Associate Project Officer on Youth and Security

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 operates in 57 participating States across Europe, Central Asia, and North America, addressing a wide range of security-related concerns. The organization has a comprehensive approach to security that encompasses politico-military, economic and environmental, and human aspects. The OSCE Secretariat, located in Vienna, provides operational and administrative support to the field operations and assists the Chairpersonship in its activities. The Office of the Secretary General plays a key role in supporting the Secretary General in implementing his/her mandate and coordinating tasks across the Secretariat. The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, encouraging qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

Job Overview:
The Associate Project Officer on Youth and Security will be responsible for supporting the implementation of an Extra-Budgetary project titled 'Accelerating the Implementation of the Youth and Security Agenda in the OSCE Region.' This project aims to advance the efforts of OSCE participating States and Executive Structures in implementing the Youth and Security Agenda, highlighting the positive contributions of young people to peace and security. The selected candidate will work under the direct supervision of the Senior Adviser to the OSCE Secretary General and will coordinate project activities, maintain communication with various stakeholders, and monitor project progress. The role requires a proactive approach to developing and implementing project activities, as well as supporting policy work related to youth and security.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Associate Project Officer on Youth and Security include:

• Developing, designing, and implementing project activities related to the Youth and Security Agenda, coordinating with relevant stakeholders such as the OSCE Chairpersonship, participating States, and young experts.
• Maintaining operational work and communication with the OSCE Pool of Young Experts.
• Monitoring project progress in close coordination with the Senior Adviser to the Secretary General, drafting project progress reports, and other narrative and financial reports.
• Supporting policy work on youth-related matters by drafting talking points, background papers, non-papers, and statements/speeches for senior management.
• Advancing efforts of OSCE participating States and Executive Structures in implementing the Youth and Security Agenda.
• Contributing to information sharing and exchange of good practices on youth and security within the OSCE and among participating States, international organizations, and civil society.
• Representing the OSCE in meetings, conferences, seminars, and academic forums, including giving speeches and presentations, and drafting reports.
• Performing other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the position include:

• A second-level university degree in international relations, law, social or political science, public administration, security studies, or a related field. A first-level university degree in the same fields, combined with two additional years of relevant experience, will be accepted in lieu of the second-level degree.
• A specialization in youth and security is considered an asset.
• An advanced degree in the aforementioned fields is desirable.
• A minimum of one year of professional-level experience in international relations and political affairs work at national or international levels; two years of experience is required with a relevant first-level university degree.
• Knowledge and previous experience in youth and security work.
• A minimum of two years of experience in project and budget management.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Professional fluency in English with excellent communication skills, both oral and written. Knowledge of other OSCE languages is desirable.
• Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, with the ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities. 1
• Ability and willingness to work as a team member with people from diverse cultural, religious, and political backgrounds while maintaining impartiality and objectivity. 1
• Computer literacy with practical experience using Microsoft applications.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a second-level university degree in international relations, law, social or political science, public administration, security studies, or another related field. Candidates with a first-level university degree in the same fields, combined with two additional years of relevant experience, will also be considered. A specialization in youth and security is an asset, and an advanced degree in the aforementioned areas is desirable.

Experience:
The level of experience needed for this position includes a minimum of one year of professional-level experience in international relations and political affairs work at national or international levels. Candidates with a relevant first-level university degree are required to have at least two years of experience. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of two years of experience in project and budget management, demonstrating the ability to work effectively under pressure and meet tight deadlines.

Languages:
The mandatory language for this position is English, with professional fluency required for effective communication. Knowledge of other OSCE languages is considered desirable, as it may enhance the candidate's ability to perform in a multilingual environment. The ability to speak in the official OSCE language would also be an asset.

Additional Notes:
The position is a fixed-term contract with a duration from June 1, 2026, to November 30, 2026, with the possibility of extension subject to funding availability. The monthly remuneration is approximately EUR 4,790, with actual salary depending on post adjustment and family status. OSCE salaries are exempt from taxation in Austria, and social benefits include participation in the Cigna medical insurance scheme and the OSCE Provident Fund. Appointments are typically made at Step 1 of the applicable OSCE salary scale, with the possibility of an initial appointment at up to Step 3 in exceptional cases. Candidates should be aware that the OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application and review process, and that vacancies are open for competition only among nationals of participating States.