Deputy Head, Tolerance and Non-Discrimination (P4)

Job Posting Organization:
The Organization for security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) is a prominent international organization that focuses on security-related issues across its 57 participating States. Established to foster peace, stability, and democracy, the OSCE employs a comprehensive approach to security that includes politico-military, economic and environmental, and human aspects. The organization addresses a wide range of concerns such as arms control, human rights, combating human trafficking, and promoting democratic governance. The OSCE operates in various countries, facilitating dialogue and cooperation among its members to ensure mutual respect and understanding. The Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) is a key institution within the OSCE, dedicated to promoting human rights and democratic development across the OSCE area.

Job Overview:
The Deputy Head of the Tolerance and Non-Discrimination Department plays a crucial role in assisting the Head of Department in the planning, management, and implementation of departmental activities. This position is vital for ensuring that the department effectively delivers its activities within the allocated budget and timelines. The Deputy Head will contribute to the development of annual plans and oversee their execution, ensuring that the department meets its objectives related to promoting tolerance and non-discrimination. The role involves coordinating responses to requests for information, leading programmatic activities, and managing administrative aspects, including human and financial resources. The Deputy Head will also represent the Office at international conferences, providing expertise on tolerance and non-discrimination issues, and will support the Head in implementing strategic documents on gender mainstreaming.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Deputy Head will assist in managing the overall work of the Tolerance and Non-Discrimination Department, contributing to the planning and execution of programmatic activities. This includes developing annual plans, ensuring their implementation aligns with budgetary constraints, and preparing program documents for the OSCE planning cycle. The Deputy Head will coordinate the department's responses to office-wide requests for information and support the Head in providing leadership on gender mainstreaming initiatives. Additionally, the role involves managing the department's administrative functions, including supervising staff, preparing job descriptions, and overseeing recruitment and professional development opportunities. The Deputy Head will also manage relevant budgets and coordinate human dimension events, providing logistical support and expertise for meetings related to tolerance and non-discrimination.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a second-level university degree in human rights, international relations, political science, law, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted. A minimum of seven years of professional-level experience in human rights or related fields is required, with nine years preferred for those holding a first-level university degree. Candidates should demonstrate knowledge and experience in human rights and tolerance issues, possess leadership and management skills, and have experience in project management. Awareness of international cooperation principles and field experience in international organizations are desirable. Strong judgment on politically sensitive issues and excellent communication skills in English are essential, with knowledge of other OSCE languages, particularly Russian, being strongly preferred.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's degree (second-level university degree) in a relevant field such as human rights, international relations, political science, or law. Candidates with a first-level university degree may be considered if they have additional qualifying experience. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the complexities of human rights and non-discrimination issues within an international context.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of professional experience in human rights or related fields, with nine years preferred for candidates holding a first-level university degree. This experience should ideally be in an international environment, demonstrating a strong understanding of human rights issues and the ability to manage projects effectively. Candidates should have a proven track record of leadership and management in relevant roles, showcasing their capability to navigate complex political landscapes and work collaboratively with diverse teams.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, with excellent oral and written communication skills required. Knowledge of other OSCE languages, particularly Russian, is strongly preferred, as it enhances the ability to engage with a broader range of stakeholders and facilitates effective communication in a multilingual environment.

Additional Notes:
This position is a fixed-term contract at the senior professional level (P4) within the OSCE. The monthly remuneration is approximately EUR 8,500, subject to post adjustment and family status. OSCE salaries are exempt from taxation in Poland, and employees are eligible for social benefits, including participation in the Cigna medical insurance scheme and the OSCE Provident Fund. The organization contributes 15% of the employee's salary to the Provident Fund, while the employee contributes 7.5%. Appointments are typically made at Step 1 of the OSCE salary scale, with potential for higher initial appointments based on relevant experience. The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging candidates from various backgrounds to apply. The maximum period of service in this post is seven years, and candidates must undergo medical clearance prior to appointment. The mandatory retirement age for contracted positions is 65 years.