Political Legal Adviser (S)

Background:

This position is open for secondment only and participating States are kindly reminded that all costs in relation to an assignment at the High Commissioner on National Minoritiesmust be borne by their authorities.

Candidates should prior to applying verify with their respective nominating authority to which extent financial remuneration and/or benefit packages will be offered. Seconded staff members in the OSCE Secretariat and Institutions are not entitled to a Board and Lodging Allowance payable by the Organization.

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 combating human trafficking 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 High Commissioner on National Minorities (HCNM) promotes conflict prevention and integration of diverse societies. HCNM was established to identify and seek early resolution of ethnic tensions that might endanger peace stability or friendly relations between OSCE participating States.

The Office is staffed by the High Commissioner; a Director; area teams comprising political legal and project advisers/officers; and an administrative and support team.

Adviser reports to the Section Head monitors political legal and social developments and identifies issues that need to be addressed and prepares comprehensive analyses and recommendations to the High Commissioner on national minorities conflict prevention and other issues related to the assigned geographical area.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

Under the direction of the Section Heads the successful candidate performs the following duties:

1. Advising the High Commissioner (HC) on legal issues regarding the execution of the HC conflict prevention mandate on issue relating to the protection and promotion of the rights of persons belonging to national minorities on other issues of national and international law. Analyzing information related to national minorities in the assigned geographic region identifying issues that should be addressed including thematic priorities and formulating recommendations on the course of action to be taken in a particular situation;
2. Providing country-specific analyses of legal developments and the promotion and protection of persons belonging to national minorities in geographical area assigned;
3. Accompanying the High Commissioner on country visits and preparing briefing papers notes and background information prior to a visit; examining recent developments and identifying problematic areas that the High Commissioner may address in a particular country advising the HCNM during the visit on all issues raised at meetings preparing a report of the visit identifying conducting and tracking follow-up action and preparing reports;
4. Providing input to HC speeches and in consultation with relevant advisers and project officers identifying areas where project activities can contribute to the fulfillment of the High Commissioners mandate;
5. Representing the HCNM at seminars conferences and meetings dealing with politico-social or other issues related to national minorities as assigned presenting HCNM perspectives; representing the HCNM at closed and public meetings including delivering statements papers and speeches reflecting the position of the HCNM;
6. Performing other related duties as required.

For more detailed information on the structure and work of the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities please see: Qualifications:

• Second-level university degree in International Law or other related fields. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of relevant experience will be accepted in lieu of the second-level university degree;
• A minimum of five years (seven years with a relevant first-level degree) of progressively responsible professional experience in dealing with minority issues and human rights international relations public administration or other related fields including three years at the international level;
• Thorough knowledge of international relations diplomacy European security issues international law and human rights;
• Excellent analytical planning and organizational skills;
• Professional fluency in English with excellent communication (both oral and written) skills. Knowledge of another official OSCE language preferably language(s) spoken in the geographical areas assigned is an advantage;
• Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity and an ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities;
• Ability and willingness to work as a member of team with people of different cultural and religious backgrounds different gender and diverse political views while maintaining impartiality and objectivity;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with people of different cultural and religious backgrounds different gender and diverse political views while remaining impartial and objective;
• Computer literate with practical experience using Microsoft applications.

If you wish to apply for this position please use the OSCEs online application link found under If your participating State does not provide the option to apply online for seconded positions you are kindly requested to submit your offline application form available at the respective OSCE delegation whose address can be found at OSCE retains the discretion to re-advertise/re-post the vacancy to cancel the recruitment to offer an appointment with a modified job description or for a different duration.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Please note that vacancies in the OSCE are open for competition only amongst nationals of participating States please see OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce and encourages the nomination of qualified female and male candidates from all religious ethnic and social backgrounds.

The OSCE is a non-career organization committed to the principle of staff rotation; therefore the maximum period of service in this post is 10 years.

Candidates should be aware that OSCE officials shall conduct themselves at all times in a manner befitting the status of an international civil servant. This includes avoiding any action which may adversely reflect on the integrity independence and impartiality of their position and function as officials of the OSCE. The OSCE is committed to applying the highest ethical standards in carrying out its mandate. For more information on the values set out in OSCE Competency Model please see apply to your relevant authorities well in advance of the deadline expiration to ensure timely processing of your application. Delayed nominations will not be considered. The OSCE can only process Secondment applications that have been nominated by participating States. For queries relating to your application please refer to the respective delegation as listed here: be aware that OSCE appointments are subject to medical clearance.

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