Policy Support Officer

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 employs a diverse workforce and is committed to addressing a wide range of security-related concerns, including arms control, human rights, and conflict prevention. The OSCE Secretariat, located in Vienna, provides operational and administrative support to the field operations and other institutions, ensuring effective coordination and implementation of the organization's mandates.

Job Overview:
The Policy Support Officer position is a seconded role at the P3 level within the UN common system, specifically designed for candidates nominated by participating States. The incumbent will be part of the Policy Support Service (PSS) within the OSCE Secretariat, contributing to the organization's comprehensive approach to security. This role involves monitoring and analyzing developments in Eastern Europe, providing policy advice, and supporting the performance-based budgeting process for assigned field operations. The Policy Support Officer will engage in research, drafting reports, and preparing briefing materials, while also attending meetings and summarizing discussions for internal distribution. The position requires collaboration with senior officials and participation in high-level visits to the region, ensuring effective communication and coordination of activities related to conflict prevention and resolution.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Policy Support Officer will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including:

• Monitoring and analyzing political developments in the assigned region, providing relevant policy advice to senior management.
• Ensuring effective communication of information from field operations to the Secretary General, Chairperson-in-Office, and other relevant parties.
• Actively monitoring the implementation of mandates for assigned field operations and supporting the budgeting process.
• Conducting research on political topics, drafting background papers, and compiling briefing materials for internal use.
• Attending meetings, writing summaries, notes, and reports for distribution within the organization.
• Preparing visits for senior officials, including the Secretary General and Chairpersonship, and accompanying them during high-level visits to the region.
• Participating in CPC-related events and contributing to various tasks or projects as required.
• Collaborating with team members to ensure effective coordination of programs and activities among field operations and OSCE specialized units.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a first-level university degree in political sciences, public or law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law, international relations, or a related field. Additionally, a minimum of seven years of professional experience in government, international affairs, law, or a relevant field is required. Candidates with a second-level degree may qualify with five years of experience. Regional expertise and work experience in a diplomatic service or international organization are considered distinct assets. Project management experience and skills are also advantageous. Candidates should demonstrate excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex topics clearly to diverse audiences. Professional fluency in English is mandatory, and knowledge of another OSCE working language, particularly Russian or a language spoken in the region, is a valuable asset.

Educational Background:
The educational requirement for this position is a first-level university degree, which can be in political sciences, public or international law, international relations, or another related field. This foundational education is essential for understanding the complexities of international relations and security issues that the OSCE addresses.

Experience:
The position requires a significant level of professional experience, specifically a minimum of seven years in relevant fields such as government, international affairs, or law. Candidates with a second-level degree can qualify with five years of experience. Experience in a diplomatic service or international organization is highly valued, as is project management experience. Familiarity with the region and its political dynamics will be considered a distinct advantage.

Languages:
Professional fluency in English is mandatory for this position, including strong drafting and oral presentation skills. Knowledge of another OSCE working language, particularly Russian or one of the languages spoken in the region, is considered an asset and may enhance a candidate's suitability for the role.

Additional Notes:
This position is a fixed-term secondment role, with a maximum service period of 10 years. The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from qualified candidates of all backgrounds. The organization emphasizes the importance of ethical conduct and impartiality among its officials. Candidates should be aware that appointments are subject to medical clearance, and the OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application process. The deadline for applications is April 7, 2026, and candidates are advised to apply well in advance to ensure timely processing.