Senior Political Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The OSCE (Organization for security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security and Co-operation in Europe) is a prominent international organization founded in 1975, with a mission to promote peace, security, and stability in Europe and beyond. The organization operates in 57 participating states across Europe, Central Asia, and North America, with a workforce that includes thousands of employees dedicated to various missions and operations. The OSCE is committed to fostering dialogue and cooperation among its member states to address security challenges and promote democratic governance, human rights, and the rule of law.

Job Overview:
As a Senior Political Officer within the OSCE Mission to Moldova, you will play a pivotal role in advising the Head of Mission on critical political issues, particularly focusing on the Transdniestrian settlement process. This position requires a proactive approach to advising colleagues on political and conflict sensitivities, drafting analytical reports, and contributing to briefings and talking points for mission leadership. You will be expected to support dialogue and negotiation efforts between conflicting parties, maintain a network of contacts, and provide political advice on developments affecting both banks of the Dniester/Nistru River. The role also involves identifying potential risks of conflict and advising on preventive measures, facilitating negotiations, and coordinating the work of the Mission's Political Office while supervising staff. This position demands a high level of diplomatic skill, analytical capability, and the ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Political Officer will be responsible for a comprehensive set of tasks, including: acting as a senior advisor to the Head of Mission on political matters; advising colleagues on political and conflict sensitivities; drafting and contributing to analytical reports and briefings; supporting dialogue and negotiation efforts; maintaining contacts and providing political advice; identifying risks of conflict and advising on preventive measures; facilitating negotiations in various formats related to the Transdniestrian settlement process; acting as a liaison with political and public officials; coordinating the Political Office's work; supervising staff; and performing additional duties as required by the Conflict Prevention and Resolution Programme Manager.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a second-level university degree in international studies, public policy, political science, law, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with eight years of qualifying experience, including three years in management, may be accepted. A certified training course in a relevant field is desirable. Additionally, candidates should have extensive experience in political analysis and reporting, liaising with governmental and non-governmental organizations, and strong interpersonal and organizational skills.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's degree (second-level university degree) in relevant fields such as international studies, public policy, political science, or law. Candidates with a first-level university degree may be considered if they have substantial relevant experience, particularly in management roles.

Experience:
A minimum of six years of relevant, diversified, and progressively responsible professional experience is required, including at least three years at the management level relevant to the position. Candidates should have a proven track record in political analysis, reporting, and experience working in international organizations or diplomatic settings.

Languages:
Professional fluency in English is mandatory, with the ability to draft documents clearly and concisely. A working knowledge of the Russian language is also required, including the ability to conduct substantive business. Knowledge of the Romanian language is desirable but not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as an international secondment, and candidates must be internationally recruited, meaning they will work in a duty station outside their home country. Nationals and permanent residents of Moldova are not eligible to apply. The OSCE emphasizes diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from qualified candidates of all backgrounds. The maximum period of service in this post is seven years, and candidates should be aware that OSCE officials must conduct themselves in a manner befitting their status as international civil servants. The OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application process, and appointments are subject to medical clearance.