Counter-Terrorism 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. The organization has a comprehensive approach to security that encompasses politico-military, economic and environmental, and human aspects. The OSCE Secretariat, located in Vienna, Austria, provides operational and administrative support to field operations and other institutions, assisting the Chairpersonship in its activities. The OSCE's Transnational Threats Department (TNTD) was established to coordinate and implement activities aimed at countering transnational threats, including terrorism, and ensuring coherence across all OSCE dimensions.

Job Overview:
The Counter-Terrorism Officer position is a seconded role at the P3 level within the UN common system, focusing on advancing the objectives of the Action against Terrorism Unit (ATU) under the Transnational Threats Department (TNTD). The incumbent will play a crucial role in monitoring and reporting on anti-terrorism developments, identifying areas for assistance, and formulating policy and project proposals. This position requires proactive engagement in project design and implementation, facilitating interactions among participating States, and enhancing collaborative efforts to combat terrorism. The role emphasizes a strong focus on human rights, rule of law, and gendered aspects of violent extremism and terrorism, ensuring that these considerations are integrated into all activities and proposals.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Counter-Terrorism Officer will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including: participating in the conception, development, implementation, and evaluation of OSCE counter-terrorism programs; monitoring program/project development and implementation; identifying potential problems and proposing corrective actions; liaising with relevant parties and stakeholders; tracking follow-up actions; managing a portfolio of thematic areas related to counter-terrorism; identifying trends and gaps in counter-terrorism efforts; capturing best practices and facilitating their dissemination; representing the TNTD/ATU in counter-terrorism activities; coordinating activities with other OSCE institutions; reporting to relevant OSCE bodies; providing expert advice as needed; avoiding duplication of work; and assisting in identifying additional tasking by the Permanent Council of the OSCE.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a first-level university degree in international relations, political science, criminology, international law, human rights, terrorism studies, security studies, or a closely related field. A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible and relevant professional experience in political affairs is required, with a strong focus on human rights. Understanding of UN SCR 2242 and the women, peace and security agenda is essential, along with at least two years of experience with international organizations, preferably within the OSCE. Candidates should have a solid understanding of the global counterterrorism framework, relevant OSCE documents, and UN resolutions, as well as established experience in human rights, rule of law, project management, and donor relations.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a first-level university degree, which can be in fields such as international relations, political science, criminology, international law, human rights, terrorism studies, or security studies. A second-level degree may reduce the required professional experience by two years, allowing candidates with advanced degrees to qualify with five years of relevant experience instead of seven.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of seven years of relevant professional experience in political affairs, with a strong emphasis on human rights. If the candidate holds a second-level degree, five years of experience is acceptable. Experience working with international organizations, particularly within the OSCE, is highly valued, as is a solid understanding of the global counterterrorism framework and established experience in project management and donor relations.

Languages:
Professional fluency in English is mandatory, with excellent oral and written communication skills. A working knowledge of at least one other language from the OSCE region is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and facilitate communication across different cultural contexts.

Additional Notes:
This position is a fixed-term international 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 apply through their respective authorities, as the OSCE can only process secondment applications nominated by participating States. The OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application process, and candidates should be aware that appointments are subject to medical clearance. The OSCE retains the discretion to re-advertise the vacancy, cancel recruitment, or modify the job description as needed.