Environmental Affairs Adviser

Environmental Affairs Adviser

Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE)

September 3, 2026October 1, 2026ViennaAustria
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The Organization for security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) is a regional security 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. The organization employs approximately 3,500 staff members and is known for its comprehensive approach to security, which encompasses politico-military, economic, environmental, and human aspects. The OSCE Secretariat, located in Vienna, provides operational and administrative support to field operations and other institutions, facilitating cooperation among member states on various security-related issues.

Job Overview:
The adviser" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Environmental Affairs Adviser position is a seconded role within the OSCE's Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities (OCEEA). The primary function of this role is to support the development, implementation, and coordination of projects related to transboundary natural resource management and environmental governance. The adviser will work closely with regional and local OSCE executive structures and other international actors to provide expert advice on environmental security, particularly in areas such as transboundary water management, disaster risk reduction, and climate resilience. The role requires a proactive approach to project design, ensuring alignment with OSCE standards and national policies, and facilitating effective delivery and visibility of program activities. The adviser will also contribute to policy advice and capacity-building workshops, enhancing cooperation among participating states on environmental issues.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Environmental Affairs Adviser will be responsible for a wide range of tasks, including:
  • Developing, implementing, and coordinating environmental projects in accordance with OSCE project management standards.
  • Identifying needs and priorities for environmental initiatives, ensuring alignment with national and regional policies.
  • Organizing meetings, technical events, trainings, and conferences, ensuring effective partner coordination and logistical arrangements.
  • Establishing and maintaining working relationships with international and regional organizations, business partners, and NGOs to enhance synergies and monitor environmental trends.
  • Representing OCEEA at relevant meetings and events, providing analysis of environmental developments to inform participating states.
  • Identifying opportunities for joint activities and supporting coordinated program development.
  • Contributing to OCEEA policy and dialogue processes by preparing inputs, drafting speeches, and creating briefing materials.
  • Collecting and analyzing environmental and social data, preparing reports and other written outputs.
  • Mobilizing funding for environmental activities, preparing concept notes, proposals, and donor reports. 1
  • Enhancing visibility of OCEEA activities through outreach materials and events that communicate project results.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a second-level university degree in Environmental Science, Economics, International Relations, or Political Sciences, with a focus on environmental security issues. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of relevant experience will also be accepted. Recognized project management certification is considered an asset. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of five years of professional experience, preferably at the international or multilateral level, with experience in diplomatic service and international organizations being highly valued. Familiarity with OSCE regions, particularly Central Asia, South Eastern Europe, Eastern Europe, or South Caucasus, is important, as is knowledge of a broad spectrum of security-related environmental issues. Strong analytical skills and experience in developing policy briefs are essential.

Educational Background:
The position requires a Master's Degree (second-level university degree or equivalent) in a relevant field such as Environmental Science, Economics, International Relations, or Political Sciences. Candidates with a first-level university degree and additional relevant experience may also be considered. Recognized project management certification would be advantageous.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of five years of professional experience in relevant fields, with seven years required if holding a first-level degree. Experience at the international or multilateral level is preferred, along with a background in diplomatic service and familiarity with OSCE regions and environmental security issues.

Languages:
Professional fluency in English is mandatory, with excellent communication and drafting skills. Knowledge of another OSCE language, particularly Russian, is considered an asset. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively in a multicultural environment.

Additional Notes:
This position is a fixed-term secondment role, with a maximum service period of 10 years. The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging nominations from qualified candidates of all backgrounds. The position is full-time, and candidates must be nominated by their respective participating states. The OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application process, and appointments are subject to medical clearance. The OSCE retains the discretion to re-advertise the vacancy or modify the job description as needed.
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