Deputy Head, Office of Legal Affairs (OLA)

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 employs a diverse workforce and is committed to addressing a wide range of security-related concerns, including arms control, human rights, and counter-terrorism. The OSCE Secretariat, located in Vienna, provides operational and administrative support to the field operations and other institutions, ensuring effective coordination of policy advice and management decisions.

Job Overview:
The Deputy Head of the Office of Legal Affairs (OLA) plays a crucial role in providing expert legal advice on a wide range of issues affecting the OSCE. This position is classified at the P4 level within the UN common system and is open for secondment only. The incumbent will assist the Head of OLA (H/OLA) in preparing timely legal advice, representing OLA in various working groups and committees, and mentoring junior staff. The role requires a deep understanding of the OSCE's regulatory framework and the ability to navigate complex legal issues, ensuring that the organization operates within its legal parameters. The Deputy Head will also be responsible for conducting legal research, drafting legal documents, and providing guidance on administrative and personnel matters.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide expert and timely legal advice on the interpretation of the OSCE's regulatory framework, including Financial and Staff Regulations, and prepare drafts and reviews of proposed amendments.
• Offer legal advice on complex legal issues related to the OSCE's functions, including privileges and immunities.
• Advise on the drafting, negotiation, and interpretation of legal instruments, including international agreements and memoranda of understanding.
• Provide legal advice on contractual matters, including dispute resolution and intellectual property rights, and participate in negotiations of high-value contracts.
• Advise on procedural issues arising in OSCE decision-making bodies.
• Conduct legal research and prepare legal opinions, studies, and reports.
• Serve as Officer-in-Charge of the office in the absence of H/OLA.
• Perform other duties as assigned by H/OLA or the Director of the Office of the Secretary General.

Required Qualifications:
A first-level university degree in Law is required, with a second-level degree being desirable. Candidates must have a minimum of nine years of progressively responsible professional-level experience in law, including legal analysis, research, and writing, with at least three years in international organizations. Proven knowledge of the legal frameworks of international organizations is essential. Candidates should demonstrate gender awareness and sensitivity, and the ability to work with diverse teams while maintaining impartiality and objectivity. Digital literacy and proficiency in Microsoft Office applications are also required.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess at least a first-level university degree in Law. A second-level university degree is considered an asset and may enhance a candidate's qualifications for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of nine years of professional-level experience in law, with at least three years of experience in international organizations. Candidates with a second-level university degree may qualify with seven years of experience. This experience should include legal analysis, research, and writing, demonstrating a strong understanding of international legal frameworks and practices.

Languages:
Professional fluency in English is mandatory, with excellent oral and written communication skills. 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:
This position is a fixed-term contract for international secondment, 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 organization emphasizes the importance of ethical conduct and impartiality among its officials. Candidates should be aware that appointments are subject to medical clearance, and the OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application process. The target start date for this position is as soon as possible, following the successful completion of the recruitment process.