Human Rights Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) is the principal institution of the OSCE responsible for the human dimension. Established to promote democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, ODIHR operates across the OSCE area, engaging in election observation, democratic development, and human rights advocacy. The organization is committed to fostering tolerance and non-discrimination, and it works closely with participating States to implement its mandate effectively. ODIHR is part of the larger OSCE framework, which encompasses 57 participating States, and operates with a consensus-based decision-making process. The organization emphasizes a comprehensive approach to security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security that includes political, economic, and human rights dimensions, addressing a wide range of security-related concerns.

Job Overview:
The Human Rights Officer position is situated within the Contact Point for Roma and Sinti Issues (CPRSI) at ODIHR in Warsaw. The incumbent will play a crucial role in developing and implementing programmatic activities and projects aimed at improving the situation of Roma and Sinti in the OSCE area. This includes monitoring and analyzing the human rights situation of these communities, particularly in relation to racism and discrimination. The officer will draft reports and policy papers, contribute to strategic planning, and engage with various stakeholders, including national authorities and civil society organizations. The role requires a proactive approach to identifying issues and proposing solutions, as well as facilitating dialogue and training activities to enhance the capacity of stakeholders in addressing the needs of Roma and Sinti populations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Human Rights Officer will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including:

• Monitoring, analyzing, and reporting on the human rights situation of Roma and Sinti in the OSCE area, focusing on incidents of racism and discrimination.
• Proposing responses to identified issues to the Chief of CPRSI and ODIHR senior management.
• Drafting comprehensive reports, analyses, and policy documents related to the human rights situation of Roma and Sinti, as well as the implementation of the OSCE Action Plan.
• Analyzing the impact of new legislation and policies on Roma and Sinti communities and identifying effective policy models that promote inclusion.
• Collaborating with ODIHR departments and maintaining contacts with relevant OSCE institutions, national authorities, and civil society organizations.
• Planning and facilitating communication and outreach activities, including meetings, field visits, and events aimed at promoting dialogue and understanding.
• Developing and implementing training programs for stakeholders to strengthen their capacity in addressing issues related to Roma and Sinti.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a second-level university degree in law, political science, sociology, social science, public administration, international relations, or a related field. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of relevant experience will also be accepted. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of two years of directly related professional experience in human rights or public policy, preferably with a focus on Roma and Sinti issues. A strong understanding of international human rights institutions and policies related to minorities, as well as experience in project design and implementation, is highly desirable. Excellent communication skills in English are essential, and knowledge of another OSCE language is a plus. Candidates should demonstrate gender awareness and sensitivity, and possess the ability to work effectively in diverse teams.

Educational Background:
The position requires a second-level university degree (Master's degree) in a relevant field such as law, political science, sociology, social science, public administration, or international relations. A first-level university degree (Bachelor's degree) may be accepted if accompanied by two additional years of relevant professional experience.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least two years of professional experience directly related to human rights, public policy, or a similar field. If the candidate holds a first-level university degree, four years of relevant experience is required. Experience working on issues related to Roma and Sinti or other vulnerable groups is preferred, as is familiarity with national and international policies addressing these communities.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, with excellent oral and written communication skills. Knowledge of another OSCE language is considered desirable, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is a fixed-term international secondment role, with a maximum service period of 10 years. The job is full-time, and candidates must be nominated by their respective participating States to apply. The OSCE emphasizes diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from qualified candidates of all backgrounds. The organization does not require payment at any stage of the application process, and candidates must undergo medical clearance prior to appointment. The closing date for applications is July 23, 2026.