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, 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 institutions and processes, human rights, tolerance and non-discrimination, and Roma and Sinti issues. ODIHR's assistance projects and other activities are implemented in participating States in accordance with ODIHR's mandate.
Tasks and Responsibilities:
Under the supervision of the First Deputy Director, the Head, Tolerance and Non-Discrimination Department performs the following functions:
Advising and assisting the leadership of the OSCE with the definition of priorities on tolerance and non-discrimination; Shaping and implementing the strategy of ODIHR as related to tolerance and non-discrimination; Managing human and financial resources allocated to the Department; Establishing and maintaining relationships with key partners and relevant organizations Representing the Office at international conferences and meetings; Performing other related work as required.For more detailed information on the structure and work of ODIHR, please see: http://www.osce.org/odihr
Necessary qualifications:
Second-level university degree in human rights, political science, law or a related field; a first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the second-level university degree; A minimum of ten years (twelve years with a relevant first-level degree) of progressively responsible professional experience in human rights or related field, preferably gained in an international environment; Leadership skills and managerial experience, including the ability to lead the team with a clearly formulated vision, provide a clear direction, effectively distribute roles and responsibilities to each team member in implementing plans, as well as effectively manage financial and other program resources; Ability to exercise sound judgement on politically sensitive subject matters; Demonstrated experience in project management, including technical knowledge of all stages of the project management cycle; Excellent team-working skills, with an ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with people of different national and cultural backgrounds; Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, and an ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities; Computer literate with practical experience with Microsoft applications; Field experience, and experience in international organizations is desirable; Working experience from several OSCE participating States from various sub-regions is desirable; Excellent written and oral communication skills in English; working knowledge of another OSCE language is desirable.
Remuneration Package:
Monthly remuneration is approximately EUR 10,300 depending on post adjustment and family status. OSCE salaries are exempt from taxation in Poland. Social security will include participation in the Cigna International medical insurance scheme and OSCE Provident Fund maintained by the OSCE. 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 5 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 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. Additional Information
Issued by: Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights Requisition ID: ODI000236 Contract Type: International Contracted Grade: P5 Job Level: Senior Professional Job Type: Contracted Number of posts: 1 Location: ODI - Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), Warsaw Issue Date: May 27, 2025 Closing Date: Jul 8, 2025 Employee Status: Fixed Term Schedule: Full-time Education Level: Master's Degree (Second-level university degree or equivalent) Job Field: Human Rights Target Start Date: Nov 2025