Background
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.
The project "Increasing effectiveness, strengthening the enabling environment of human rights defenders" (hereinafter: the project) aims to support effective work of human rights defenders in all OSCE participating States, in line with relevant OSCE human dimension commitments and corresponding human rights obligations of the participating States. As per the project plan ODIHR's Human Rights Department requires the services of an Assistant Programme Officer to ensure the effective implementation of the project's activities.
This is an extra-budgetary position. The initial contract will be for one year. The expected duration of the project is until December 2018 and the selected candidate should commit to being available for the duration of the project.
Tasks and Responsibilities
Under the general supervision of the Human Rights Adviser - Capacity Building Co-ordinator, the Assistant Programme Officer will be responsible for:
- Supporting the project with drafting agendas, preparation of events' materials and selection of participants from state authorities, civil society and international organizations, liaising with events' participants, assuring their input and ensuring the smooth running of the events as necessary;
- Contributing to the organization of needs assessment visits in preparation to capacity building activities as required by the project implementation plan;
- Keeping up to date with political and other developments as related to project activities, and regularly briefing his/her supervisor on issues of importance to the project implementation;
- Conducting desk-research and regularly monitoring media and other sources updating information regarding the Human Rights Defenders' situation in the OSCE region as necessary for the implementation of project activities;
- Supporting the preparation and adaptation of relevant training curricula and materials;
- Supporting the portfolio in drafting events' reports, including recommendations made and follow up;
- Preparing, distributing, collecting and analyzing training evaluation forms; draftsing summary reports on training events, including recommendations made and follow up;
- Contributing to Implementing Partner Agreement (IPA) selection procedures, regularly monitors IPA projects' implementation, documenting progress and lessons learned, collecting and analysing reports and otherwise liaising with implementing partners on issues related to their projects' implementation;
- Assisting in implementing, reporting and evaluating project activities planned for the period of the assignment;
- Establishing and maintaining contacts with key stakeholders in OSCE participating States relevant for the implementation of project activities as well as with key international, inter-governmental and non-governmental organizations;
- Co-operating in delivery of training modules as required during capacity building events;
- Assisting ODIHR in the development of media tools to promote the work of Human Rights Defenders among the public;
- Preparing briefing notes, background papers, talking points and other documents related to the project, as requested;
- Managing project-related information;
- Performing other duties and tasks related to the project, as required.
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
- First-level university degree in human rights, international affairs, social or political sciences;
- At least two years (full-time equivalent) of relevant work experience in the area of human rights, preferably in the OSCE region;
- Good knowledge of relevant international human rights standards and OSCE commitments, with a particular focus on human rights defenders;
- Professional experience in human rights-related desk research and analysis;
- Proven experience in assisting in the organization of conferences and events, particularly of capacity building nature and related to human rights;
- Good experience in working with civil society partners and international stakeholders;
- Computer literacy with practical experience with Microsoft applications;
- Excellent written and oral communication skills in English language;
- Russian language desirable.
Required competenciesCore 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 3,100, depending on post adjustment and family status. OSCE salaries are exempt from taxation in Poland. Social benefits will include possibility of participation in the Cigna medical insurance scheme and the 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 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 http://www.osce.org/employment.
The OSCE retains the discretion to re-advertise 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 shortlisted applicants 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.