Senior Mediation Support Officer

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 established in 197

• It operates in 57 participating States across Europe, Central Asia, and North America. The OSCE's mission is to promote peace, stability, and democracy through a comprehensive approach to security that encompasses politico-military, economic, environmental, and human aspects. The organization employs a diverse workforce and engages in various activities, including conflict prevention, crisis management, and post-conflict rehabilitation.

Job Overview:
The Senior Mediation Support Officer position is a seconded role within the OSCE Secretariat, specifically located in Vienna. This position corresponds to a P4-level role in the UN common system and is focused on enhancing the OSCE's mediation-support capacities. The incumbent will provide strategic, operational, and analytical support to OSCE mediators at all levels, including the Secretary General and heads of field operations. The role involves coordinating the Mediation Support Team, managing mediation processes, and developing training and capacity-building initiatives. The Senior Mediation Support Officer will also contribute to knowledge management related to mediation efforts and represent the OSCE in various international forums.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Mediation Support Officer will be responsible for coordinating and managing the work of the Mediation Support Team (MST), supervising Mediation Support Officers and project staff, and overseeing the Mediation Support Extrabudgetary project. Key responsibilities include analyzing mediation processes, providing operational advice, observing high-level mediation processes, drafting reports, and offering support to OSCE mediators. The incumbent will develop and implement training programs on mediation and dialogue facilitation, improve knowledge management practices, and contribute to briefs and speeches for senior management. Additionally, the officer may be required to deploy to crisis areas to support conflict resolution efforts.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a second-level university degree in mediation, political science, international relations, or a related field. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of relevant experience is acceptable. Successful completion of nationally certified mediation training is desirable. A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible professional experience in mediation, mediation support, or dialogue facilitation is required, with experience in coordinating or managing teams being advantageous. Candidates should demonstrate thematic expertise in international mediation efforts and possess excellent research, analytical, and communication skills.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's degree (second-level university degree) in a relevant field such as mediation, political science, or international relations. A first-level university degree may be accepted if accompanied by additional relevant experience. Candidates should also have completed nationally certified mediation training, which is considered desirable for this role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible professional experience in mediation, mediation support, or dialogue facilitation. Candidates with a first-level university degree must have at least nine years of relevant experience. Practical experience in mediation and/or dialogue facilitation processes is essential, with a minimum of three years specifically in these areas. Previous field experience in mediation support is also desirable, along with experience in project management in an international environment.

Languages:
Excellent written and oral communication skills in English are mandatory for this position. Knowledge of at least one other language from the OSCE region is desirable, as it would enhance the candidate's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and facilitate dialogue effectively.

Additional Notes:
This position is a fixed-term secondment role with a full-time schedule. The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from qualified candidates of all backgrounds. The maximum period of service in this post is 10 years, and candidates must conduct themselves in a manner befitting the status of an international civil servant. The OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application process, and appointments are subject to medical clearance. Candidates should apply through their respective authorities well in advance of the application deadline to ensure timely processing.