Human Rights Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) is the principal institution of the Organization for security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) responsible for the human dimension. Established to promote democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, ODIHR is active throughout the OSCE area in various fields including election observation, democratic development, and tolerance and non-discrimination. The organization operates in all 57 participating States, ensuring equal status and consensus-based decision-making. The OSCE has a comprehensive approach to security that encompasses various aspects, including politico-military, economic, environmental, and human rights, addressing a wide range of security-related concerns.

Job Overview:
The Human Rights Officer position is located within the Contact Point for Roma and Sinti Issues (CPRSI) at the ODIHR in Warsaw. The role involves contributing to the development and implementation of programmatic activities and projects related to the human rights situation of Roma and Sinti in the OSCE area. The incumbent will monitor, analyze, and report on human rights issues, particularly focusing on racism and discrimination against Roma and Sinti. This position requires drafting reports and analyses, proposing responses to senior management, and collaborating with various stakeholders, including national authorities and civil society organizations. The officer will also be responsible for planning and implementing training activities aimed at strengthening the capacity of stakeholders and facilitating dialogue.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Human Rights Officer include:

• Monitoring, analyzing, and reporting on the human rights situation of Roma and Sinti, particularly regarding racism and discrimination.
• Proposing responses to the Chief of CPRSI and ODIHR senior management based on findings.
• Drafting reports, analyses, briefing papers, and other materials related to human rights issues and the implementation of the OSCE Action Plan.
• Analyzing the impact of new legislation and policies on Roma and Sinti and identifying effective policy models for inclusion.
• Contributing to the development and implementation of departmental activities and projects.
• Collaborating with ODIHR departments and maintaining contacts with relevant OSCE institutions and civil society organizations.
• Planning and facilitating communication and outreach activities, including meetings and events.
• Developing and implementing training activities for stakeholders to promote understanding and capacity building.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a second-level university degree in law, political science, sociology, social science, public administration, international relations, or related fields. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of relevant experience will also be accepted. A minimum of two years of directly related professional work experience in human rights or public policy is required, with a preference for experience related to Roma and Sinti issues. Candidates should have a strong understanding of international human rights institutions and policies addressing minorities, as well as experience in project design and implementation targeting vulnerable groups.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a second-level university degree (Master's degree) in relevant fields such as law, political science, sociology, or international relations. Alternatively, a first-level university degree with two additional years of relevant experience will be accepted in lieu of the second-level degree.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of two years of professional work experience directly related to human rights, public policy, or a related field. Candidates with a first-level university degree should have at least four years of relevant experience. Experience in monitoring human rights, particularly concerning Roma and Sinti, is highly desirable, as is familiarity with national and international policies addressing these issues.

Languages:
Excellent oral and written communication skills in English are essential for this position. Knowledge of another OSCE language is considered desirable, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and contribute to the organization's objectives.

Additional Notes:
This position is open for secondment only, and all costs related to the assignment must be borne by the nominating authorities. The OSCE does not provide a Board and Lodging Allowance for seconded staff members. The contract type is international secondment, and the position is full-time. The maximum period of service in this post is 10 years, and candidates must adhere to the ethical standards expected of international civil servants. The OSCE encourages diversity and inclusion within its workforce and is committed to applying the highest ethical standards in its operations.