National Professional Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The OSCE (Organization for security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security and Co-operation in Europe) is a regional security organization founded in 1975, with a mission to promote peace, stability, and democracy in Europe and beyond. The OSCE Mission to Serbia was established to support the country in its efforts to build a stable and democratic society. The organization operates in 57 participating states across Europe, North America, and Central Asia, employing approximately 3,500 staff members. The OSCE's work encompasses a wide range of areas, including conflict prevention, crisis management, and post-conflict rehabilitation, with a strong emphasis on human rights and the rule of law.

Job Overview:
The National Professional Officer position is a critical role within the OSCE Mission to Serbia’s Comprehensive Security Unit of the Security Co-operation Department. The successful candidate will be responsible for providing expertise in developing and implementing projects that focus on a comprehensive approach to security, particularly emphasizing inclusive security and police accountability/transparency. The incumbent will work closely with the Senior Police Adviser and will be expected to advise senior management on strategies related to internal affairs, ensuring that programs align with the Mission’s goals. This role requires a proactive approach to designing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating activities that address shortcomings in inclusive security and police accountability in Serbia. The officer will also conduct research and needs assessments to support state institutions in meeting their legal obligations and contribute to drafting strategies and action plans that comply with democratic policing principles. The position demands a high level of engagement with various stakeholders, including government authorities, civil society organizations, and international partners, to foster collaboration and ensure effective implementation of security sector reforms.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will undertake a variety of duties and responsibilities, including: advising the Head of Department and Mission senior management on strategies in the field of internal affairs; acting as the point of contact for inclusive security and police accountability issues; designing and implementing activities to address security shortcomings; conducting research and needs assessments; contributing to the preparation of draft strategies and action plans; providing subject matter expertise and technical assistance; representing the Mission at national and international forums; and facilitating capacity-building events in the area of inclusive security and police accountability. The role requires a commitment to integrating a gender and youth perspective into all tasks and activities, as well as the ability to work with diverse groups while maintaining impartiality and objectivity.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess citizenship of or permanent residence in the Republic of Serbia. A first-level university degree in security sciences, political science, social studies, humanities, law, or a related field is required. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of two years of professional-level experience in project development and implementation, particularly in the field of security sector reform, preferably within an international context. A strong understanding of security sector and police reform issues, knowledge of international commitments and European best practices, and familiarity with the work of international organizations and civil society in this field are essential. Professional experience in delivering lectures and conducting workshops is also necessary, along with computer literacy and the ability to work effectively with diverse groups.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a first-level university degree in security sciences, political science, social studies, humanities, law, or a related field. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of security sector reform and the legal and policy frameworks that govern it.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least two years of professional-level experience in project development and implementation, including monitoring and evaluation, specifically in the field of security sector reform. Experience in an international environment is preferred, as it provides valuable insights into the dynamics of security issues on a global scale.

Languages:
Fluency in Serbian is mandatory, given the local context of the position. Proficiency in English is also required, as it is the working language of the OSCE. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly those relevant to the region.

Additional Notes:
The position is a one-year fixed-term contract, subject to satisfactory completion of a six-month probationary period. The contract may be renewed annually based on performance and the continuing need for the position. The monthly remuneration is approximately EUR 2,250.33, subject to social security deductions. Social benefits include participation in the Cigna medical insurance scheme and the OSCE Provident Fund. The OSCE is committed to achieving a better gender balance within the organization and encourages applications from qualified women and men.