Officer on the Human Rights of Children

Job Posting Organization:
The Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) is the principal institution of the Organization for security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) responsible for the human dimension. Established to promote democracy and human rights, 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 ensuring the rule of law. ODIHR's Human Rights Department (HRD) focuses on a wide range of human rights issues, including anti-trafficking, torture prevention, and the rights of children. The OSCE comprises 57 participating States, all of which enjoy equal status, and decisions are made by consensus, reflecting a politically binding but not legally binding framework.

Job Overview:
The Officer on the Human Rights of Children plays a crucial role in monitoring, analyzing, and reporting on the developments related to children's rights across the OSCE region. This position is integral to assisting participating States in fulfilling their Human Dimension commitments. The officer will advise ODIHR management on trends and priority areas, and provide guidance on policies and practices that protect and promote children's rights. The role involves a combination of strategic planning, programmatic development, and capacity-building initiatives aimed at enhancing the protection of children's rights in collaboration with various stakeholders, including government authorities, civil society organizations, and international partners. The officer will also be responsible for developing publications and maintaining accurate records of activities and projects.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Officer on the Human Rights of Children will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including:

• Monitoring and analyzing developments related to children's rights across the OSCE region, advising management on priority areas and programmatic responses;
• Planning and coordinating needs assessments on children's rights in participating States;
• Advising and implementing programmatic activities in collaboration with OSCE structures and civil society;
• Designing and evaluating capacity-building initiatives and training programs for various stakeholders;
• Developing publications, handbooks, and policy papers on children's rights;
• Preparing project proposals, budgets, and donor reports, while maintaining accurate records;
• Establishing cooperation with government authorities and NGOs, and supervising experts involved in program delivery;
• Contributing to department-wide initiatives and engaging in cross-cutting activities aligned with ODIHR's mandate.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a first-level university degree in social sciences, law, international relations, or human rights, with a specialization in children's rights preferred. Additionally, a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in the field of human rights is required, including international advisory experience. Knowledge of UN, Council of Europe, and OSCE human rights standards, particularly regarding children's rights, is essential. Candidates should also have experience in project design, implementation, and evaluation, as well as familiarity with child protection mechanisms and juvenile justice.

Educational Background:
The educational requirement for this position includes a first-level university degree in relevant fields such as social sciences, law, international relations, or human rights. A specialization in children's rights is preferred, and candidates with a second-level university degree may qualify with five years of relevant experience instead of seven.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of relevant professional experience in human rights, with at least five years if the candidate holds a second-level university degree. Experience at the international level in an advisory capacity is crucial, along with a strong background in human rights monitoring and reporting methodologies.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, and knowledge of additional languages relevant to the OSCE region is considered an asset. Proficiency in languages spoken in the participating States can enhance communication and effectiveness in the role.

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. The OSCE emphasizes diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from qualified candidates of all backgrounds. The contract is fixed-term, full-time, and the maximum period of service in this post is limited to 10 years. Candidates should be aware that OSCE officials are expected to maintain high ethical standards and 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.