Background:

Please note that this is a short-term position with the duration from as soon as possible for 4 months.

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 Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings (SR/CTHB) represents the OSCE at the political level on anti-trafficking issues. The Office of the SR/CTHB assists OSCE participating States in the implementation of commitments and full usage of recommendations set forth in the OSCE Action Plan to Combat Trafficking in Human Beings. The Office provides a co-ordinating function among OSCE structures and institutions involved in combating trafficking in human beings (CTHB) with a focus on the following activities: enhancing the awareness and understanding of THB across the OSCE region; policy planning and advocacy especially in the area of emerging trends of THB and effective approaches to combating THB; and direct assistance to participating States in practical and technical areas, at their request.

The Office is therefore recruiting a Short-term Assistant Programme Officer on CTHB to support the team (an Assistant Officer on CTHB – P1 and a Junior Professional Officer (JPO)) with the organization of many activities planned for the upcoming period. A P1 short-term assistance (STA) is needed to cover some of the duties of the Programme Officer (maternity leave cover), which will be divided among the current P1 and JPO in addition to the incumbent of this STA.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

The Short-term Assistant Programme Officer will, under the supervision of Special Representative or Deputy Co-ordinator, support the staff of the Office in conducting their day-to-day activities. The work will include the following tasks:


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


Necessary Qualifications:

• Second-level university degree in international relations, law, political sciences, or other related field. A first-level university degree in international relations, law, political sciences, or other related field, in combination with two additional years of relevant experience will be accepted in lieu of the second-level university degree;
• A minimum of one year of relevant professional experience with a relevant second-level university degree. A minimum of two years of relevant professional experience, of which at least 1 within an international/multilateral context, will be accepted with a relevant first-level university degree;
• Established previous experience in implementing activities and conducting research in the fields of combating trafficking in human beings, human rights or rule of law highly desirable;
• Good drafting and reporting skills;
• Ability to work under time pressure and with tight deadlines;
• Experience of working in a multilateral/multicultural environment;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective work relations with different cultural and national backgrounds.
• Professional fluency in English; knowledge of other OSCE languages would be 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 literate with practical experience using Microsoft applications.

Remuneration Package:

Monthly remuneration is around EUR 4,800, with the actual monthly salary depending on post adjustment. OSCE salaries are exempt from taxation in Austria. Social benefits will include possibility of participation in the Cigna medical insurance scheme.

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 short-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,

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