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 OSCE Secretariat in Vienna assists the Chair in its activities, and provides operational and administrative support to the field operations, and, as appropriate, to other institutions.
The Office of the Secretary General (OSG) plays a key role in supporting the Secretary General in the effective implementation of his/her mandate and specific tasks given to him/her by the OSCE participating States. This includes primarily assisting the Secretary General in his/her activities, serving as a focal point for liaison and support to the Chairperson-in-Office, and co-ordinating tasks across the Secretariat. It groups horizontal services such as Executive Management, Communications and Media Relations, Legal Services, External Co-operation, Security Management, Gender Issues, Conference and Language Services, Central Records Management, and oversees the OSCE Document Centre in Prague (DCiP). The OSG ensures effective co-ordination of policy advice provided to the Secretary General and the Chairpersonship, and management decisions taken by the Secretary General.
The Office of Legal Affairs sits within the Office of the Secretary General, which in turn plays a key role in supporting the Secretary General in the effective implementation of the mandate and specific tasks assigned to the Secretary General by the OSCE participating States. This includes primarily assisting the Secretary General in carrying out activities, serving as a focal point for liaison and support to the Chairperson-in-Office, co-ordinating policy advice provided to the Secretary General and the Chair as well as management decisions taken by the Secretary General.
The Office of Legal Affairs (OLA) provides legal services OSCE-wide with respect to public international law, internal justice matters, financial and contractual matters, and legal issues related to the structure and activities of the OSCE, including claims against it. OLA also advises on personnel matters, develops and strengthens the overall regulatory framework of the OSCE, and advises on its implementation, including with respect to international civil service law.
Tasks and Responsibilities:
Under the general supervision of the Head, Office of Legal Affairs, the Legal Adviser carries out the main tasks necessary for the functioning of the Office by preparing expert and timely legal advice on the full range of legal issues that affect the OSCE. Specifically, the successful candidate will be tasked with the following duties:
Providing expert and timely legal advice on the interpretation of the regulatory framework of the Organization, including the Financial and Staff Regulations, Rules, Instructions and other administrative issuances, and preparing drafts and reviews proposed amendments thereto; preparing drafts and reviews other administrative issuances (e.g., policy guidance, guidelines) and verifying their consistency with the Regulations, Rules and Instructions; Providing expert and timely legal advice on the full scope of multi-disciplinary, complex and novel legal issues relating to the function of the Organization, including concerning the legal status and privileges and immunities of the OSCE and its officials; Providing expert and timely legal advice on the drafting, negotiation and interpretation of legal instruments, including international agreements, arrangements, memoranda of understanding or other legal arrangements concluded on behalf of the Organization with participating States, international organizations and other entities; Providing expert and timely legal advice on contractual matters, as required, including dispute resolution, intellectual property rights, insurance and data protection; participating in the drafting and negotiation of leases and high value and complex commercial contracts with senior officials in the Secretariat, Institutions and Field Operations; Providing expert and timely legal advice on procedural issues arising in OSCE decision-making bodies; Conducting legal research and analysis for the preparation of legal opinions, studies, reports or correspondence; Serving as Officer-in-Charge (OiC) in the absence of Head/OLA and Deputy Head/OLA; Performing other related duties as required.For more detailed information about the work of the OSCE Secretariat please see: http://www.osce.org/secretariat
Necessary Qualifications:
A second-level university degree in law; a first-level university degree in the said field in combination with two additional years of relevant experience will be accepted in lieu of the second-level university degree; A minimum of five years (seven with a first-level university degree) of progressively responsible professional-level experience in law, including legal analysis, research and writing, including at least two years in international organizations; Proven knowledge of the legal frameworks of international organizations; Professional fluency in English with excellent communication (both oral and written) skills; knowledge of another official OSCE language is 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; Digital literacy and proficient use of 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.
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.
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 OSCE appointments are subject to medical clearance.
Please be aware that the OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application and review process. Additional Information
Issued by: OSCE Secretariat Requisition ID: SEC000689 Contract Type: International Contracted Grade: P3 Job Type: Contracted Number of posts: 1 Location: SEC - OSCE Secretariat, Vienna Issue Date: Dec 18, 2024 Closing Date: Jan 15, 2025 Employee Status: Fixed Term Schedule: Full-time Education Level: Master's Degree (Second-level university degree or equivalent) Target Start Date: As soon as possible