Executive Officer (S)

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 Office of the Secretary General (OSG) plays a key role in supporting the Secretary General in the effective implementation of his/her mandate and specific tasks given to him/her by the OSCE participating States. This includes primarily assisting the Secretary General in his/her activities, serving as a focal point for liaison and support to the Chairperson-in-Office, and co-ordinating tasks across the Secretariat. It groups horizontal services such as Executive Management, Communications and Media Relations, Legal Services, External Co-operation, Security Management, Gender Issues, Conference and Language Services, Central Records Management, and oversees the OSCE Document Centre in Prague (DCiP). The OSG ensures effective co-ordination of policy advice provided to the Secretary General and the Chairpersonship, and management decisions taken by the Secretary General.

The Executive Officer is a member of the OSG Policy Team. The Policy Team, which is managed by the Senior Adviser, coordinates advice on political and other developments both within and outside the OSCE region, including all aspects of comprehensive security policy. It also coordinates advice and support in relation to coordinated political planning, developing/implementing strategies, and research and analytical activities. The Policy Team develops messages and provides strategic vision for speeches and statements by the Secretary General and OSCE Chairmanship, based on input from the relevant Secretariat units. Team members draft and/or review the Secretary General’s preparatory materials for meetings and travel as well as all speeches, articles and reports. The Policy Team coordinates and follows up on the implementation of special projects for the Secretary General, and it contributes to outreach to participating States, civil society, academic and research institutions.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

Under the overall supervision of the Senior Adviser, the successful candidate will be tasked with the following duties:

• Co-ordinating policy analysis, advice and support to the Secretary General, Director of OSG and the OSCE Chairmanship, assisting in the development of OSCE strategies and policies;
• Co-ordinating, drafting and reviewing speeches, presentations, food-for-thought and perception papers and reports, both for delivery as well as in written form, for the Secretary General and the Chairpersonship; screening proposals to be submitted for decision by the Secretary General, as well as the texts of speeches and reports; editing, revising and ensuring the consistency and coherence of documents provided by the Secretariat to the Chairpersonship and participating States;
• Providing political advice and reviewing the key messages and talking points in background files provided by the substantive units for the Secretary General’s meetings and official travel;
• Closely following events in the OSCE region, particularly in participating States that do not have OSCE field operations; assisting in assessing and interpreting major policy issues, procedures and practices to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the OSCE;
• Co-ordinating and following up on the implementation of special projects of the Secretary General and on horizontal issues impacting the activities of the OSCE;
• Accompanying the Secretary General on official travel and in meetings and with representatives of participating States, international organizations and other external interlocutors, taking notes and writing meeting reports;
• Performing other relevant duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• A second-level university degree in international relations, political science, administration, regional studies or another related subject; a first-level university degree in the said fields 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 university degree) of professional-level experience in international relations work at the national and/or international level performing cabinet-type functions, liaison or speech writing;
• Experience in policy analysis and political affairs;
• Professional fluency in English with excellent communication (both oral and written) skills; working knowledge of another OSCE language is an asset;
• 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;
• Computer literacy with practical experience using Microsoft applications.

The 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.

The 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.

Please 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.

Please 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.

Issued by: OSCE Secretariat

• Requisition ID: SEC000461
• Contract Type: International Secondment
• Grade: S
• Job Type: Seconded
• Number of posts: 1
• Closing Date: Feb 18, 2025
• Employee Status: Fixed Term
• Schedule: Full-time
• Education Level: Master\’s Degree (Second-level university degree or equivalent)
• Job Field: Political Affairs
• Target Start Date: As soon as possible

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