Human Rights Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) is the principal institution of the Organization for security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) responsible for the human dimension. Established to promote democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, ODIHR operates across the OSCE area, engaging in election observation, democratic development, and human rights advocacy. The organization is committed to fostering tolerance and non-discrimination, and it plays a crucial role in assisting participating States in implementing their OSCE commitments. The OSCE has a comprehensive approach to security that encompasses various aspects, including politico-military, economic, environmental, and human rights. The organization consists of 57 participating States, all of which enjoy equal status, and decisions are made by consensus on a politically binding basis. ODIHR's work is vital in addressing a wide range of security-related concerns, including arms control, human trafficking, and the promotion of democratic values.

Job Overview:
The Human Rights Officer position is located within the Contact Point for Roma and Sinti Issues (CPRSI) at ODIHR in Warsaw. The incumbent will be responsible for contributing to the development and implementation of programmatic activities and projects related to the human rights situation of Roma and Sinti in the OSCE area. This role involves monitoring, analyzing, and reporting on human rights issues, particularly concerning racism and discrimination against Roma and Sinti communities. The officer will draft reports, analyses, and policy papers, and will be expected to propose responses to senior management based on their findings. The position requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including national authorities, civil society organizations, and other international bodies, to facilitate dialogue and promote the inclusion of Roma and Sinti in policy-making processes. The officer will also be involved in planning and implementing training activities aimed at strengthening the capacity of stakeholders to address issues related to Roma and Sinti.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Human Rights Officer include:

• Monitoring, analyzing, and reporting on the human rights situation of Roma and Sinti in the OSCE area, focusing on manifestations of racism and discrimination.
• Proposing responses to the Chief of CPRSI and ODIHR senior management based on analysis of the situation.
• Drafting reports, analyses, briefing papers, and other materials related to the human rights situation of Roma and Sinti, as well as the implementation of the OSCE Action Plan.
• Analyzing the impact of new legislation and policies on Roma and Sinti, identifying good policy models that foster inclusion and non-discrimination.
• Contributing to the development and implementation of activities and projects aligned with the department’s strategic outline.
• Collaborating with ODIHR departments and maintaining contacts with relevant OSCE institutions and civil society organizations.
• Planning and facilitating dialogue activities, including meetings and events, to assist participating States in implementing their OSCE commitments.
• Developing and implementing training activities targeting stakeholders to enhance their capacity in addressing issues related to Roma and Sinti.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Human Rights Officer position include:

• A second-level university degree in law, political science, sociology, social science, public administration, international relations, or a related field. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of relevant experience will also be accepted.
• A minimum of two years of directly related professional work experience in human rights, public policy, or a related field, with a preference for experience focused on Roma and Sinti issues.
• A strong understanding of the international environment and the functioning of international human rights institutions, particularly concerning minorities and anti-discrimination policies.
• Experience in human and minority rights, particularly related to Roma and Sinti, is desirable.
• Familiarity with national, regional, and international policies addressing Roma and Sinti issues is an asset.
• Proven experience in designing and implementing project activities aimed at groups at risk of exclusion or discrimination.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English are essential, with knowledge of another OSCE language being desirable.
• Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, with the ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities.
• Strong teamwork skills and the ability to establish effective working relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a second-level university degree in relevant fields such as law, political science, sociology, social science, public administration, or international relations. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of relevant experience will be accepted in lieu of the second-level degree. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate has the necessary theoretical knowledge and analytical skills to address complex human rights issues effectively.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of two years of directly related professional work experience in human rights, public policy, or a related field. Candidates with a first-level university degree must have at least four years of relevant experience. This experience should preferably include work focused on Roma and Sinti issues or other vulnerable groups, demonstrating a solid understanding of the challenges faced by these communities and the policies aimed at addressing them.

Languages:
Excellent oral and written communication skills in English are mandatory for this position. Knowledge of another OSCE language is considered desirable and would enhance the candidate's ability to engage with a broader range of stakeholders and resources.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as an international secondment and is full-time. The contract is fixed-term, and the maximum period of service in this post is 10 years. Candidates should be aware that the OSCE conducts its recruitment process with a commitment to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from qualified individuals of all backgrounds. The OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application process, and candidates must ensure that their applications are submitted through the appropriate channels as specified in the job posting. The OSCE retains the discretion to re-advertise or cancel the vacancy, and only candidates selected for further stages of recruitment will be contacted.