Senior Policy Support Officer

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 operates in 57 participating States across Europe, Central Asia, and North America, and has a comprehensive approach to security that encompasses politico-military, economic, environmental, and human aspects. The organization employs a diverse workforce and is committed to diversity and inclusion within its ranks, encouraging candidates from various backgrounds to apply. The OSCE Secretariat, located in Vienna, provides operational and administrative support to field operations and other institutions, assisting the Chairpersonship in its activities. The organization is known for its consensus-based decision-making process and its focus on addressing a wide range of security-related concerns, including arms control, human rights, and counter-terrorism.

Job Overview:
The Senior Policy Support Officer position is a P4-level role within the OSCE Secretariat, specifically within the Policy Support Service (PSS). This role is crucial for providing policy advice on issues related to the Geneva International Discussions (GID) and other relevant engagements. The incumbent will be responsible for drafting speeches, statements, and background briefings on various OSCE activities in the context of conflict. The position requires a proactive approach to analyzing the impact of current and future activities on agreed tasks and objectives, as well as monitoring developments in the context to provide early warning signals of potential crises. The Senior Policy Support Officer will lead a team, manage performance, and guide professional development, ensuring that all activities consider a gender perspective. This role is integral to supporting the Chairpersonship and the Secretary General in their engagements and decision-making processes.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will be tasked with a variety of responsibilities, including: monitoring and analyzing developments in the assigned context, focusing on early warning signals of potential crises; providing policy advice and reporting to the Secretary General and Chairpersonship; assisting in implementing policy guidance from the Secretary General and participating States; leading or participating in meetings related to the Geneva International Discussions; conducting research on political topics and preparing analytical reports; supporting the Chairperson-in-Office's engagement on the ground; facilitating coordination of programs and activities that support confidence-building and dialogue; leading consultations with partner organizations; supervising the activities of a Policy Support Officer and possibly interns; ensuring appropriate task allocation and fostering team performance; and integrating a gender perspective into all activities managed by the team.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a first-level university degree in political science, public or law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law, international relations, or a related field. A minimum of nine years of progressively responsible professional experience in government, diplomatic service, international organizations, or national administration is required. Experience in project management, resource mobilization, and dialogue facilitation is essential. Candidates should demonstrate people management experience and possess professional fluency in English, including excellent drafting skills. A working knowledge of Russian is mandatory, and familiarity with another OSCE official language or a language spoken in the region is an asset. Gender awareness and sensitivity, along with the ability to work with diverse teams, are also required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a first-level university degree in a relevant field such as political science, public or international law, or international relations. This foundational education is essential for understanding the complexities of international relations and the specific challenges faced by the OSCE in its mission.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of nine years of relevant professional experience, with at least seven years if they hold a second-level degree. This experience should be progressively responsible and ideally include work in government, diplomatic services, international organizations, or national administrations. Experience in the region where the OSCE operates is considered a distinct asset, as is experience in project management and resource mobilization.

Languages:
Professional fluency in English is mandatory, with excellent drafting skills required for the role. A working knowledge of Russian is also mandatory, as it is one of the official languages of the OSCE. Additionally, a working knowledge of another OSCE official language or a language spoken in the region would be advantageous, enhancing communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is a fixed-term contract under the international secondment category, with a full-time schedule. The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from qualified candidates of all backgrounds. The maximum period of service in this post is ten years, and candidates should be aware that OSCE officials must conduct themselves in a manner befitting their status as international civil servants. The OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application process, and appointments are subject to medical clearance. Candidates are advised to apply well in advance of the deadline to ensure timely processing of their applications.