Background

This is an extra-budgetary position. The expected duration of the project is until 31 December 2026, with the possibility of extension subject to the availability of funds. The selected candidate is expected to be available for the duration of the project.

The OSCE has a comprehensive approach to security that encompasses politico‑military, economic, environmental, and human aspects, addressing concerns such as arms control, confidence‑ and security‑building measures, human rights, combating human trafficking, national minorities, democratization, policing strategies, counter‑terrorism and economic environmental activities. All 57 participating States enjoy equal status and decisions are taken by consensus on a politically but not legally binding basis.

The Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) is the principal institution of the OSCE responsible for the human dimension. ODIHR works throughout the OSCE area in election observation, democratic development, human rights, tolerance, non‑discrimination and the rule of law. ODIHR’s assistance projects and other activities are implemented in participating States in accordance with its mandate.

ODIHR’s Human Rights Department assists OSCE participating States in fulfilling their obligations to protect and promote human rights and fundamental freedoms. Within the redesigned project “Increasing effectiveness, strengthening the enabling environment for human rights defenders” ODIHR will implement interventions to promote a safe and enabling environment for human rights defenders (HRDs), national human rights institutions (NHRIs) and journalists, and to support them in conducting their work more effectively and securely. The project will assess HRDs’ situation in participating States, build their capacity to conduct their work safely, and strengthen their ability to communicate with target audiences and advocate on key human rights concerns, including through the use of technology tools.

With the overall objective to increase the effectiveness of HRDs in promoting and protecting human rights in OSCE participating States, the project will build on ODIHR’s strong track record training HRDs on monitoring, including on freedom of peaceful assembly, safety, security and communication. It will increase capacity of HRDs in utilizing new communication strategies, methods and technologies.

Tasks and Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Project Officer and working closely with Human Rights Advisers, the incumbent will support implementation of project activities and provide support for the organization of events, capacity‑building activities and project missions.

• Monitoring relevant political and other developments related to project activities.
• Assisting the project team in drafting concept notes, talking points and briefing material on project‑related activities.
• Assisting in the preparation of ToRs, Special Service Agreements (SSA) for experts, trainers and facilitators and partner agreement (IPA) selection procedures.
• Assisting the project team in planning activities, including drafting and updating project work plans, reports and cost estimates.
• Helping establish and update contact details with key stakeholders relevant for the implementation of project activities.
• Researching and collecting information to inform the project logframe.
• Helping prepare and organize project monitoring meetings.
• Managing project‑related information.
• Supporting the project team in organizing events, including compilation of event materials and correspondence with facilitators, speakers and participants.
• Co‑operating with administrative assistants in ODIHR and OSCE field operations in arranging travel for speakers, trainers, facilitators and project staff.
• Assisting in the organization of needs assessment visits and other project‑related missions.
• Compiling evaluation forms on project events and assisting with other monitoring and evaluation activities.
• Preparing minutes of meetings, mission and meeting reports.

Necessary Qualifications

• First‑level university degree in human rights law, international affairs, social or political sciences or another relevant field.
• Minimum two years of relevant professional experience working on human rights, preferably in the OSCE region.
• Experience working with civil society partners and international stakeholders in the area of human rights.
• Knowledge of relevant international human rights standards and OSCE commitments.
• Familiarity with the situation of human rights defenders and civil society organisations in the OSCE region.
• Experience working with national and international human rights organisations and experts.
• Experience in project management, particularly donor‑funded projects.
• Experience in the implementation of training or awareness‑raising projects with civil society organisations.
• Experience assisting in the organization of conferences and events, especially capacity‑building nature and related to human rights.
• Excellent written and spoken communication skills in English. Working knowledge of other OSCE languages, especially Russian, is desirable.
• Computer literacy with practical experience using Microsoft applications.
• Ability to work with people of different nationalities, religions and cultural backgrounds.
• Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, and an ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities.

Remuneration Package

Monthly remuneration is approximately EUR 4,400 depending on post adjustment and family status. OSCE salaries are exempt from taxation in Poland. Social benefits include participation in the Cigna medical insurance scheme and the OSCE Provident Fund. The Organisation contributes an amount equivalent to 15 % of the employee’s salary to this Fund, and the employee contributes 7.5 %. Other allowances and benefits are similar to those offered under the United Nations Common System.

Appointments are normally made at Step 1 of the applicable OSCE salary scale. In exceptional cases, an initial appointment at up to Step 3 may be considered, depending on factors such as relevant experience exceeding minimum requirements or higher previous remuneration. Any such request by a candidate must be reviewed and approved by the OSCE before appointment.

Application Process

To apply for this position, please use the OSCE’s online application link found under https://vacancies.osce.org/.

OSCE retains the discretion to re‑advertise, cancel recruitment, offer an appointment at a lower grade or modify the job description or duration. Only candidates selected to participate in the subsequent stages of recruitment will be contacted. Candidates interviewed and found suitable will be placed on a roster of suitable candidates (valid for three years) for fixed‑term posts, should a suitable opportunity arise. Placement on the roster does not guarantee a future appointment or assignment.

Vacancies in the OSCE are open for competition only amongst nationals of participating States, see https://www.osce.org/participating-states. The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all religious, ethnic and social backgrounds to apply. OSCE officials shall conduct themselves at all times in a manner befitting the status of an international civil servant. For more information on the values set out in the OSCE Competency Model, see https://jobs.osce.org/resources/document/our-competency-model.

The OSCE is a non‑career organisation committed to staff rotation; therefore the maximum period of service in this post is seven years. OSCE appointments are subject to medical clearance. The mandatory retirement age at the OSCE is 65 years for contracted positions at the general service, professional and director level, and the age limit is 62 years at the time of appointment for the incumbent, who is normally expected to carry out a contractual obligation of two years. OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application and review process.