Associate Research Co-ordinator

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 operates in 57 participating States across Europe, Central Asia, and North America, addressing a wide range of security-related concerns including arms control, human rights, and economic and environmental activities. The Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) is a principal institution of the OSCE responsible for the human dimension, focusing on election observation, democratic development, and human rights. ODIHR's activities are guided by commitments made by participating States in various summits and conferences, emphasizing cooperation and solidarity in implementing these commitments.

Job Overview:
The Associate Research Co-ordinator position is a short-term assignment lasting for 5 months and 29 days, with a potential extension for an additional 5 months and 29 days. The role is crucial in monitoring and analyzing potential violations of international human rights law (IHRL) and international humanitarian law (IHL) through open-source monitoring. The successful candidate will be responsible for gathering, sorting, and analyzing data from publicly available sources, including social media and satellite imagery, to support the Human Rights Department's efforts in addressing human rights violations, particularly in the context of the ongoing war in Ukraine. The position requires a proactive approach to research and collaboration with project staff to ensure effective implementation of monitoring activities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Associate Research Officer will report directly to the Research Co-ordinator and will undertake various responsibilities including: responding to research needs by collecting information from open sources; advising on programmatic activities and contributing to progress reports for donors; systematically contributing to project implementation through discussions with project staff; collecting and analyzing information in electronic formats and determining the credibility of sources; verifying information from monitoring missions; supporting the development of individual case files concerning alleged violations; maintaining all collected information and drafting data retention protocols; participating in team meetings and conducting interviews to gather information as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a first-level university degree in political science, international relations, foreign affairs, law, or a related field. A minimum of four years of progressively responsible professional experience in open-source systems and methodologies for research and information collection in an international environment is required. Experience in monitoring human rights during armed conflict or crisis situations is essential, along with the ability to draft human rights reports and analyze information effectively. Digital literacy and proficiency in Microsoft Office applications are necessary, as well as the ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines. Experience with interviewing individuals who have experienced trauma is considered an asset, along with excellent communication skills in English and knowledge of other OSCE region languages, particularly Russian and Ukrainian.

Educational Background:
The position requires a Bachelor's Degree, specifically a first-level university degree or equivalent in a relevant field such as political science, international relations, foreign affairs, or law. This educational background is essential to understand the complexities of human rights issues and the legal frameworks surrounding them.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least four years of professional experience in roles that involve open-source research, information collection, and analysis, particularly in the context of human rights. This experience should be progressively responsible, indicating a growth in expertise and responsibility over time. Familiarity with monitoring human rights in crisis situations is particularly valuable, as is experience in working within international environments.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, with excellent oral and written communication skills required for effective reporting and collaboration. Knowledge of additional languages from the OSCE region, especially Russian and Ukrainian, is highly desirable and will enhance the candidate's ability to engage with diverse sources and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is a fixed-term contract at the professional level (P2) with a full-time schedule. The monthly remuneration is approximately EUR 5,700, subject to post adjustment and family status, and OSCE salaries are exempt from taxation in Poland. Social security benefits include participation in the Cigna International medical insurance scheme. The OSCE emphasizes diversity and inclusion, encouraging candidates from various backgrounds to apply. Candidates should be aware that appointments are subject to medical clearance and that the OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application process.