Associate Legal Officer

Please note that this position is subject of approval of the OSCE Unified Budget 2020.

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.

As part of the Office of the Secretary General (OSG), the Office of Legal Affairs (OLA) provides authoritative legal advice and assistance on a wide range of issues to the Secretary General and the Secretariat’s Departments, the Chairmanship, the Institutions and Field Operations and, as required, to the Delegations.

This is an exciting opening for an Associate Legal Officer in the Office of Legal Affairs, which is looking for talented candidates to join their team of approximately 10 staff in Vienna.

What would you gain from this assignment?

• insight into the legal work of an international organisation especially in the area of administration and regulatory framework and public international law;
• the chance to work and be mentored by a team of committed professionals;
• exposure to a multicultural working environment.

Should you be selected for this role, you will work under the direct supervision of the Head of the Office of Legal Affairs, and be mentored by the Deputy Head and Legal Advisers, providing legal advice to the Secretariat field  operations, Institutions, OSCE decision-making bodies, the Chairmanship, as well as to OSCE delegations. In particular, you will carry out the following duties:

1. Providing legal advice on the elaboration, review, interpretation, and application of the regulatory framework of the Organization, including Staff Regulations, Rules and Instructions, Financial Regulations, and other administrative issuances;
2. Reviewing and providing legal advice in the negotiation and interpretation of legal instruments, such as agreements, memoranda of understanding, or other legal materials relevant to the work of the Organization;
3. Providing legal advice in the negotiation or interpretation of contracts, such as for the lease of premises and for the acquisition of goods and services, as well as on issues concerning intellectual property rights and insurance;
4. Providing legal advice on dispute resolution, including by examining claims by or against the Organization and its officials;
5. Performing extensive legal research and analysis for the preparation of legal opinions, studies, reports or correspondence;
6. Performing other duties as requested.

For more detailed information about the work of the Office of Legal Affairs, Office of the Secretary General,please see: http://www.osce.org/secretariat

• First-level university degree in law with specialization in public international law;
• A minimum of  four years of directly-related professional experience;
• Demonstrated ability to grasp the important aspects of complex issues and make expeditious and firm decisions based on sound judgement;
• Strong ability to deliver written and oral information clearly;
• Professional fluency in English, including excellent drafting skills; working knowledge of another OSCE official language would be an asset;
• Proficiency in standard software applications, including practical experience with Microsoft packages; familiarity with Oracle ERP systems is an asset;
• Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, and an ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective and constructive working relationships with people of different national and 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 5,017 depending on post adjustment. OSCE salaries are exempt from taxation in Austria. Social benefits will include possibility of participation in the Cigna medical insurance scheme. Other allowances and benefits are similar to those offered under the United Nations Common System.

Appointments are 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.