Legal Advisor - Anti-Terrorism Issues

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, 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. The OSCE is committed to fostering cooperation among its member states and addressing a wide range of security-related concerns, including arms control, human rights, and counter-terrorism.

Job Overview:
The position of Legal Advisor within the Anti-Terrorism Unit (ATU) of the Transnational Threats Department (TNTD) at the OSCE Secretariat is a pivotal role focused on counter-terrorism efforts across the OSCE region. The successful candidate will be responsible for providing specialized legal advice and technical input on complex legal matters related to terrorism prevention. This role requires a deep understanding of law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law, criminal justice, and the legal frameworks governing anti-terrorism efforts. The Legal Advisor will work closely with participating States to monitor compliance with international anti-terrorism instruments and assist in the development of legislative frameworks that align with international standards. The position demands a high level of discretion and accuracy, as the work involves sensitive legal issues and coordination with various stakeholders, including international organizations and government officials.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Legal Advisor will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including but not limited to: reviewing legislation and conducting legal research and analysis for policy-level use; providing specialized legal advice on complex legal aspects; advising the TNTD Coordinator and Head of the Unit on legislative issues; monitoring and promoting compliance with universal anti-terrorism instruments; planning and organizing technical cooperation programs and workshops; supervising program/project development and implementation; identifying legal problems and proposing corrective actions; facilitating interaction among participating States and international organizations; providing expertise on criminal justice and rule of law issues; developing new actions to promote human rights-compliant approaches to terrorism prevention; providing technical assistance to participating States; and performing other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a second-level university degree in international law, criminal law, political science, or international relations. A first-level university degree combined with at least two years of additional qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the second-level degree. Specialization in legal aspects of terrorism prevention is highly desirable. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in terrorism prevention and criminal justice matters, preferably with a focus on rule of law or related issues, and at least two years of experience with international organizations. Experience in diplomatic affairs and policy formulation is highly desirable, along with practical experience working with UN-system organizations, the Council of Europe, and the EU.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's degree (second-level university degree) in a relevant field such as international law, criminal law, political science, or international relations. Candidates with a first-level university degree in these fields may be considered if they have additional qualifying experience. Specialization in legal and related aspects of terrorism prevention is highly desirable, indicating a need for advanced knowledge in this area.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least seven years of progressively responsible professional experience in terrorism prevention and criminal justice matters, with a strong emphasis on rule of law issues. If the candidate holds a first-level university degree, a minimum of nine years of relevant experience is required. Experience working with international organizations and in diplomatic affairs is highly desirable, as is expertise in counter-terrorism issues and the OSCE's strategic areas.

Languages:
Professional fluency in English is mandatory, with excellent oral and written communication skills. Knowledge of other OSCE languages is considered desirable, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and facilitate communication across different cultural contexts.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a seconded role, meaning that candidates must be nominated by their respective participating States. The OSCE Secretariat retains the discretion to re-advertise the vacancy or modify the job description as needed. The position is full-time and fixed-term, with a target start date as soon as possible. Candidates should be aware that the OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application process and that all costs related to the assignment must be borne by the nominating authorities. The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce and encourages qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply.