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 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 combating human trafficking. The OSCE Secretariat, located in Vienna, provides operational and administrative support to field operations and other institutions, ensuring effective coordination and implementation of the organization's mandates.

Job Overview:
The Senior Policy Support Officer will serve as the Head of the Conflict Prevention Centre's (CPC) South-Eastern Europe Desk, acting as the primary point of contact for all OSCE mission matters related to South-Eastern Europe. The incumbent will oversee and ensure follow-up on all Secretariat activities pertinent to the region's field operations. This role involves leading a team of Policy Support Officers, monitoring the implementation of mandates, analyzing regional developments, and providing policy advice to the Secretary General and Chairpersonship. The position requires a proactive approach to crisis management, coordination with various OSCE institutions and partner organizations, and the ability to provide expert support and analysis on political topics relevant to the OSCE's activities in the field.

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

• Leading and managing the team of Desk Officers, ensuring effective performance and development.
• Actively monitoring and reporting on the implementation of mandates for designated field operations, analyzing their impact on agreed tasks and objectives.
• Scrutinizing reports from field operations and advising the Chairpersonship on their distribution.
• Monitoring developments in the region, focusing on early warning signals of potential crises, and providing recommendations for preventive or reactive actions.
• Assisting field operations in implementing policy guidance from participating States and the Secretary General.
• Providing expert support to the Secretary General and Chairpersonship, including conducting research, preparing analytical reports, and drafting decisions.
• Coordinating field operation programming and mobilizing additional support and resources as needed.
• Organizing regular meetings of Heads of Mission and visiting designated field operations to ensure maximum support.
• Engaging in consultations with partner organizations and presenting OSCE work to international representatives. 1
• Participating in performance-based budgeting processes and collaborating with the Department of Human Resources on staffing issues. 1
• Managing the assigned desk, ensuring appropriate task allocation and fostering team performance.

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 South-Eastern Europe international development topics, project management, and resource mobilization is highly desirable. Proven experience in political analysis, reporting, and people management is essential. Candidates must demonstrate professional fluency in English, including excellent drafting skills, and knowledge of another OSCE official language, particularly one spoken in the region, is an asset. Candidates should also exhibit gender awareness and sensitivity, the ability to work in diverse teams, and proficiency in digital tools, particularly Microsoft Office.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's degree (second-level university degree) in political science, public or international law, international relations, or a related field. Candidates with a first-level university degree may be considered if they have additional qualifying experience that meets the organization's standards.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible professional experience in relevant fields. Candidates with a first-level university degree must have at least nine years of experience. This experience should ideally include work in government, diplomatic service, international organizations, or non-governmental organizations, with a focus on South-Eastern Europe and international development topics. Experience in project management and resource mobilization is also highly valued.

Languages:
Professional fluency in English is mandatory, with excellent drafting skills. Knowledge of another OSCE official language, especially one of the languages spoken in South-Eastern Europe, is considered an asset. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively in both written and spoken forms in these languages.

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, subject to 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. The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply. The organization does not request payment at any stage of the application process.