Legal Officer

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 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.

The Office of Legal Affairs (OLA) provides legal services OSCE-wide with respect to public international law, internal justice matters, financial and contractual matters, and legal issues related to the structure and activities of the OSCE, including claims against it.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

The Legal Officer assists Head, Office of Legal Affairs (H/OLA) to carry out the main tasks necessary for the functioning of the Office by preparing expert and timely legal advice on the full range of legal issues that affect the OSCE, including by representing OLA in working groups and committees and supporting H/OLA and DH/OLA in the mentoring of Junior Professional Officers (JPOs), and interns.

Under the direct supervision of the Head, Office of Legal Affairs, and with the Director, Office of the Secretary General as second-level supervisor, the successful candidate will be tasked with the following duties:

• Providing expert and timely legal advice on the interpretation of the regulatory framework of the Organization, including the Financial and Staff Regulations, Rules, Instructions and other administrative issuances, and preparing drafts and reviewing proposed amendments thereto;
• Providing expert and timely legal advice on the full scope of multi-disciplinary, complex and novel legal issues relating to the function of the Organization;
• Providing expert and timely legal advice on the drafting, negotiation and interpretation of legal instruments;
• Providing expert and timely legal advice on contractual matters, as required;
• Providing expert and timely legal advice on procedural issues arising in OSCE decision-making bodies;
• Conducting legal research and analysis for the preparation of legal opinions, studies, reports or correspondence;
• Performing other duties as assigned.

Necessary Qualifications:

• Second-level university degree in Law; a first-level university degree in Law 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 first-level university degree) of progressively responsible professional-level experience in law;
• Proven knowledge of the legal frameworks of international organizations;
• Professional fluency in English with excellent communication (both oral and written) skills;
• Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity;
• Ability and willingness to work as a member of team;
• Computer literate with practical experience using Microsoft applications.

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 to the respective OSCE delegation.

Issued by: OSCE Secretariat

• Requisition ID: SEC000657
• Contract Type: International Secondment
• Grade: S
• Job Type: Seconded
• Number of posts: 1
• Location: SEC – OSCE Secretariat, Vienna
• Issue Date: Oct 21, 2024
• Closing Date: Feb 17, 2025
• Employee Status: Fixed Term
• Schedule: Full-time
• Education Level: Master\’s Degree (Second-level university degree or equivalent)
• Target Start Date: As soon as possible

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