Operational 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 established in 197

• It has a comprehensive approach to security that encompasses politico-military, economic and environmental, and human aspects. The OSCE operates in 57 participating States across Europe, Central Asia, and North America, with a mission to promote peace, stability, and democracy. The organization employs a diverse workforce and is committed to the principles of staff rotation and ethical conduct, ensuring that its officials maintain impartiality and integrity in their roles.

Job Overview:
The Operational Support Officer position is a seconded role at the P3 level within the OSCE Secretariat, specifically located in the Operations Support Unit (OSU) of the Conflict Prevention Centre (CPC). The primary function of this role is to enhance the operational effectiveness and efficiency of the OSCE through robust operational planning and support, particularly in crisis preparedness and response. The officer will be involved in various activities, including the establishment, restructuring, and closure of OSCE field operations, and may require temporary deployments to crisis areas. The role also involves providing analytical and operational support to senior management and the Chairpersonship, contributing to conflict early warning trend analysis, and recommending appropriate policy and operational responses. The officer will work closely with various departments and units within the Secretariat and with OSCE field operations, ensuring a coordinated approach to crisis management and conflict prevention.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Operational Support Officer will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including: supporting operational planning and implementation activities in coordination with relevant departments and OSCE field operations; reviewing and developing operational planning documents and guidelines; designing and conducting crisis simulation exercises; assisting in after-action reviews and debriefings for senior officials; supporting the various phases of the conflict cycle through methodological advice and conflict trend analysis; coordinating the OSCE Network of Early Warning Focal Points; and providing analytical and organizational support for the Annual Security Review Conference (ASRC) and other activities as required. The officer will also be tasked with maintaining a 24/7 Situation/Communications Room and managing the OSCE Strategic Asset Reserve.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a first-level university degree in political science, international relations, or a related field. A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible professional experience in international relations, political analysis, operational planning, and coordination is required, with five years acceptable if the candidate holds a relevant second-level degree. Field experience in an international environment is considered a distinct asset. Candidates should have established thematic expertise in early warning, conflict prevention and resolution, crisis management, and post-conflict rehabilitation, along with demonstrated political acumen and analytical skills. Familiarity with technological tools for conflict analysis and operational planning is also advantageous, as is the ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a first-level university degree, which is equivalent to a Bachelor's degree, in political science, international relations, or a related field. This foundational education is essential for understanding the complexities of international relations and the operational dynamics within the OSCE framework.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of relevant professional experience in international relations, political analysis, operational planning, and coordination. Candidates with a second-level degree may qualify with five years of experience. Field experience in an international context is highly valued, as it provides practical insights into the challenges and dynamics of crisis management and conflict resolution.

Languages:
Excellent oral and written communication skills in English are mandatory for this position. Additionally, a working knowledge of at least one other language from the OSCE region is considered an asset, enhancing the officer's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and facilitate effective communication in various contexts.

Additional Notes:
This position is a fixed-term secondment role, with a maximum service period of 10 years. The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from qualified candidates of all backgrounds. The role is full-time, and candidates must be nominated by their respective participating States to apply. The OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application process, and appointments are subject to medical clearance. The closing date for applications is May 22, 2026, and candidates are advised to apply well in advance to ensure timely processing.