Sintija Oškalne

Can you share a bit about where you've worked before joining the OSCE and what your responsibilities were?

Before coming to the OSCE, I had 18 years of work experience in the Latvian Ministry of Defence, the National Armed Forces and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. I have started early on and held several mid- to senior management positions in the field of defence policy, planning, analysis and implementation, as well as military public relations. Serving as a Military Adviser at the Permanent Mission of Latvia to the UN, OSCE and other International Organizations in Vienna, I was responsible for the OSCE politico-military issues and the implementation of the confidence and security building measures, and the Open Skies Treaty. I also played a key advisory and coordinating role during the Latvian FSC Chairpersonship. During my diplomatic posting, I supported the work on addressing illicit drugs and organized crime through the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, and was elected Rapporteur-General at the 13th UN Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice. On matters related to the International Atomic Energy Agency, I held national portfolio on nuclear safety, security and technical cooperation.

What’s your academic background, and how does it connect with the career you’ve built?

Multilateralism and international relations are my passion and I find this area of work rewarding.

I have graduated the University of Karlstad in Sweden and obtained the Master`s degree in Political Science and International Studies. Those studies also included participation in American Foreign Policy programme at the American University in Washington DC, and the internship at the US Congress. The education and international settings laid the ground for my career in security sector and multilateral affairs.

Throughout my career I have always learned and taken opportunities for further education. It has helped me to strengthen my personal skills and competencies in diplomacy, communication, management and leadership. With many of my professional subject fields under constant development and change, I always stay curious and find it important to deepen and expand my expertise on related subject matters of conventional arms control, disarmament, non-proliferation of weapons and emerging technologies.

Where are you based now, and what do you enjoy most about your current role at the OSCE?

I joined the OSCE Conflict Prevention Center in 2017 with a background on the OSCE politico-military issues from the government service of Latvia. This experience and delegation`s perspective remain invaluable when I now support the OSCE participating States on their implementation of politico-military commitments and confidence- and security-building measures. Having been on the FSC Chairpersonship team as part of the national delegation myself, it gives me a very rewarding feeling to assisting every FSC Chairpersonship now in fulfilling their mandate and implementing the work programme.

The most enjoyable about my work is the multinational working environment, dynamic responsibilities and daily contacts with the delegations. Every day is different, and there is no place for a routine! Above all, teamwork is a key for me and I cherish the expertise of my colleagues!

I see the results and appreciation of my work, and I feel that the OSCE has a great potential. It gives me particular gratitude – one that anybody could wish in any profession.

What advice would you give to those thinking about a career in international civil service?

Go for it if you have a spark for multilateralism and international relations! If you are dedicated and enjoy being surrounded by other highly motivated people of different nationalities, all working together for the same goals, do not hesitate to pursue your career in this field.  And always - keep the out-of-box-thinking hat on!