Analyst/Researcher (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 Secretariat must 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 Secretariat in Vienna assists the Chairpersonship in its activities and provides operational and administrative support to the field operations and as appropriate to other institutions.

The Conflict Prevention Centre (CPC) supports and co-ordinates the OSCEs activities in the field providing analysis and policy advice to the Secretary General (SG) and the Chairpersonship 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 OSCEs role in the politico-military dimension.

The post is located in the Planning and Analysis Team (PAT) within the OSCE Secretariats CPC/Operations Service. Within the CPC the Operations Service covers a broad variety of tasks such as operational planning for the set-up reorganization and closure of field operations; analysis related to early warning early action conflict prevention crisis management conflict resolution post-conflict rehabilitation and peacebuilding; the identification of lessons and best practices; mediation support; operational liaison with other international organizations; and maintaining a 24/7 Situation/Communications Room.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

As Analyst/Researcher you will contribute to strategic advice for the Chairpersonship and Secretariat senior management on conflict cycle related activities (early warning early action conflict prevention crisis management post-conflict rehabilitation peacebuilding and cross-cutting issues) by analysing geo-political trends and developments recommending responses conducting research and developing proposals to enhance OSCE capacities related to the conflict cycle.

Under the direct supervision of the Senior Operational Adviser and under the overall supervision of the Deputy Director of the Conflict Prevention Centre for Operations Service the Analyst/Researcher will be tasked with the following:

1. Analysing critical geo-political trends and developments and recommending appropriate responses thereto in order to contribute to CPC advice provided to the Chairpersonship and Secretariat senior management;
2. Conducting research preparing background material and drafting briefs speeches and speaking points on relevant concepts to address the various phases of the conflict cycle (early warning early action conflict prevention crisis management post-conflict rehabilitation peacebuilding and cross-cutting issues); developing proposals to operationalize those concepts in the OSCE context and to enhance OSCE capacities related to the conflict cycle;
3. Identifying and analysing OSCE lessons and best practices by debriefing departing senior officials from OSCE field operations the Secretary General the OSCE Chairpersonship and other relevant staff; preparing related reports with a view to enhancing the effectiveness efficiency and impact of the OSCEs approach policies and programmes; preparing periodic/thematic lessons learned reports; exchanging lessons and best practices with internal OSCE stakeholders and relevant international and national partners;
4. Organising attending and following up to conflict cycle-related meetings workshops and conferences; identifying the main issues of importance and drafting accurate and concise meeting reports;
5. Conducting operational planning and after-action reviews in close collaboration with other members of PAT as required.

For more detailed information on the structure and work of the OSCE Secretariat please see Qualifications:

• Second-level university degree in political science international relations or a related field. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the second-level university degree;
• A minimum of five years (seven years with a relevant first-level degree) of responsible professional experience in policy-oriented analysis evaluation or a related field with a government agency a national or international organization or a non-governmental organization;
• Thematic expertise in politico-military affairs conflict cycle issues and relevant international efforts in these areas;
• Demonstrated knowledge of early warning methodologies e.g. country baseline assessments root/proximate causes triggers/indicators identification of preventive response options and the practices of international organizations in this respect;
• Demonstrated knowledge of lessons learned methodologies e.g. impact assessments logical frameworks evaluation and the practices of international organizations in this respect;
• Excellent research and analytical skills;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English. Knowledge of another official OSCE language would be desirable;
• Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity and an ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities;
• Ability and willingness to work in a team and establish and maintain effective working relationships with people of different national and cultural backgrounds whilst maintaining impartiality and objectivity;
• 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 those candidates 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 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.