Senior 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 a regional security organization that was established in 197

• It has 57 participating States and operates in various countries across Europe, Central Asia, and North America. The OSCE's mission is to promote peace, stability, and democracy through a comprehensive approach to security that encompasses politico-military, economic, environmental, and human aspects. The organization employs a diverse workforce and is committed to diversity and inclusion within its ranks.

Job Overview:
The Senior Policy Support Officer position is a newly proposed role within the OSCE Secretariat, specifically designed to provide policy advice and support related to the Geneva International Discussions (GID) and other relevant engagements. This position is classified at the P4 level within the UN common system and is open for secondment only. The successful candidate will be responsible for drafting speeches, statements, and background briefings, as well as providing policy advice and analysis on developments in the conflict context. The role requires a proactive approach to monitoring potential crisis situations and recommending appropriate actions to the Secretary General and the OSCE Chairpersonship. The incumbent will also manage a Policy Support Officer and oversee their workload and professional development, ensuring that a gender perspective is integrated into all activities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Policy Support Officer will be tasked with a variety of responsibilities, including: monitoring and analyzing developments in the assigned context to identify early warning signals of potential crises; providing policy advice and recommendations for preventive or reactive actions; assisting in implementing policy guidance from the Secretary General and participating States; leading or participating in meetings with relevant institutions and units; conducting research and preparing analytical reports and policy options; supporting the Chairperson-in-Office's engagement on the ground; facilitating coordination of confidence-building programs; leading consultations with partner organizations; supervising the activities of a Policy Support Officer and possibly interns; ensuring appropriate task allocation and fostering team performance; and integrating a gender perspective into all managed activities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a first-level university degree in political science, public or law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law, international relations, or a related field. A minimum of nine years of progressively responsible professional experience in government, diplomatic service, international organizations, or related fields is required, with at least seven years of experience if holding a relevant second-level degree. Experience in project management, resource mobilization, and dialogue facilitation is essential, along with demonstrable people management experience. Candidates must also have professional fluency in English, including excellent drafting skills, and a working knowledge of Russian is mandatory. Knowledge of another OSCE official language or a language spoken in the region is an asset.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a first-level university degree in a relevant field such as political science, public or international law, or international relations. This foundational education is critical for understanding the complexities of international security and policy-making processes.

Experience:
The position requires a significant level of experience, specifically a minimum of nine years of progressively responsible professional experience in relevant fields. This experience should ideally include work in government, diplomatic services, international organizations, or non-governmental organizations, with a distinct asset being work experience in the region. Candidates should also have experience in project management and resource mobilization, as well as in producing political analysis and reporting.

Languages:
Professional fluency in English is mandatory, with excellent drafting skills required. A working knowledge of Russian is also mandatory, while knowledge of another OSCE official language or a language spoken in the region would be considered an asset. This linguistic proficiency is essential for effective communication and collaboration within the diverse OSCE framework.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a fixed-term assignment under the OSCE's secondment framework, with the maximum period of service being 10 years. The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from qualified candidates of all backgrounds. The role is full-time, and candidates should be aware that appointments are subject to medical clearance. The OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application process, and all costs related to the assignment must be borne by the nominating authorities of the participating States.