Background:
Please note that inclusion on the OSCE Mediation Roster does not guarantee employment. For specific assignments, the Mediation Support Team employs candidates on a consultancy basis, in line with the requirements of the assignment as well as the expertโs qualifications and availability.
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, counterterrorism, 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 OSCE Chair in its activities and provides operational support to OSCE field operations and, as appropriate, to OSCE institutions.
In 2011, OSCE participating States adopted Ministerial Council Decision No. 3/11 on โelements of the conflict cycle, related to enhancing the OSCEโs capabilities in early warning, early action, dialogue facilitation and mediation support, and post-conflict rehabilitationโ. In line with this decision, the Mediation Support Team (MST) was created to develop OSCE capacities in dialogue facilitation and mediation support.
Located in the Conflict Prevention Centreโs Operations Service, the MST serves as the OSCE-wide focal point for dialogue facilitation and mediation support. In this role, the MST provides knowledge, expertise, methodological support, and resources to enhance the effectiveness of OSCE dialogue facilitation and mediation engagements.
To complement its in-house capacity, the MST maintains an OSCE Mediation Roster of experts, who can be deployed to provide thematic expertise for specific assignments. Such assignments could include supporting OSCE mediation-support activities, providing thematic expertise in a mediation process, or reinforcing OSCE crisis response activities. Therefore, experts on the Roster should possess diverse thematic expertise that can be employed in various operational contexts.
The MST is currently updating the OSCE Mediation Roster and seeks qualified candidates with a range of skills and expertise in the areas of mediation, dialogue facilitation, and related fields. Therefore, candidates with diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Experts who have previously created their TALEO profile will need to review and submit their profile in response to the current call.
If included on the Roster, experts will be considered for possible assignments and contacted by the MST to confirm their interest and availability. The final selection of experts for specific assignments may involve interviews or written tests. The duration of specific assignments will vary, depending on the tasks and responsibilities of the assignment.
Duration of Assignment:
Max. 144 days
Tasks and Responsibilities:
Consultants will work under the general supervision of the Deputy Director of the Conflict Prevention Centre for Operations Service and in close co-ordination with the MST.
Specific tasks may include:
the conduct of needs assessments; the provision of policy or methodological advice; the design and conduct of training on topics relevant to dialogue facilitation and mediation support training; the development of tools and guidelines; coaching and mentoring; monitoring and evaluation; provision of advice and support to the implementation of dialogue facilitation or mediation-support activities; the preparation of written reports; other related tasks.The experts included on the Roster will be qualified in relevant thematic areas, for example, related to:
mediation and dialogue process design; the inclusion of women and/or youth; ceasefire arrangements and security guarantees; border management; powersharing; natural resource management; climate change; national minorities; psychosocial support; other conflict resolution relevant thematic areas.The specific tasks, deliverables, and expertise required for the assignment will be outlined in the terms of reference, which will be provided to experts on the Roster being considered for the assignment.
Necessary Qualifications:
A university degree in a relevant field or proven practical expertise in mediation support or dialogue facilitation. A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in thematic topics relevant to conflict resolution, peacebuilding, dialogue facilitation or mediation, including but not limited to, economic, environmental, gender, cultural, or geographic expertise. Knowledge of geographic conflict contexts and tools as well as familiarity with dialogue facilitation and mediation approaches and methodologies. Professional fluency in English with excellent writing skills; knowledge of other languages spoken in the OSCE area is an asset. Flexibility and ability to work under time pressure to meet tight deadlines. Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, and ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities. Ability to establish and maintain effective and constructive working relationships with people of different backgrounds and diverse views, while maintaining impartiality, objectivity, political sensitivity, and confidentiality. Computer literacy, in particular with MS Office, with an emphasis on the software required to deliver presentations and to prepare reports. Specific thematic assignments may include further qualifications to those listed above. Professional experience in working at the international level is an asset. Previous experience working with the OSCE is an asset.Remuneration Package:
Remuneration will be based on the selected consultant's/expert's qualifications, experience, the tasks and deliverables for this position and in accordance with the OSCE established rates.
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 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.
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.
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: SEC000254 Contract Type: Special Service Agreement (SSA) / Consultant Grade: No grade Job Type: Consultant Number of posts: multiple Location: SEC - OSCE Secretariat, Vienna Issue Date: Jul 10, 2023 Closing Date: Aug 31, 2023 Education Level: Bachelor's Degree (First-level university degree or equivalent) Job Field: Political Affairs