Chief Medical Officer (CMO)

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, security, and stability in Europe and beyond. The OSCE operates in 57 participating States across Europe, North America, and Asia, and has a comprehensive approach to security that encompasses politico-military, economic and environmental, and human aspects. The organization is known for addressing a wide range of security-related concerns, including arms control, human rights, and counter-terrorism. The OSCE Secretariat, located in Vienna, provides operational and administrative support to field operations and other institutions, ensuring that all participating States enjoy equal status and that decisions are made by consensus.

Job Overview:
The Chief Medical Officer (CMO) is a pivotal role within the OSCE Secretariat, specifically located in the Department of Human Resources (DHR). The CMO is responsible for overseeing medical and occupational health policies and procedures across the organization. This position requires a high degree of professional independence, as the CMO is empowered to make authoritative medical decisions that affect policy, staff health status, and organizational risk. The CMO's work directly impacts staff welfare and ensures compliance with duty of care obligations under OSCE Staff Regulations. The role involves close collaboration with senior OSCE managers, medical staff, and external medical providers, requiring discretion and sound judgment in high-stakes medical decisions.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Chief Medical Officer's responsibilities include defining and enforcing organization-wide medical standards, conducting evaluations for staff deployment, providing technical input into medical guidelines, and recommending reasonable accommodations for staff. The CMO also provides expert advice on sick leave policies, monitors long-term sick leave cases, and supports the development of return-to-work plans. Additionally, the CMO coordinates medical evacuations, leads the organization's response to medical crises, and acts as a principal medical risk advisor to senior management. The role also involves defining the strategic direction of the OSCE's occupational health agenda, managing resources related to medical services, and ensuring compliance with established standards across the organization.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in Medicine (MD) and a license to practice. A specialization in occupational medicine, emergency medicine, or healthcare management is highly desirable. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of ten years of progressively responsible medical experience, preferably in international occupational health settings. Experience in developing health policies, strategic planning, and emergency medical coordination is essential. Strong analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills are required, along with integrity, discretion, and cultural sensitivity. Familiarity with international civil service settings is desirable, as well as proficiency in Microsoft Office and medical IT systems.

Educational Background:
A university degree in Medicine (MD) is mandatory for this position. Candidates should also have a valid license to practice medicine. Specialization in occupational medicine, emergency medicine, or healthcare management is highly desirable and would enhance a candidate's suitability for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of ten years of progressively responsible medical experience. This experience should ideally include work in international occupational health settings, demonstrating the ability to navigate complex medical and organizational environments. Candidates should have a proven track record in developing health policies and procedures, as well as experience in strategic planning and emergency medical coordination.

Languages:
Excellent oral and written communication skills in English are mandatory for this position. Knowledge of other OSCE working languages, such as Russian or German, is desirable and would be considered an asset in the application process.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as an international secondment, with a fixed-term contract. The role is full-time, and the OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce. Candidates must be aware that the OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application process. The maximum period of service in this post is limited to 10 years, and candidates should conduct themselves in a manner befitting the status of an international civil servant. The OSCE retains the discretion to re-advertise or cancel the vacancy and will only contact candidates selected for further stages of recruitment.