International Consultant Expert on Climate Change and Security

Job Posting Organization:
The Organization for security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) is the world’s largest regional security organization, established with the aim of promoting peace, stability, and democracy across its 57 participating States. The OSCE operates on a consensus basis, meaning that all member states have equal status and decisions are made collectively. The organization provides a platform for political dialogue and cooperation on various issues, including security, economic development, and environmental sustainability. The OSCE Secretariat, located in Vienna, supports the decision-making bodies of the organization and provides operational and administrative assistance to field operations and other institutions. The OSCE's mission is to enhance security and stability in the region through collaborative efforts and initiatives that address pressing challenges, including climate change and its associated risks.

Job Overview:
The position of International Consultant Expert on Climate Change and Security is focused on conducting a regional risk assessment regarding illegal logging and its associated climate-related security risks in South-Eastern Europe (SEE). The consultant will be responsible for developing a comprehensive understanding of the extent, drivers, and consequences of illegal logging, as well as identifying strategies to improve climate resilience at both local and regional levels. This role requires a deep integration of climate change considerations into the assessment process, ensuring that the interconnections between climate change, illegal logging, and security are thoroughly analyzed. The consultant will work closely with various stakeholders to promote dialogue and cooperation among jurisdictions in SEE, ultimately contributing to the development of a Regional Strategy and Roadmap aimed at addressing these critical issues.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake a variety of tasks, including:

• Developing a methodological framework for the regional assessment of illegal logging and its climate-related security risks, integrating jurisdiction-level analysis into a broader regional perspective.
• Conducting quantitative and qualitative research to analyze the scope and patterns of illegal logging, utilizing methods such as desk research, interviews, round tables, focus groups, and surveys.
• Reviewing legal, policy, and institutional frameworks related to environmental governance and assessing enforcement capacities and anti-corruption measures.
• Analyzing the interlinkages between climate change, forest governance, illegal logging, and security, and their implications for regional cooperation.
• Facilitating stakeholder consultations to ensure inclusive participation across the six jurisdictions involved.
• Conducting a gender-sensitive assessment of the impacts of illegal logging and climate-related risks on different demographics.
• Leading the drafting of the regional risk assessment report, which will include jurisdiction-specific annexes and actionable recommendations for improving governance and community engagement.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a first-level university degree in relevant fields such as climate change, environmental science, law, social and political science, or other interdisciplinary disciplines. Additionally, a minimum of seven years of professional experience in related areas is required, with at least five years of experience if the candidate holds a second-level university degree. Demonstrated expertise in conducting risk assessments and data analysis, as well as experience in developing assessment methodologies and data collection tools, is essential. A strong understanding of the socio-political dynamics and environmental challenges in South Eastern Europe is also necessary, along with excellent communication and drafting skills in English. Knowledge of SEE languages is considered an asset.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a first-level university degree in fields related to climate change, environmental science, law, social and political science, or other relevant disciplines. A second-level university degree may substitute for some of the required professional experience, emphasizing the importance of formal education in the candidate's area of expertise.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of relevant professional experience, with at least five years of experience required for candidates holding a second-level university degree. Candidates should have a proven track record in conducting risk assessments, data analysis, and similar evaluative studies, particularly in the context of climate change and environmental governance. Experience in leading teams and facilitating stakeholder meetings is also highly valued, as is familiarity with the OSCE context and its operational frameworks.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, with excellent communication and drafting skills. Knowledge of languages spoken in South Eastern Europe is considered an asset, enhancing the consultant's ability to engage with local stakeholders and understand regional dynamics.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is structured as a Special Service Agreement (SSA) and is expected to last for 60-70 days over a period of 15 months. The position is part-time and will require travel within South-Eastern Europe, with travel expenses covered by the OSCE in accordance with its rules and procedures. The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging candidates from various backgrounds to apply. The organization emphasizes the importance of ethical conduct and integrity among its officials.