Assistant Officer on CTHB (P1)

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 Office of the Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human beings (OSR/CTHB) is part of the OSCE Secretariat.

In accordance with different OSCE political documents, the OSR/CTHB is engaged in promoting the implementation of OSCE anti-trafficking commitments. In particular, the OSR/CTHB provides advice and assistance to participating States on the implementation of the OSCE Action Plan to combat THB and subsequent commitments

Tasks and Responsibilities:

Under the overall supervision of the Senior Co-ordination Adviser, the incumbent will provide input and assistance to the development and implementation of relevant OSR/CTHB activities, projects and events. Moreover, the incumbent will perform thematic and geographical research related to trafficking in human beings for the Special Representative, the Deputy Co-ordinator, the Senior Co-ordination Advisor and other OSR/CTHB staff. He/she will act as the Office focal point for the collection, analysis and dissemination of relevant research, surveys and information on CTHB, as well as assist in the preparation of training and other materials. Finally, the incumbent will keep abreast of relevant policy, security and human rights issues having an impact on the OSCE anti-trafficking action and, upon request, contribute to the Office internal co-ordination efforts and written outputs, meeting notes and other correspondence.

More specifically, the successful candidate will be tasked with the following duties:

1. Assisting in Developing and implementing relevant OSR/CTHB initiatives and events, as well as in conducting targeted research;

2. Providing input and assistance to the development and implementation of relevant activities and projects of the OSR/CTHB, such as Alliance conferences, AECT meetings, focal points meetings, internal co-ordination meetings, training seminars, workshops, expert meetings, country visits, conferences, HDIM and other events, etc.;

3. Supporting OSR/CTHB in the organization of conferences and events, including by maintaining lists of participants, communicating with speakers, preparing participant packs, writing minutes and performing any other duties as requested; Assisting with the preparation of materials for distribution at the OSR/CTHB events; compiles documents, speeches and presentations for distribution;

4. Performing thematic and geographical research related to trafficking in human beings for the Special Representative, the Deputy Co-ordinator, the Senior Co-ordination Advisor and other OSR/CTHB staff;

5. Collecting, organizing, and analyzing data and information on relevant anti-trafficking issues, news articles about trafficking in human beings and related topics from the OSCE region, including in preparation for official country visits;

6. Acting as the Office focal point for the collection, analysis and dissemination of relevant research, surveys and information on CTHB.

7. Assisting in the preparation of training and other material for OSR/CTHB presentations;

8. Keeping abreast of relevant policy, security and human rights issues having an impact on the OSCE anti-trafficking action; identifying problems and issues to be addressed;

9. Contributing to the Office written outputs, e.g., speeches and talking points, analytical notes, reports and inputs for reports, as instructed.

10. Assisting in the daily co-ordination of CTHB work within the OSCE Secretariat;

11. Participating in formal and informal meetings and discussions, inside and outside the Organization, on anti-trafficking related issues; drafting meeting notes and other correspondence;

12. Checking outgoing documents and material for format and accuracy of detail;

13. Performing other related duties as required.

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

Necessary Qualifications:

• A second-level university degree in international relations, law, political sciences, or other related fields; a first-level university degree 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 (two years with a relevant first-level degree) of relevant professional experience, of which at least one within an international/multilateral context;

• Established previous experience in implementing activities and conducting research in the fields of combating trafficking in human beings, human rights and rule of law highly desirable;

   

• Established knowledge of international law and relations, with an understanding of project management principles and techniques;

• Experience in diplomatic affairs, implementation and co-ordination desirable;

• Professional fluency in English with excellent communication (both oral and written) skills; 

• 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.

Remuneration Package:

Monthly remuneration is around EUR 4,790 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.

Appointments are normally made at Step 1 of the applicable OSCE salary scale. In exceptional cases, an initial appointment at up to Step 3 may be considered. This depends on factors such as relevant experience exceeding minimum requirements or higher previous remuneration. Any such request by a candidate must be reviewed and approved by the OSCE before the appointment

If you wish to apply for this position, please use the OSCE's online application link found under https://vacancies.osce.org/. 

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, please see https://www.osce.org/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 see https://jobs.osce.org/resources/document/our-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 XXX years.

Please be aware that OSCE appointments are subject to medical clearance. 

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 62 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.