should demonstrate strategic thinking, political acumen, and the ability to work effectively in a team.

Educational Background:
The position requires a second-level university degree (Master's degree) in political science, international relations, or a geo-political related field. Candidates with a first-level university degree and additional relevant experience may also be considered. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of international relations and the various aspects of the conflict cycle.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least five years of progressively responsible professional experience in relevant fields such as international relations, political analysis, or policy-oriented analysis. If the candidate holds a first-level university degree, a minimum of seven years of experience is required. Experience in an international environment, particularly in conflict-related fields, is highly valued and considered an asset for this position.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, with excellent written and oral communication skills required. Knowledge of another official OSCE language would be advantageous, as it would enhance the candidate's ability to communicate effectively within the organization and with international partners.

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 does not provide a Board and Lodging Allowance for seconded staff members. The position is full-time and fixed-term, with a maximum service period of 10 years. Candidates should be aware that appointments are subject to medical clearance, and the OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application process. The organization is committed to diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from qualified candidates of all backgrounds.