Human Rights Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Organization for security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) is a prominent international organization that focuses on security and cooperation among its 57 participating States. Established in 1975, the OSCE has a comprehensive approach to security that encompasses politico-military, economic and environmental, and human aspects. The organization addresses a wide range of security-related concerns, including arms control, human rights, and counter-terrorism. The OSCE operates in various countries, promoting peace, democracy, and stability through dialogue and cooperation.

Job Overview:
The Human Rights Officer position is situated within the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), which is the principal institution of the OSCE responsible for the human dimension. The role involves monitoring and analyzing human rights developments across the OSCE region, particularly focusing on the right to freedom of peaceful assembly. The incumbent will be responsible for planning and coordinating monitoring missions, advising on programmatic activities, and developing capacity-building initiatives. This position requires a proactive approach to engage with various stakeholders, including government authorities, civil society organizations, and international partners, to advance ODIHR's human rights mandate and empower civil society actors.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Human Rights Officer will perform a variety of duties, including:

• Monitoring and analyzing human rights developments across the OSCE region, advising management on priority areas and programmatic responses.
• Planning and coordinating the deployment of ODIHR peaceful assembly monitoring missions in participating States.
• Advising and developing programmatic activities in cooperation with OSCE structures and civil society.
• Designing and implementing capacity-building initiatives and training programs for law enforcement and civil society organizations.
• Developing publications related to the right to freedom of peaceful assembly.
• Liaising with OSCE field missions and civil society to support program development.
• Preparing project proposals, budgets, and donor reports.
• Establishing cooperation with government authorities and supervising experts engaged in program delivery.
• Engaging in tasks aligned with ODIHR’s mandate, including monitoring human rights crises. 1
• Contributing to department-wide initiatives and drafting materials for inter-departmental projects.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a second-level university degree in social sciences, international relations, political science, or law, with a specialization in human rights preferred. A first-level university degree combined with two years of additional qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional experience in the field of human rights, including international advisory experience. Knowledge of UN, Council of Europe, and OSCE human rights standards is essential, along with experience in project design and implementation.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's degree (second-level university degree) in relevant fields such as social sciences, international relations, political science, or law. A specialization in human rights is preferred, and candidates with a first-level university degree may be considered if they have additional qualifying experience.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in human rights, with seven years preferred for candidates holding a first-level university degree. Experience at the international level in an advisory capacity is essential, along with familiarity with human rights monitoring and reporting methodologies.

Languages:
Excellent written and oral proficiency in English is mandatory. Knowledge of Russian and/or other OSCE languages is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders across the OSCE region.

Additional Notes:
The position is a fixed-term contract at the P3 level, with a full-time schedule. The monthly remuneration is approximately EUR 7,100, and OSCE salaries are exempt from taxation in Poland. Social benefits include participation in the Cigna medical insurance scheme and contributions to the OSCE Provident Fund. The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply. The maximum period of service in this post is seven years, and appointments are subject to medical clearance. The OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application process.