Legal Advisor - Action against Terrorism Unit

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, stability, and democracy in Europe. The OSCE has 57 participating States and operates in various countries across Europe, Central Asia, and North America. The organization focuses on a comprehensive approach to security that includes politico-military, economic, environmental, and human aspects. The OSCE Secretariat, located in Vienna, provides operational and administrative support to field operations and other institutions, ensuring that the organization's objectives are met effectively and efficiently.

Job Overview:
The position of Legal Advisor within the Action against Terrorism Unit (ATU) of the Transnational Threats Department (TNTD) at the OSCE Secretariat is crucial for the organization's counter-terrorism efforts. The successful candidate will be responsible for providing specialized legal advice and technical input on complex legal matters related to terrorism prevention. This role requires a deep understanding of law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law, particularly in the context of anti-terrorism legislation and compliance with international standards. The Legal Advisor will work closely with the TNTD Coordinator and the Head of the Unit, advising on legislative issues and promoting the implementation of universal anti-terrorism instruments among participating States. The position demands a high level of discretion and accuracy, as the Legal Advisor will be involved in sensitive negotiations and interactions with various stakeholders, including international organizations and government officials.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Legal Advisor will undertake a variety of tasks, including but not limited to: reviewing legislation and conducting legal research and analysis for policy-level use; providing specialized legal advice on complex issues; advising on compliance with international anti-terrorism obligations; monitoring the implementation of anti-terrorism commitments by participating States; planning and organizing technical cooperation programs and workshops; supervising project development and implementation; facilitating interactions among participating States and international organizations; providing expertise on criminal justice and rule of law issues; identifying needs for assistance in counter-terrorism obligations; developing new actions to promote human rights-compliant approaches to terrorism prevention; providing technical assistance and guidance to participating States; and performing other duties as assigned by the Head of the Unit.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a second-level university degree in international law, criminal law, political science, or international relations. A first-level university degree combined with at least two years of additional qualifying experience may be accepted. Specialization in legal aspects of terrorism prevention is highly desirable. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in terrorism prevention and criminal justice, with at least two years in international organizations. Experience in diplomatic affairs and policy formulation is also highly desirable, along with practical experience working with UN-system organizations, the Council of Europe, and the European Union. Good drafting skills and professional fluency in English are essential, and knowledge of other OSCE languages is an asset.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's degree (second-level university degree) in a relevant field such as international law, criminal law, political science, or international relations. Candidates with a first-level university degree may be considered if they have significant additional experience in relevant areas.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of relevant professional experience in terrorism prevention and criminal justice matters, with a focus on rule of law issues. Candidates with a first-level university degree must have at least nine years of experience. Experience working with international organizations and in diplomatic contexts is highly desirable, as is expertise in security and military affairs.

Languages:
Professional fluency in English is mandatory, with excellent communication skills in both oral and written forms. Knowledge of other OSCE languages is considered desirable and may enhance a candidate's application.

Additional Notes:
This position is a full-time, fixed-term role under an international secondment contract. The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from qualified candidates of all backgrounds. The position is open for competition only among nationals of participating States. Candidates should apply through their respective authorities, and the OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application process. The OSCE retains the right to re-advertise the vacancy or modify the job description as necessary.