Senior Adviser

Job Posting Organization:
The OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities (HCNM) is an institution within the Organization for security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) that was established to promote conflict prevention and the integration of diverse societies. The HCNM was founded to identify and seek early resolution of ethnic tensions that might endanger peace, stability, or friendly relations between OSCE participating States. The organization operates with a comprehensive approach to security that encompasses various aspects including politico-military, economic, environmental, and human dimensions. The OSCE has 57 participating States, all of which enjoy equal status, and decisions are made by consensus on a politically, but not legally binding basis. The HCNM employs a range of tools, including recommendations to governments regarding the treatment of national minorities, to fulfill its mission. The organization values diversity and aims to create an inclusive environment for its staff, which includes a dynamic team of political and legal advisers, project staff, and administrators.

Job Overview:
The Senior Adviser position at the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities is a critical role that involves providing expert advice on national minority issues and contributing to the development of thematic work and project activities. The successful candidate will analyze information related to national minorities within the assigned geographic region, identify key issues that need to be addressed, and formulate actionable recommendations. This role requires the preparation of briefing papers, speaking notes, and background information for the High Commissioner’s visits, as well as accompanying the High Commissioner on official visits as the principal adviser. The Senior Adviser will monitor political and social developments, prepare comprehensive analyses, notes, and reports, and provide input for speeches. Establishing and maintaining contacts with international organizations and OSCE field operations regarding national minority issues is also a key responsibility. The position demands a proactive approach to representing the HCNM at various seminars, conferences, and meetings related to national minorities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Senior Adviser include: advising the High Commissioner on national minorities and related matters; developing thematic work and project activities; analyzing information related to national minorities; identifying issues and formulating recommendations; preparing briefing papers and background information for official visits; monitoring political and social developments; preparing comprehensive analyses and reports; providing input for speeches; establishing contacts with international organizations and OSCE field operations; representing the HCNM at relevant seminars and conferences; and performing other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a second-level university degree in Political Science, International Relations, law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">International Law, Sociology, or other related fields. Candidates must have a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible professional experience in dealing with minority issues, human rights, international relations, public administration, or related fields, with at least three years at the international level. A thorough knowledge of international relations, diplomacy, European security issues, international law, and human rights is essential. Candidates should possess excellent analytical, planning, and organizational skills, as well as professional fluency in English, including excellent drafting skills. Knowledge of local languages spoken in the assigned geographical area and/or other OSCE working languages is considered an asset. Strong communication skills, resourcefulness, team spirit, and initiative are also required.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold a second-level university degree, which is typically a Master's degree, in a relevant field such as Political Science, International Relations, International Law, or Sociology. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of national minority issues and the international legal framework surrounding them.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible professional experience in relevant fields, with at least three years of that experience at the international level. This experience should include work related to minority issues, human rights, and international relations, demonstrating a deep understanding of the challenges and dynamics involved in these areas.

Languages:
Professional fluency in English is mandatory, including excellent drafting skills. Knowledge of local languages spoken in the assigned geographical area and/or other OSCE working languages is considered an asset, enhancing the ability to communicate effectively in diverse contexts.

Additional Notes:
This position is open for secondment only, meaning that candidates must be nominated by their respective participating States. All costs related to the assignment must be borne by the nominating authorities. Seconded staff members are not entitled to a Board and Lodging Allowance. The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce and encourages the nomination of qualified candidates from all backgrounds. The maximum period of service in this post is 10 years, and candidates should conduct themselves in a manner befitting the status of an international civil servant. The OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application process, and appointments are subject to medical clearance.