Senior Election Advisor

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. It operates in 57 participating States across Europe, Central Asia, and North America, addressing a wide range of security-related concerns including arms control, human rights, and democratization. The OSCE has a comprehensive approach to security that encompasses politico-military, economic and environmental, and human aspects. The Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) is a principal institution of the OSCE responsible for the human dimension, focusing on election observation, democratic development, and human rights. ODIHR's Election Department manages numerous election observation activities each year, ensuring that participating States meet their OSCE commitments related to democratic elections.

Job Overview:
The Senior Election Advisor will play a crucial role in shaping departmental policies and providing technical expertise to support the Head of the Election Department. This position involves contributing to the development of methodological frameworks for election activities and advancing long-term strategies for the Department's initiatives. The advisor will assess the viability of projects proposed by Election Advisers, evaluate the outcomes of these activities, and make recommendations for improvement. Additionally, the role includes overseeing the department's budgetary plans, managing financial and administrative activities, and ensuring effective recruitment and deployment of election experts and observers. The Senior Election Advisor will also manage operational planning for field activities, coordinate with various ODIHR units, and represent ODIHR at events and meetings with other international organizations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will be responsible for a wide range of duties including: shaping departmental policies and providing technical expertise; supporting the Head of Department in developing methodological frameworks; assessing project viability and evaluating outcomes; developing and overseeing budgetary plans; managing recruitment and deployment of election experts; overseeing operational planning for election observation activities; managing extra-budgetary projects; serving as a supervisor for Election Advisers and administrative staff; representing ODIHR at events and coordination meetings; and managing the Department in the absence of the Head of Department.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a second-level university degree in political science, law, social sciences, or a related field. A first-level university degree combined with two years of additional qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. A minimum of seven years of relevant professional-level experience in government or international organizations is required, including administrative and management experience, as well as comparative election observation or election management experience in the OSCE area. Strong leadership, negotiation, analytical skills, and political judgment are essential, along with excellent written and oral communication skills in English. Knowledge of another OSCE language is considered an asset.

Educational Background:
The position requires a Master's Degree (second-level university degree or equivalent) in a relevant field such as political science, law, or social sciences. Candidates with a first-level university degree may be considered if they have additional qualifying experience.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least seven years of relevant professional experience, or nine years if holding a first-level university degree. This experience should include administrative and management roles, particularly in projects, budgets, and personnel, as well as comparative election observation or election management experience within the OSCE area.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, with excellent written and oral communication skills required. Knowledge of another OSCE language would be advantageous, enhancing the candidate's ability to work in a diverse international environment.

Additional Notes:
This position is a fixed-term contract at the P4 level, with a full-time schedule. The OSCE offers a competitive remuneration package, including a monthly salary of approximately EUR 8,700, social benefits such as medical insurance, and contributions to a provident fund. The organization is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging candidates from various backgrounds to apply. Appointments are subject to medical clearance, and the maximum period of service in this post is seven years. The OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application process.