Head, Office of Legal Affairs (H/OLA)

Job Posting Organization:
The Organization for security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) is a prominent international organization that focuses on a comprehensive approach to security, addressing a wide range of security-related concerns including arms control, human rights, and counter-terrorism. Established in 1975, the OSCE comprises 57 participating States, all of which enjoy equal status and make decisions by consensus. The OSCE Secretariat, located in Vienna, provides operational and administrative support to field operations and other institutions, playing a crucial role in the implementation of the organization's mandate.

Job Overview:
The Head of the Office of Legal Affairs (H/OLA) is responsible for overseeing the provision of legal advice to the Secretary General of the OSCE. This role involves ensuring that the Office of Legal Affairs provides a consistent approach to complex legal questions and manages the unit's personnel and performance. The H/OLA will be tasked with providing expert legal advice on various matters, including the interpretation of the OSCE's regulatory framework, legal status and privileges of the organization, drafting and negotiation of legal instruments, and contractual matters. The position requires a strong understanding of law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law and the ability to manage a team effectively while maintaining high ethical standards.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the H/OLA include:

• Overseeing the preparation of legal advice to the Secretary General, ensuring a consistent approach to complex legal issues.
• Supervising the unit's personnel and performance, managing organizational arrangements such as budgeting and recruitment.
• Providing expert legal advice on the interpretation of the OSCE's regulatory framework, including Financial and Staff Regulations.
• Advising on multi-disciplinary legal issues, including the legal status and privileges of the OSCE.
• Drafting and negotiating legal instruments, including international agreements and contracts.
• Providing legal advice on procedural issues in OSCE decision-making bodies.
• Managing staff performance and providing feedback.
• Performing other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a first-level university degree (Bachelor's or equivalent) and a second-level university degree in Law. A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible professional-level experience is required, including at least eight years in the legal service of an international organization or national diplomatic service. Candidates should have extensive knowledge of international administrative law and public international law, along with demonstrated managerial and supervisory experience. Professional fluency in English is mandatory, and knowledge of at least one other language from the OSCE region is an asset. Candidates should also demonstrate gender awareness and sensitivity, and the ability to work in a diverse team environment.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a first-level university degree (Bachelor's or equivalent) and a second-level university degree in Law. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of international law and the legal frameworks that govern the OSCE's operations.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of ten years of directly related and progressively responsible professional-level experience. This includes at least eight years of experience in the legal service of an international organization and/or national diplomatic service. Candidates should have a proven track record of handling complex legal issues and managing legal teams effectively.

Languages:
Professional fluency in English is mandatory for this position, with excellent oral and written communication skills. Additionally, 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.

Additional Notes:
The position is a fixed-term contract at the senior professional level (P5) with a full-time schedule. The monthly remuneration is approximately EUR 11,300, with actual salary depending on post adjustment and family status. OSCE salaries are exempt from taxation in Austria, and social benefits include participation in the Cigna medical insurance scheme and the OSCE Provident Fund. The maximum period of service in this post is five years, and appointments are subject to medical clearance. The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply. Candidates should be aware that the OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application process.