Policy Support Officer (Caucasus Desk)

The OSCE has a comprehensive approach to security that encompasses politico-military, economic and environmental, and human aspects. It therefore addresses a wide range of security-related concerns, including arms control, confidence- and security-building measures, human rights, national minorities, democratization, policing strategies, counter-terrorism and economic and environmental activities. All 57 participating States enjoy equal status, and decisions are taken by consensus on a politically, but not legally binding basis.

The OSCE Secretariat in Vienna assists the Chairmanship in its activities, and provides operational and administrative support to the field operations, and, as appropriate, to other institutions.

The Conflict Prevention Centre (CPC) plays a key role in supporting and co-ordinating the OSCE's activities in the field, in providing analysis and policy advice to the Secretary General and the Chairperson-in-Office; in leading work on all aspects of the conflict cycle, and supporting the various formats dealing with protracted conflicts. The CPC also serves as the focal point in the Secretariat for co-ordinating and developing the OSCE's role in the politico-military dimension.

The Policy Support Service (PSS) serves as the Organization's primary point of contact on all matters concerning field operations; it monitors the implementation of the mandates of the individual field operations and advises the Secretary General (SG) and the Chairmanship on related policy and operational issues. It also analyses early-warning signals regarding the situation in the field and recommends the implementation of relevant preventive or reactive action. Support provided to the SG and the Chairperson-in-Office includes background information, policy support and advice, input to speeches and travel files as well as drafting summary records. PSS facilitates the co-ordination of programmes and activities among field operations and with those of OSCE specialized units within the Secretariat and institutions and assists field operations with their input to the budget cycle process. PSS also provides support for the Chairperson-in-Office's representatives dealing with protracted conflicts and related formats.

The PSS is composed of four regional desks covering Eastern Europe, South-Eastern Europe, the South Caucasus, and Central Asia.

The incumbent of this job will be a member of the Caucasus Desk. Under the direct supervision of the Senior Policy Support Officer and the general guidance of the Deputy Director for Policy Support Service, as Policy Support Officer (Caucasus Desk) you will perform the following functions:

1. Monitoring and analysing developments in the region; contributing to the formulation of relevant policy advice;
2. Supporting the work of the special or personal representatives of the Chairperson-in-Office dealing with the South Caucasus;
3. Monitoring the implementation of the mandates assigned to the OSCE field operations in the Caucasus region;
4. Following up to ensure timely flow of information among the field operations, the Chairmanship-in-Office, the Delegations and the Secretariat;
5. Actively participating in the performance-based programme budgeting process for the assigned field operations including interacting with the delegations of the Advisory Committee on Management and Finance (ACMF), the Preparatory Committee, the Permanent Council and other relevant committees;
6. Contributing to research on selected political topics related to implementation of the mandates of assigned field operations, drafting background papers and reports, compiling briefing materials;
7. Attending meetings and writing summaries, notes and reports for internal distribution;
8. Preparing visits of the Chairperson-in-Office and senior OSCE officials to the field operation area; accompanying high-level visits to the region and drafting reports on these visits upon request; preparing in-house briefings, publications and other material;
9. In co-operation with the Programming and Evaluation Support Unit, reviewing extra-budgetary project proposals to ensure that these are in line with the relevant mandate; proposing changes and further action, as necessary;
10. Contributing to other CPC-related tasks, or projects, as required.
11. Performing other related duties, including participating at CPC-related events.

For more detailed information on the structure and work of the OSCE Secretariat, please see https://www.osce.org/secretariat

• First-level university degree in political sciences, public or international law, international relations or another related field; an advanced degree and regional expertise would be an asset;
• Minimum of six years of professional experience in government, national administration or other relevant professional field;
• Work experience in a diplomatic service and/or international organization would be an asset;
• Professional fluency in English and Russian including excellent drafting skills; working knowledge of another OSCE official language and/or of one of the languages spoken in the region would be an asset;
• Excellent communication skills, resourcefulness, initiative, maturity of judgement, and team spirit;
• Project management experience and skills would be an asset;
• Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity and an ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities;
• Proven interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective and constructive working relationships with people of different national and cultural backgrounds while maintaining impartiality and objectivity;
• Ability to operate Windows applications, including word processing and email.

• Commitment: Actively contributes to achieving organizational goals
• Diversity: Respects others and values their diverse perspectives and contributions
• Integrity: Acts in a manner consistent with the Organization’s core values and organizational principles
• Accountability: Takes responsibility for own action and delegated work

• Communication: Actively works to achieve clear and transparent communication with colleagues and with stakeholders of the Organization
• Collaboration: Works effectively with others on common goals and fosters a positive, trust-based working environment
• Planning: Works towards the achievement of goals in a structured and measured manner
• Analysis and decision-making: Analyses available information, draws well-founded conclusions and takes appropriate decisions
• Initiative-taking: Proposes and initiates new ideas, activities and projects
• Flexibility: Responds positively and effectively to changing circumstances

• Leadership: Provides a clear sense of direction, builds trust and creates an enabling environment
• Strategic thinking: Identifies goals that advance the organizational agenda and develops plans for achieving them
• Managing performance: Helps to maximize team performance by providing active feedback and skill development opportunities

Monthly remuneration is approximately EUR 6,362 depending on post adjustment and family status. OSCE salaries are exempt from taxation in Austria. Social benefits will include possibility of participation in the Cigna medical insurance scheme and the OSCE Provident Fund. Other allowances and benefits are similar to those offered under the United Nations Common System.

Please note that appointments are normally made at step 1 of the applicable OSCE salary scale.

If you wish to apply for this position, please use the OSCE's online application link found under https://jobs.osce.org/vacancies.

The OSCE retains the discretion to re-advertise/re-post the vacancy, to cancel the recruitment, to offer an appointment at a lower grade or to offer an appointment with a modified job description or for a different duration.

Only those applicants who are selected to participate in the subsequent stages of recruitment will be contacted.

Please note that vacancies in the OSCE are open for competition only amongst nationals of participating States, please see http://www.osce.org/states.

The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all religious, ethnic and social backgrounds to apply to become a part of the Organization.

The OSCE is a non-career organization committed to the principle of staff rotation, therefore the maximum period of service in this post is 7 years.