Employee Relations 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, security, and stability in Europe and beyond. The OSCE operates in 57 participating States across Europe, Central Asia, and North America, and has a comprehensive approach to security that encompasses politico-military, economic and environmental, and human aspects. The OSCE Secretariat, located in Vienna, assists the Chairpersonship in its activities and provides operational and administrative support to field operations and other institutions. The Department of Human Resources (DHR) within the OSCE ensures that the organization has the necessary human resources capacity to implement its mandates effectively, setting policies and providing services in talent acquisition, benefits administration, payroll, performance management, and employee relations.

Job Overview:
The Employee Relations Officer plays a crucial role in providing expert advice and guidance on the interpretation and application of rules related to staff conduct, discipline, and grievance processes within the OSCE. This position requires a deep understanding of human resource management and administrative law, particularly in handling employee grievances and disciplinary procedures. The incumbent will work closely with senior managers and staff to ensure compliance with due process in handling staff cases, including appeals and disciplinary matters. The role also involves fostering collaboration with decentralized OSCE institutions and field operations to develop and coordinate the OSCE's duty of care framework, ensuring a professional and inclusive working environment. The Employee Relations Officer will be responsible for managing formal grievance procedures and disciplinary processes, advising on standards of conduct, and delivering presentations and training to promote a diverse and professional workplace.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Employee Relations Officer will be tasked with a variety of responsibilities, including: advising management and staff on the application of rules regarding standards of conduct and disciplinary cases; managing formal grievance procedures and ensuring compliance with due process; liaising with OSCE institutions and field operations to promote a professional working environment; conducting research and participating in inter-agency meetings to develop the OSCE's duty of care framework; analyzing HR policy papers and proposing changes to the HR regulatory framework; providing recommendations on exceptions to the Common Regulatory Management System (CRMS); and performing other related duties as assigned. The role requires a proactive approach to identifying trends and issues in HR management and developing strategies to address them, particularly in relation to staff serving in the field.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a first-level university degree in human resource management, law, or a closely related field. A minimum of seven years of experience in human resource management or administrative law is required, with at least five years of experience if holding a relevant second-level university degree. Candidates should have legal or paralegal experience in drafting and reviewing procedural documents, as well as experience working in an international or multicultural setting. The ability to approach difficult situations with empathy, patience, and neutrality is essential, along with proven experience in managing sensitive information with confidentiality and integrity. Professional fluency in English, excellent communication skills, and demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity are also required.

Educational Background:
The position requires a first-level university degree, which is equivalent to a Bachelor's degree, in human resource management, law, or a closely related field. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of human resources and administrative law as they pertain to employee relations and grievance procedures.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of seven years of relevant experience in human resource management or administrative law. This experience should include dealing with employee grievances and disciplinary procedures, as well as legal or paralegal work involving procedural and technical issues. Experience in an international or multicultural environment is highly valued, as it demonstrates the ability to navigate diverse workplace dynamics and cultural sensitivities.

Languages:
Professional fluency in English is mandatory, with excellent oral and written communication skills. While English is the primary language of communication within the OSCE, knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly those relevant to the OSCE's areas of operation.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as an international secondment, and candidates must be nominated by their respective participating States. The maximum period of service in this post is 10 years, reflecting the OSCE's commitment to staff rotation. The position is full-time and offers a fixed-term contract. Candidates should be aware that OSCE appointments are subject to medical clearance, and the organization does not request payment at any stage of the application process. The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce and encourages qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply.