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 Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) is the principal institution of the OSCE responsible for the human dimension. ODIHR is active throughout the OSCE area in the fields of election observation, democratic development, human rights, tolerance and non-discrimination, and the rule of law. ODIHR's assistance projects and other activities are implemented in participating States in accordance with ODIHR's mandate.
The post is located in the Tolerance and Non-Discrimination within the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) in Warsaw. The Tolerance and Non-Discrimination Department works in the areas of preventing and responding to hate crimes, combating racism and xenophobia, anti-Semitism, intolerance against Muslims, intolerance against Christians and members of other religions; and fostering mutual respect and understanding.
Tasks and Responsibilities:
Under the supervision of the Head of the Tolerance and Non-Discrimination Department, the incumbent performs the following functions:
- Delivering and managing gender-mainstreamed capacity-building and educational projects and other activities aimed at combating intolerance and discrimination against Muslims, in particular addressing anti-Muslim hate crimes and ensuring the security needs of Muslim communities;
- Monitoring and reporting manifestations of intolerance and discrimination against Muslims in the OSCE area, in particular hate crimes, and on the response of governmental authorities, civil society organizations, and other relevant actors, and on good practices;
- Co-ordinating the inclusion of relevant information in ODIHR reports and publications, including the annual ODIHR hate crime report, and the Tolerance and Non-Discrimination Information System, and further dissemination through the organization of suitable events;
- Analyzing and advising on issues, patterns and trends related to intolerance and discrimination against Muslims in the OSCE area, including the gender dimensions of these issues, and recommending appropriate gender-sensitive interventions to the Head of the Tolerance and Non-Discrimination Department and ODIHR senior management;
- Supporting the work of the Personal Representative of the OSCE Chair-in-Office on Combating Intolerance and Discrimination against Muslims by sharing information on OSCE commitments, ODIHR strategic priorities and activities in the areas covered by the Personal Representativeโs mandate, and supporting the country visits of the Personal Representative;
- Establishing and maintaining contact with relevant stakeholders on issues and activities related to combating intolerance and discrimination against Muslims in the OSCE region; coordinating and cooperating on relevant activities and projects, including civil society coalition-building and interfaith efforts;
- Representing ODIHR at external events and meetings pertaining to intolerance and discrimination against Muslims.
For more detailed information on the structure and work of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, please see https://www.osce.org/odihr.
Necessary qualifications:
- First-level university degree preferably in international relations, political science, social sciences, law or other disciplines related to human rights;
- A minimum of seven years (five years with a second-level degree) of progressively responsible professional-level experience at national and international levels in the human rights field, preferably in the field of combating intolerance and discrimination against Muslims;
- Excellent understanding of issues relating to intolerance and discrimination against Muslims, including the relationship of intolerance against Muslims with freedom of religion or belief and related human rights; experience of applying knowledge of issues related to intolerance and discrimination against Muslims;
- Experience in the development and implementation of educational and capacity-building programmes for combating intolerance and discrimination against Muslims;
- Proven experience in project design and implementation, preferably in the field of combating intolerance and discrimination against Muslims;
- Proven experience in analysing, monitoring, and reporting on hate crimes and incidents, particularly anti-Muslim hate crimes and incidents;
- Proven experience of delivering trainings and public presentations;
- Familiarity with regional and international initiatives to combat intolerance and discrimination against Muslims;
- Excellent knowledge of relevant international human rights standards and experience of applying this knowledge;
- Sound political judgement;
- Excellent analytical and writing skills;
- Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines; Initiative and organizational skills;
- Excellent oral and written communication skills in English is essential; knowledge of another OSCE language is desirable;
- Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, and an ability to integrate a gender and diversity perspective into tasks and activities;
- Demonstrated ability to work in a multicultural team.
Remuneration Package:
Monthly remuneration is approximately EUR 7,300 depending on post adjustment and family status. OSCE salaries are exempt from taxation in Poland. Social benefits will include participation in the Cigna medical insurance scheme and the OSCE Provident Fund. The Organization contributes an amount equivalent to 15% of the employee's salary to this Fund and the employee contributes 7.5%. 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 7 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. Additional Information
- Issued by: Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights
- Requisition ID: ODI000222
- Contract Type: International Contracted
- Grade: P3
- Job Level: Professional
- Job Type: Contracted
- Number of posts: 1
- Location: ODI - Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), Warsaw
- Issue Date: Apr 3, 2025
- Closing Date: May 15, 2025
- Employee Status: Fixed Term
- Schedule: Full-time
- Education Level: Bachelor's Degree (First-level university degree or equivalent)
- Job Field: Human Rights