Project Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities (HCNM) is an institution within the Organization for security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) that was established to promote conflict prevention and the integration of diverse societies. The HCNM was founded to identify and seek early resolution of ethnic tensions that might endanger peace, stability, or friendly relations between OSCE participating States. The organization operates with a comprehensive approach to security that encompasses various aspects including politico-military, economic, environmental, and human dimensions. The OSCE has 57 participating States, all of which enjoy equal status, and decisions are made by consensus on a politically but not legally binding basis. The HCNM is staffed by a High Commissioner, a Director, and various teams comprising political, legal, and project advisers/officers, as well as administrative support staff. The office is dedicated to addressing a wide range of security-related concerns, including human rights, national minorities, and democratization, among others.

Job Overview:
The Project Officer is responsible for overseeing all phases of development and implementation of the programmatic portfolio assigned to them. This includes preparing project proposals, identifying and guiding implementing partners, monitoring project progress, and conducting visits to relevant regions for project management purposes. The Project Officer plays a crucial role in ensuring that the programmatic portfolio aligns with and advances the High Commissioner’s political and legislative assistance to the OSCE participating States. Additionally, the Project Officer is tasked with fundraising, financial management of projects, and their monitoring and evaluation. This position requires a proactive approach to project management and a strong understanding of the political context in the relevant regions, particularly Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, and Central Asia.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Under the supervision of the Head of Section, the Project Officer will be responsible for a variety of tasks including: participating in and contributing to in-country assessments, developing project proposals and budgets, identifying local and international project partners, and identifying potential funders. The Project Officer will also oversee project implementation, evaluation, and reporting. This role involves traveling to the region of responsibility and may require representing the High Commissioner at conferences, seminars, training programs, or visits as identified by the High Commissioner. The Project Officer must maintain continuous contact with implementing partners to ensure that project implementation aligns with the High Commissioner's support to the OSCE participating States. Furthermore, the Project Officer will oversee all expenditures related to their projects to ensure compliance with project budgets and OSCE and funder requirements, prepare narrative and financial reports for funders, contribute to the development of fundraising strategies, and participate actively in discussions on HCNM policies and strategies. The Project Officer will also provide support to the Head of Section and HCNM's Advisers in drafting thematic and country-specific documents, planning and organizing relevant meetings, and assisting with the High Commissioner's country visits. Additionally, the Project Officer will play a key role in developing knowledge products and supporting initiatives for knowledge and experience exchange between OSCE participating States, supervise project assistants and national project staff, and perform other duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a second-level university degree in Political Science, International Relations, Development Studies, Public Administration, Project Management, law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">International Law, Sociology, or other related fields. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of relevant experience will also be accepted in lieu of the second-level university degree. Furthermore, candidates should have a minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional experience, including project management experience at the international level. A sound understanding of the political context in the relevant region, particularly regarding inter-ethnic relations and minority issues, is essential. Creativity and initiative are key assets for this role, along with professional fluency in English. Knowledge of another official OSCE language is considered an asset. Candidates should also demonstrate gender awareness and sensitivity, and the ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities. The ability to work independently and as part of a team, cope with a varied and heavy workload, and possess excellent communication skills, both written and spoken, is crucial. Proficiency in Microsoft applications is also required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a second-level university degree, which is equivalent to a Master's degree, in fields such as Political Science, International Relations, Development Studies, Public Administration, Project Management, International Law, Sociology, or other related disciplines. In cases where a candidate holds a first-level university degree, they must also have two additional years of relevant experience to meet the educational requirements for this position.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional experience, which includes project management experience at the international level. Candidates with a first-level university degree must have at least seven years of relevant experience. This experience should ideally include a sound understanding of the political context in the relevant regions, particularly Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, and Central Asia, with a focus on inter-ethnic relations and minority issues.

Languages:
Professional fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of another official OSCE language is considered an asset and would be beneficial for candidates applying for this role.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as an International Secondment with a fixed-term contract. The job type is seconded, and there is one post available. The location of the position is at the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities in The Hague. The issue date for this job posting is November 24, 2025, and the closing date for applications is February 19, 202

• The employee status is fixed-term, and the schedule is full-time. The target start date for the position is as soon as possible. Candidates should be aware that the OSCE retains the discretion to re-advertise or cancel the vacancy, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Additionally, the OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce and encourages the nomination of qualified candidates from all backgrounds. Candidates should apply to their relevant authorities well in advance of the deadline to ensure timely processing of their applications, as delayed nominations will not be considered.