Legal Advisor - 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 includes politico-military, economic, environmental, and human aspects. The OSCE Secretariat, located in Vienna, provides operational and administrative support to the field operations and other institutions, assisting the Chairpersonship in its activities. The Transnational Threats Department (TNTD) was established in 2011 to address transnational security threats and ensure coordination across all OSCE dimensions. The TNTD includes several units, including the Action against Terrorism Unit (ATU), which plays a crucial role in the OSCE's counter-terrorism efforts, focusing on legal and operational aspects of combating terrorism.

Job Overview:
The position of Legal Advisor within the Action against Terrorism Unit (ATU) is pivotal in supporting the OSCE's counter-terrorism initiatives. The successful candidate will work under the supervision of the Head of Anti-Terrorism Issues, engaging in a variety of tasks that include reviewing legislation, conducting legal research, and providing specialized legal advice on complex issues. The role requires a deep understanding of law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law, particularly in relation to terrorism prevention, and the ability to interact effectively with participating States to promote compliance with international standards. The ATU serves as a central hub for information and coordination of counter-terrorism activities, necessitating a high level of discretion and accuracy in all tasks. The candidate will also be involved in planning and implementing technical cooperation programs and workshops aimed at enhancing the legal frameworks of participating States in relation to counter-terrorism obligations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Legal Advisor include: reviewing and analyzing legislation related to anti-terrorism; providing legal advice and technical input on complex legal matters; advising the TNTD Coordinator and Head of the Unit on legislative issues; monitoring compliance of participating States with international anti-terrorism instruments; planning and organizing technical cooperation programs and workshops; supervising project development and implementation; identifying legal issues and proposing corrective actions; facilitating interaction among participating States and international organizations; providing expertise on criminal justice and rule of law issues; assisting in the development of new actions to promote human rights-compliant approaches to counter-terrorism; providing technical assistance to participating States; 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. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in terrorism prevention and criminal justice, preferably with international organizations. Experience in diplomatic affairs and policy formulation is also highly desirable, along with practical experience in coordination with UN-system organizations, the Council of Europe, and the EU. Good drafting skills and professional fluency in English are essential, with knowledge of other OSCE languages being an asset.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's degree (second-level university degree) in a relevant field such as international law, criminal law, political science, or international relations. Candidates with a first-level university degree may be considered if they have additional qualifying experience that meets the requirements of the position.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of relevant professional experience in terrorism prevention and criminal justice matters, with at least two years of experience working with international organizations. Candidates with nine years of experience may be considered if they hold a first-level university degree. Experience in counter-terrorism issues and familiarity with the OSCE's strategic areas is desirable.

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

Additional Notes:
This position is a secondment opportunity, meaning that candidates must be nominated by their respective participating States. The OSCE does not cover costs related to the assignment, and candidates should verify with their nominating authority regarding financial remuneration and benefits. The position is full-time and based in Vienna, Austria, with a fixed-term contract. The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from qualified candidates of all backgrounds. The closing date for applications is January 29, 2026, and candidates are advised to apply well in advance to ensure timely processing.