Legal 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 focuses on a comprehensive approach to security that includes politico-military, economic, environmental, and human aspects. The OSCE Secretariat, located in Vienna, provides operational and administrative support to the Chairpersonship and field operations, ensuring that the organization's objectives are met effectively and efficiently. The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, encouraging the nomination of qualified candidates from all backgrounds.

Job Overview:
The Legal Officer position is a P3-level role within the OSCE Secretariat, specifically in the Office of Legal Affairs (OLA). This role is crucial for providing expert legal advice on a wide range of issues affecting the OSCE, including law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law, internal justice matters, and legal frameworks. The Legal Officer will assist the Head of OLA in ensuring that the office functions effectively by preparing timely legal advice, representing OLA in various working groups and committees, and mentoring Junior Professional Officers and interns. The incumbent will be expected to communicate with OSCE officials and external entities, including the Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and international organizations, to gather or provide necessary information. This position requires a proactive approach to legal challenges and the ability to navigate complex legal environments.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Legal Officer will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including but not limited to:

• Providing expert legal advice on the interpretation of the OSCE's regulatory framework, including Financial and Staff Regulations, and preparing drafts and reviews of proposed amendments.
• Advising on multi-disciplinary legal issues related to the OSCE's functions, including legal status and privileges of the organization and its officials.
• Drafting, negotiating, and interpreting legal instruments such as international agreements and memoranda of understanding.
• Offering legal advice on contractual matters, including dispute resolution and intellectual property rights, and participating in the negotiation of high-value contracts.
• Advising on procedural issues arising in OSCE decision-making bodies.
• Conducting legal research and analysis for the preparation of legal opinions, studies, and reports.
• Performing other duties as assigned by the Head of OLA.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a first-level university degree in Law, with a second-level degree being desirable. A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible professional experience in law is required, including legal analysis, research, and writing, with at least one year of experience in international organizations. Candidates should have proven knowledge of the legal frameworks governing international organizations and demonstrate professional fluency in English, with excellent communication skills. A working knowledge of at least one other language from the OSCE region is considered an asset. Additionally, candidates should exhibit gender awareness and sensitivity, the ability to work in diverse teams, and proficiency in Microsoft applications.

Educational Background:
The position requires a first-level university degree (Bachelor's or equivalent) in Law. A second-level university degree is desirable, indicating a higher level of specialization and understanding of legal principles relevant to international law and organizational governance.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of seven years of professional experience in law, which includes legal analysis, research, and writing. If the candidate holds a second-level university degree, a minimum of five years of experience is acceptable. At least one year of this experience must be within international organizations, providing the candidate with a solid understanding of the legal frameworks and operational contexts in which such organizations function.

Languages:
Professional fluency in English is mandatory, with excellent oral and written communication skills. A working knowledge of at least one other language from the OSCE region is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and contribute to the organization's multilingual environment.

Additional Notes:
This position is open for secondment only, meaning that all costs related to the assignment must be borne by the nominating authorities of participating States. The OSCE Secretariat does not provide a Board and Lodging Allowance for seconded staff members. The maximum period of service in this post is 10 years, and candidates should be aware that OSCE officials must conduct themselves in a manner befitting their status as international civil servants. The OSCE is committed to applying the highest ethical standards and encourages applications from qualified candidates of all backgrounds. The position is full-time, with a target start date as soon as possible, and the recruitment process is subject to medical clearance.