Senior Professional in Political Affairs

Job Posting Organization:
The OSCE Mission to Skopje is part of the Organization for security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), which was established in 197

• The OSCE is the world's largest security-oriented intergovernmental organization, with 57 participating states from Europe, Central Asia, and North America. The mission aims to promote peace, stability, and democracy in the region. The OSCE Mission to Skopje focuses on various areas including political affairs, human rights, and the rule of law, and operates with a commitment to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, encouraging candidates from all backgrounds to apply. The organization emphasizes ethical standards and the importance of impartiality in its operations.

Job Overview:
The Senior Professional in Political Affairs will play a crucial role in coordinating the Mission's monitoring and evaluation (M&E) processes. This position requires a deep understanding of project cycle management, including project design, implementation, reporting, and evaluation. The incumbent will be responsible for advising on the implementation of Mission strategies and programs, ensuring compliance with OSCE evaluation policies, and providing training in M&E for project managers. The role demands strong analytical and organizational skills, as well as the ability to work in a cross-cultural environment. The successful candidate will be expected to prioritize tasks effectively and handle multiple responsibilities under tight deadlines, while maintaining a collaborative approach with diverse teams.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will be responsible for coordinating the Mission's M&E processes, identifying lessons learned to improve current practices and tools. They will monitor the implementation of Mission strategies and programs, advising on necessary adjustments to meet goals and objectives. As the primary evaluation focal point, the incumbent will coordinate with the Policy Evaluation and Support Unit (PESU) and the Office of Internal Oversight (OIO) to ensure compliance with OSCE evaluation policies. Responsibilities also include overseeing the Mission's evaluation plan, developing Terms of Reference (TOR) for baseline and evaluation studies, and supporting the development and implementation of Mission policies through research and analysis. The role requires collecting and analyzing project reports, preparing consolidated progress reports for senior management, and performing other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a first-level university degree in international studies, public policy, political science, law, or related fields. A minimum of six years of relevant professional experience is required, with a strong background in project cycle management, analytical report preparation, and communication skills. Candidates should demonstrate diplomatic and negotiating skills, as well as knowledge of regional political history and developments. Familiarity with OSCE principles and commitments is also essential. The ability to work collaboratively in a diverse team environment while maintaining impartiality is crucial.

Educational Background:
The position requires a first-level university degree, which can be in international studies, public policy, political science, law, or a related field. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate has the necessary theoretical knowledge and analytical skills to perform effectively in the role.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of six years of relevant professional experience, particularly in project cycle management, which includes project design, implementation, reporting, and evaluation. Experience in writing project proposals and knowledge of evaluation methods and tools is also necessary. The role demands strong analytical, organizational, and planning skills, as well as the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks under tight deadlines.

Languages:
Professional fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of local languages in the region is considered desirable, as it can enhance communication and understanding within the local context.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a Senior Professional role and is offered on a fixed-term basis with full-time hours. The OSCE Mission to Skopje is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from qualified candidates of all backgrounds. The maximum period of service in this post or in the same Mission is seven years. Candidates should be aware that OSCE officials must conduct themselves in a manner befitting their status as international civil servants, maintaining integrity and impartiality. The OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application process, and appointments are subject to medical clearance.