Deputy Head, Elections Department

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Archived vacancy details

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Issued by: OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights
Vacancy number: VNODIP00769
Vacancy type: International Contracted
Field of expertise: Elections
Grade: P4
Number of posts: 1
Duty station: Warsaw
Date of issue: 22 August 2019
Deadline for application: 15 September 2019 - 23:59 Central European Time (CET/CEST)

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 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. ODIHR's reputation as a leading agency in the field of election observation is built upon its systematic, comprehensive and verifiable election observation methodology, which involves the deployment of a number of observation field missions each year, and the related operational planning and support (administrative, budgetary and logistic) to ensure a quality output. In recent years, the ODIHR Election Department activities have expanded at a rate exponential to the increased demands for its services. Delivery of the above requires a complex range of sustained field activities, and includes the deployment of several hundred election experts and long-term observers and around 3,000 short-term observers each year. The integrated work plan of the Election Department also includes a number of extra-budgetary projects with a total overall budget amounting to on average EUR 4 million in addition to some EUR 6.5 million under the Unified Budget for the Elections Programme. This requires efficient, sustainable and reliable management to permit effective implementation of election-observation activities, follow-up activities, assistance, training and other projects as well as legal reviews.

Tasks and Responsibilities

		Under the direct supervision of the Head of the Election Department, the incumbent performs the following functions: Assisting the Head in the overall administration and operational planning of an effective work agenda to assist OSCE participating States in the implementation of their election-related commitments; Serving as first-line supervisor for six Election Advisers and five general administrative staff as well as, if applicable, Junior Professional Officers, interns, or short-term administrative staff. Managing the Department during the absence of the Head of Department, as required; Overseeing administration of the Department, in particular with regard to the effective and timely recruitment of election experts, long-term and short-term election observers to support an extensive range of field operations; Providing the Head of Department with draft budgets, including the draft annual budget, with a view to efficient planning. Introducing budget adjustments in line with election calendar. Managing all extra-budgetary projects of the department; Co-ordinating operational planning for all field activities, including all election-observation activities in close co-operation with the relevant ODIHR departments and units. Overseeing financial and administrative aspects of planning and implementation of election observation activities; Updating policy guidelines and procedures. Providing input on the development of methodological frameworks for election activities and advancing long-term strategies for the Department's activities; Providing input on political issues, changes and trends that may affect the planning and/or implementation of election activities; Proposing and/or participating in electoral Needs Assessment Missions and Follow-up Missions; Representing ODIHR at events and co-ordination meetings with other international organizations regarding the activities of the Election Department. For more detailed information on the structure and work of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, please see: http://www.osce.org/odihr

Necessary Qualifications

		Second-level university degree in political science, law, social sciences or a related field; a first-level university degree in combination with two years of additional qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the second-level university degree; Eight years of progressively responsible work experience in government or international organizations is required, including administrative experience, management experience (projects, budgets, personnel) and comparative election observation experience and/or election management experience in the OSCE area; Leadership and negotiation skills are necessary, as well as analytical skills and political judgment; Professional fluency in English, with excellent written and oral communication skills; working knowledge of a second language of the OSCE would be an asset; Computer literate with practical experience in Microsoft applications; Ability to work with people with different national, religious or cultural backgrounds; Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, and ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities.

Required competencies

		Core values Commitment: Actively contributes to achieving organizational goals Diversity: Respects others and values their diverse perspectives and contributions Integrity: Acts in a manner consistent with the Organization’s core values and organizational principles Accountability: Takes responsibility for own action and delegated work Core competencies Communication: Actively works to achieve clear and transparent communication with colleagues and with stakeholders of the Organization Collaboration: Works effectively with others on common goals and fosters a positive, trust-based working environment Planning: Works towards the achievement of goals in a structured and measured manner Analysis and decision-making: Analyses available information, draws well-founded conclusions and takes appropriate decisions Initiative-taking: Proposes and initiates new ideas, activities and projects Flexibility: Responds positively and effectively to changing circumstances Managerial competencies (for positions with managerial responsibilities) Leadership: Provides a clear sense of direction, builds trust and creates an enabling environment Strategic thinking: Identifies goals that advance the organizational agenda and develops plans for achieving them Managing performance: Helps to maximize team performance by providing active feedback and skill development opportunities

Remuneration Package

		Monthly remuneration is approximately EUR 6,374 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. 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.

How To Apply

		If you wish to apply for this position, please use the OSCE's online application link found under https://jobs.osce.org/vacancies. 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 applicants who are selected to participate in the subsequent stages of recruitment will be contacted. Please note that vacancies in the OSCE are open for competition only amongst nationals of participating States, please see http://www.osce.org/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. 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 the OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application and review process.