Background:

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) plays a key role in supporting and co-ordinating the OSCE's activities in the field, in providing analysis and policy advice to the Secretary General (SG) and the Chairpersonship, in leading work on all aspects of the conflict cycle, and in 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 OSCE's role in the politico-military dimension.

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. It provides strategic advice and analysis on conflict cycle issues, including early warning across all three dimensions, crisis management, post-conflict rehabilitation, and peacebuilding. It also contributes to the preservation of key institutional memory through the development and exchange of lessons learned and best practices. It also maintains a 24/7 Situation/Communications Room. In its efforts, it ensures operational liaison with other international organizations.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

As Operational Support Officer, you will work 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.

Internally, you will co-operate closely with the departments, sections and units of the Secretariat as well as with OSCE field operations to co-ordinate operational planning activities and their implementation, to develop and run crisis response simulations, to facilitate the development and exchange of operational lessons/best practices, and to provide strategic advice and assistance on conflict cycle-related activities. You will liaise with OSCE institutions to exchange information in developing strategic advice and assistance on conflict cycle-related activities.

Externally, you will interact with the Chairpersonship and delegations of participating States to provide analysis, advice, and support related to operational planning and implementation, on conflict cycle issues, in the organization of relevant events, and to provide briefings, as required, as well as in the conduct of crisis response simulations for the incoming Chairpersonship and field operations. You will interact with international and national stakeholders, non-governmental organizations, and academic institutions working in similar areas of expertise to exchange information, lessons, and best practices as well as to an identify possible areas of co-operation and to create synergies.

More specifically, you will be tasked with the following:


For more detailed information on the structure and work of the OSCE Secretariat, please see https://www.osce.org/secretariat

Necessary Qualifications:

• First-level university degree in political science, international relations, or a related field;
• A minimum of six years of progressively responsible professional experience in operational planning and implementation with a government agency, a national or international organization or a non-governmental organization;
• Experience of working in an international environment and/or in the field would be a distinct asset;
• Thematic expertise in conflict prevention, conflict resolution, crisis response, crisis management and post-conflict rehabilitation, and familiarity with relevant international efforts in these fields of thematic expertise;
• Demonstrated knowledge of lessons learned methodologies and ability to analyse experience and international practice to develop and report on best practices in the field of operational planning;
• Demonstrated political acumen;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English;
• Knowledge of another official OSCE language would be desirable;
• Knowledge of technological tools for operational planning and crisis response, e.g., geographic information system, would be a distinct 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 a team and with people of different cultural and religious backgrounds, different gender and diverse political views, whilst maintaining impartiality and objectivity;
• Computer literate with practical experience with Microsoft applications.

Remuneration Package:
Monthly remuneration is around EUR 7,800, with the actual monthly salary depending on post adjustment and family status. OSCE salaries are exempt from taxation in Austria. Social benefits will include possibility of participation in the Cigna medical insurance scheme and the OSCE Provident Fund. Other allowances and benefits are similar to those offered under the United Nations Common System.

Please note that appointments are normally made at step 1 of the applicable OSCE salary scale.

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 candidates who are selected to participate in the subsequent stages of recruitment will be contacted.

Candidates interviewed and found suitable in the recruitment process for this vacancy notice will be placed on a roster of suitable candidates (valid for three years) for fixed-term posts, should a suitable opportunity arise. The placement on a roster does not guarantee a future appointment or assignment.

Please note that vacancies in the OSCE are open for competition only amongst nationals of participating 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.

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,

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.

The mandatory retirement age at the OSCE is 65 years for contracted positions at the general service, professional and director level. The Organization shall apply an age limit of 63 years at the time of appointment as the incumbent selected is normally expected to carry out the contractual obligation of two years.

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