Chief, Democratic Governance and Gender Unit

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

The purpose of the Democratization Department's Democratic Governance and Gender Unit is to support participating States in implementing their OSCE commitments with regard to democratic institutions, democratic governance and participation in democratic processes.  Towards that end, the Unit conducts numerous initiatives promoting the implementation of OSCE human dimension commitments in Central Asia, the Caucasus, South-Eastern Europe and Eastern Europe, with a special emphasis on inclusive, accountable and transparent democratic institutions (parliaments and political parties), including political participation of under-represented groups such as women, youth and persons with disabilities In addition, the Unit functions as the OSCE's institutional memory on institution building activities of field operations in areas such as parliamentary assistance and women’s political participation.

Under the direct supervision of the Head of the Democratization Department, the incumbent performs the following functions:  

1. Advising on democratic governance and participation issues;
2. Managing and supervising the work of the Democratic Governance and Gender Unit, including supervising the work of the Unit's staff, providing leadership in determining priority areas, both in terms of substantive areas and geographic focus for activities, monitoring the status of the budget and use of extra-budgetary contributions, supervising the writing and editing of reports as required, including donor reports;
3. Supervising the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of projects covering a wide range of topics related to democratic governance and participation, including supervising the analysis and monitoring of public policy, legislation and State practices, identifying areas where improvements/action are required or recommended; Contributing to the substantive organization of mandated OSCE human dimension meetings on democratic governance, gender equality, political participation, parliaments, and political parties;
4. Representing ODIHR on democratic governance, participation, political party and parliamentary support  as well as gender equality issues; maintaining and developing contacts with international organizations, experts, NGOs and other relevant organizations and institutions;
5. Performing related duties as required. 

For more detailed information on the structure and work of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, please see: http://www.osce.org/odihr

• Second-level university degree in relevant fields; a first-level university degree in combination with two years of additional qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the second-level university degree;
• Minimum of eight years of professional experience, including at least three years of international experience;
• Knowledge of the functioning of political institutions, other international organizations and government offices, specific experience with democratic governance, institution building or parliamentary and political party development work is an advantage;
• Relevant work experience in South-Eastern Europe and/or the former Soviet Union;
• Good management, strong analytical and excellent public speaking skills;
• Strong interpersonal skills; political intuition; resourcefulness, initiative and maturity of judgement; ability to work with minimum supervision; established ability to advise high-level officials;
• Professional fluency in English with excellent written and oral communication skills; knowledge of another OSCE language would be an asset;
• Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, and ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities;
• Ability to work with people with different national, religious or cultural backgrounds.

• 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 6,296, depending on post adjustment and family status. OSCE salaries are exempt from taxation in Poland. Social benefits will include possibility of participation in the Cigna medical insurance scheme and the OSCE Provident Fund. The Organization 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.

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.

Please be aware that the OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application and review process.