Counter-Terrorism 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 established 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, and has a comprehensive approach to security that encompasses politico-military, economic and environmental, and human aspects. The OSCE Secretariat, located in Vienna, Austria, provides operational and administrative support to the field operations and other institutions, assisting the Chairpersonship in its activities. The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, encouraging the nomination of qualified candidates from various backgrounds. The organization emphasizes the importance of ethical standards and impartiality in its operations, ensuring that all staff conduct themselves in a manner befitting their roles as international civil servants.

Job Overview:
The Counter-Terrorism Officer position is a seconded role at the P3 level within the OSCE's Transnational Threats Department (TNTD). The incumbent will play a crucial role in advancing the Unit’s objectives in combating terrorism. This position requires a proactive approach to monitoring and reporting on anti-terrorism developments, identifying areas for assistance, and formulating policy and project proposals. The Counter-Terrorism Officer will engage in project design and implementation, facilitating interactions among participating States and focusing on technical assistance and cooperation. The role demands a strong understanding of human rights, rule of law, and gendered aspects of violent extremism and terrorism, as well as the ability to capture best practices and lessons learned for dissemination within the OSCE environment. The incumbent will also represent the TNTD/ATU in various counter-terrorism activities and ensure coordination with other OSCE institutions and field operations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Counter-Terrorism Officer will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including: participating in the conception, development, implementation, and evaluation of OSCE counter-terrorism programs or projects; monitoring program/project development and implementation; identifying possible problems and proposing corrective actions; liaising with relevant parties and stakeholders, including national authorities and external experts; tracking follow-up actions; managing a portfolio of thematic areas related to counter-terrorism; identifying trends and gaps with a focus on human rights and gender aspects; capturing and disseminating best practices; representing the TNTD/ATU in counter-terrorism activities; coordinating assigned portfolio activities with other OSCE institutions; reporting to relevant OSCE bodies; providing expert advice as requested; avoiding duplication of work; facilitating interaction between participating States; identifying gaps and needs for assistance; and performing other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a first-level university degree in international relations, political science, criminology, international law, human rights, terrorism studies, security studies, or a closely related field. A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible and relevant professional experience in political affairs, with a strong focus on human rights, is required. Understanding of UN SCR 2242 and the women, peace, and security agenda, along with at least two years of experience with international organizations, particularly the OSCE, is a distinct asset. Candidates should have a solid understanding of the global counterterrorism framework and relevant OSCE documents and UN resolutions, as well as established experience in human rights, rule of law, project management, and donor relations. Experience liaising with a wide range of stakeholders, including high-level government and international organizations, is essential.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a first-level university degree in relevant fields such as international relations, political science, criminology, international law, human rights, terrorism studies, or security studies. This foundational education is crucial for understanding the complexities of counter-terrorism efforts and the legal and political frameworks that govern them.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible and relevant professional experience in political affairs, with a strong emphasis on human rights. If the candidate holds a relevant second-level degree, a minimum of five years of experience is acceptable. Experience with international organizations, particularly the OSCE, is highly valued, as is a solid understanding of the global counterterrorism framework and relevant OSCE documents and UN resolutions.

Languages:
Professional fluency in English, with excellent communication skills (both oral and written), is mandatory. 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 facilitate communication across different cultural contexts.

Additional Notes:
This position is a seconded role, meaning that candidates must be nominated by their respective participating States. The OSCE retains the discretion to re-advertise or cancel the vacancy, and only candidates selected for further stages of recruitment will be contacted. 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 in its operations. The position is full-time, and the target start date is as soon as possible. Candidates are encouraged to apply well in advance of the deadline to ensure timely processing of their applications.