Environmental Affairs Adviser

Environmental Affairs Adviser

Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE)

December 30, 2025February 13, 2026ViennaAustria
Job Description
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 field operations and other institutions, ensuring that the organization's objectives are met effectively and efficiently.

Job Overview:
The adviser" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Environmental Affairs Adviser position is crucial for supporting the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities (OCEEA) in its mission to address environmental issues related to security objectives. The role involves developing, implementing, and coordinating projects specifically in the area of transboundary natural resource and water management. The adviser will work closely with regional and local OSCE executive structures and other international actors, providing technical and policy advice, as well as capacity-building workshops and events. The position requires a proactive approach to project design, ensuring alignment with OSCE standards and national and regional policies. The adviser will also be responsible for enhancing the visibility of OCEEA activities and mobilizing funding for environmental initiatives, thereby contributing to the overall mission of promoting economic prosperity and cooperation on environmental matters to enhance international security and stability.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Environmental Affairs Adviser will undertake a variety of tasks, including:
  • Developing, implementing, and coordinating environmental projects, particularly in water management, in accordance with OSCE project management standards.
  • Identifying needs and priorities for projects, ensuring alignment with national and regional policies, and adjusting project outputs to maximize impact.
  • Organizing meetings, technical events, trainings, and conferences focused on water security, ensuring effective partner coordination and logistical arrangements.
  • Establishing and maintaining working relationships with international and regional organizations, business partners, and NGOs to enhance synergies and monitor environmental trends.
  • Representing OCEEA at relevant meetings and events, analyzing environmental developments to inform participating States and OSCE structures.
  • Identifying opportunities for joint activities and supporting coordinated program development.
  • Contributing to OCEEA policy and dialogue processes by preparing inputs, drafting speeches, statements, and briefing materials.
  • Collecting and analyzing environmental and social data, preparing reports and other written outputs.
  • Promoting synergies with other OCEEA programs and liaising with other OSCE departments to enhance impacts. 1
  • Mobilizing and maintaining funding for environmental activities, preparing concept notes, proposals, and donor reports. 1
  • Enhancing the visibility of OCEEA activities through outreach materials and events that communicate project results and engage funding partners.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a second-level university degree in Environmental Science, Economics, International Relations, or Political Sciences, with a focus on environmental security issues. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of relevant experience will also be accepted. Recognized project management certification is considered an asset. Candidates should have a minimum of five years of professional experience, preferably at the international or multilateral level. Experience in diplomatic service and within an international organization is highly valued. Familiarity with OSCE regions, particularly Central Asia, South Eastern Europe, Eastern Europe, or South Caucasus, is advantageous. Candidates should also have a broad understanding of security-related environmental issues, strong analytical skills, and experience in research.

Educational Background:
The position requires a Master's degree (second-level university degree or equivalent) in a relevant field such as Environmental Science, Economics, International Relations, or Political Sciences. A first-level university degree may be accepted if accompanied by additional relevant experience, demonstrating the candidate's capability to fulfill the role effectively.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least five years of professional experience in a relevant field, with a preference for those who have seven years of experience if holding a first-level degree. Experience working in diplomatic service and within international organizations is considered a significant asset, as it provides the necessary context and understanding of the OSCE's operational environment.

Languages:
Professional fluency in English is mandatory, with excellent communication and drafting skills. Knowledge of another OSCE language, particularly Russian, is considered an important asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and partners.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as an international secondment and is open only to nationals of participating States. The contract type is fixed-term, with a full-time schedule. The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply. The maximum period of service in this post is 10 years, and candidates must conduct themselves in a manner befitting the status of an international civil servant. The OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application process, and appointments are subject to medical clearance.
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