Senior Communities Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The OSCE Mission in Kosovo is an international organization dedicated to promoting peace, stability, and democracy in the region. Established in 1999, the mission operates with a commitment to human rights and community engagement, employing a diverse workforce to address various social and political issues. The OSCE has a presence in multiple countries across Europe, with a focus on conflict prevention, crisis management, and post-conflict rehabilitation. The organization values diversity and inclusion, encouraging candidates from various backgrounds to apply.

Job Overview:
The Senior Communities Officer will play a crucial role within the OSCE Mission in Kosovo, specifically focusing on the implementation of the Communities Section thematic and project portfolios under the Human Rights and Communities Department (HRCD) programme. This position requires a proactive approach to managing and supervising HRCD Communities staff, ensuring that their performance aligns with the overall objectives of the HRCD. The incumbent will be responsible for coordinating field monitoring tasks, thematic advocacy, and project activity implementation, contributing to the monitoring and evaluation of projects relevant to the field. The role demands strong analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as the ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams in a challenging environment. The Senior Communities Officer will also compile regular reports on monitoring and advocacy activities, ensuring effective communication with the RC Director and HRCD Headquarters.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Communities Officer will have a range of responsibilities, including:

• Providing guidance and supervision to HRCD Communities staff in the Regional Centre (RC), managing their performance and outputs in line with HRCD project objectives.
• Coordinating the work of HRCD Communities staff, facilitating their field monitoring tasks, thematic advocacy, and project activity implementation.
• Establishing effective strategies to promote and protect communities' rights within the RC area of responsibility, in collaboration with the RC Director and other senior professionals.
• Compiling and submitting regular reports on monitoring, thematic advocacy, and project activities to the RC Director and HRCD Headquarters, including drafting specific spot reports as needed.
• Performing other duties as assigned by the Director of the Regional Centre and the Director of the HRCD.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a first-level university degree in law, political science, international relations, or a related field. Additionally, they should have sound knowledge of community rights standards and international human rights standards, particularly in post-conflict areas. Management experience and team-building abilities are essential, along with international fieldwork experience in monitoring and reporting. Strong analytical skills, problem-solving capabilities, and professional fluency in English are mandatory. Candidates should also demonstrate strong drafting skills and the ability to produce factual reports within strict deadlines. Cultural sensitivity, flexibility, and the ability to work under pressure are crucial for success in this role.

Educational Background:
A first-level university degree in political sciences, international relations, public policy, law, international human rights law, or other human rights-related fields is required. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of human rights issues and the legal frameworks that govern them.

Experience:
A minimum of 6 years of relevant professional experience is required for this position. This experience should include work related to human rights, minority or gender issues, and should demonstrate a strong understanding of the challenges faced in these areas, particularly in post-conflict settings.

Languages:
Professional fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Additionally, knowledge of one or more local languages is desirable, as it can enhance communication and engagement with local communities.

Additional Notes:
The position is classified as a Senior Professional role with a fixed-term contract. It is a full-time position, and the OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce. Candidates should be aware that nationals or permanent residents of Kosovo are not eligible to apply. The OSCE retains the discretion to re-advertise or cancel the vacancy, and candidates should conduct themselves in a manner befitting the status of an international civil servant. The maximum period of service in this post is seven years, and appointments are subject to medical clearance. The OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application process.