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 an intergovernmental organization founded in 1975, with a mission to promote peace, stability, and democracy in Europe. The OSCE has 57 participating States and operates in various countries across Europe, Central Asia, and North America. The organization addresses a wide range of security-related concerns, including arms control, human rights, and economic and environmental activities. The OSCE Secretariat, based in Vienna, provides operational and administrative support to field operations and other institutions, ensuring that the organization's objectives are met effectively and efficiently.

Job Overview:
The Senior Policy Support Officer will serve as the Head of the Central Asia Desk within the Conflict Prevention Centre (CPC) of the OSCE. This position involves acting as the primary point of contact for all OSCE mission matters related to Central Asia, overseeing and ensuring follow-up on all Secretariat activities pertinent to the Central Asia Field Operations. The incumbent will lead and manage a team of Desk Officers, actively monitor the implementation of mandates, analyze developments in the region, and provide policy advice and reporting on mandate implementation. The role requires close coordination with various OSCE institutions and partner organizations, ensuring that field operations are effectively supported and aligned with the organization's strategic objectives. The Senior Policy Support Officer will also be responsible for managing the performance and development of team members, ensuring that the desk operates efficiently and effectively in fulfilling its responsibilities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Policy Support Officer will have a comprehensive set of duties, including:

• Actively monitoring and reporting on the implementation of mandates for designated field operations, analyzing the impact of current and future activities on agreed tasks and objectives.
• Scrutinizing reports submitted by field operations and advising the Chairpersonship on their distribution.
• Monitoring and analyzing developments in Central Asia, focusing on early warning signals of potential crises and providing recommendations for preventive or reactive actions.
• Assisting field operations in implementing policy and mandate guidance from participating States and the Secretary General.
• Providing expert advisory support to the Secretary General and Chairpersonship, including conducting research, preparing analytical reports, and drafting decisions and statements.
• Coordinating field operation programming and mobilizing additional support and resources as needed.
• Organizing regular meetings of Heads of Mission and conducting visits to field operations to ensure maximum support.
• Engaging in consultations with partner organizations and presenting the OSCE's work to various stakeholders.
• Participating in performance-based budgeting processes and collaborating with the Department of Human Resources on staffing issues. 1
• Managing the desk's activities, ensuring appropriate task allocation and fostering professional development among team members. 1
• Performing other related duties as required, including covering for other policy support officers during their absence.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a second-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 first-level university degree combined with two years of additional qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the second-level degree. Additionally, a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible professional experience in government, diplomatic service, international organizations, or related fields is required. Experience in Central Asia international development topics, project management, and resource mobilization is highly desirable. Proven experience in producing political analysis and reporting, as well as demonstrated people management experience, is essential.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a second-level university degree in political science, public or international law, international relations, or another related field. Candidates with a first-level university degree may be considered if they have two additional years of qualifying experience. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of international relations and the specific challenges faced in Central Asia.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible professional experience in relevant fields, such as government, diplomatic service, international organizations, or non-governmental organizations. Candidates with a first-level university degree must have at least nine years of experience. This level of experience is necessary to ensure that the incumbent can effectively manage the responsibilities of the role and provide the necessary support to the OSCE's mission in Central Asia.

Languages:
Professional fluency in English is mandatory, including excellent drafting skills. A working knowledge of another OSCE official language, particularly Russian, is highly desirable. Familiarity with other languages spoken in the Central Asia region would also be an asset, as it would enhance communication and collaboration with local stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is a fixed-term contract at the P4 level, classified as middle management. The monthly remuneration is approximately EUR 9,400, 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. The maximum period of service in this post is seven years, and the mandatory retirement age is 65 years for contracted positions. The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging candidates from all backgrounds to apply. The organization does not request payment at any stage of the application process.