Deputy Head of the Office of Political Affairs/Political Affairs Officer

The general minimum requirements for working with the OSCE are:

• Excellent physical condition
• Possession of a valid automobile driving license and ability to drive using manual transmission
• Ability to cope with physical hardship and willingness to work extra hours and in an environment with limited infrastructure

The general minimum requirements for working in this field of expertise are:

• University education in international studies, public policy, political science or law or related fields
• Diplomatic experience or experience working in political affairs with international organizations or governments
• Experience in preparing analytical reports
• Excellent communication and drafting skills
• Knowledge of regional political history and developments
• Diplomatic and negotiating skills
• Some knowledge of the OSCE principles and commitments

Furthermore, this level of responsibility requires the following:

Education:

Advanced degree in a relevant field

Experience:

Minimum 6 years of relevant professional experience

Additionally, this particular post has specific requirements:

Mandatory:

• Experience in political analysis and/or reporting
• Experience in policy planning and advising
• Previous experience in a liaison function
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to work as a member of a team, with people of different cultural and religious backgrounds, different gender, and diverse political views, while maintaining impartiality and objectivity
• Flexibility and ability to work under pressure and with limited time frames
• Professional fluency in the English language
• Ability to operate Windows applications, including word processing and e-mail

Desirable:

• Knowledge of the local language or most common lingua franca spoken in the mission area
• Previous international work experience and/or experience in field missions
• Working experience in one or more of the main functional areas of the Mission's mandate, preferably in an international environment

Under the supervision of the Head of the Office of Political Affairs (OPA), the Deputy Head assists the Head of the OPA in advising the Head of the Mission (HoM) on all topics pertaining to the implementation of the Mission's mandate. Reporting to the Head of the OPA, the Deputy Head of the OPA/Political Affairs Officer:

1. Advises on the development of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo's (OMiK) priority activities, and implements decisions taken;
2. Monitors the performance of OMiK departments and the implementation of the Mission's mandate;
3. Acts as the Mission's focal point for dealing with OSCE Institutions and assists the Head of the OPA in dealing with the Conflict Prevention Centre of the OSCE Secretariat;
4. Acts as the OPA's focal point for dealing with international organizations in Kosovo, i.e. the local external relations of the Mission, and monitors non-OPA OMiK dealings with such organizations;
5. Assists the Head of the OPA in the formulation of the Office's budget and as required, advises in the budget planning process of the other Departments of the Mission;
6. Is responsible for reports leaving the Mission, including speeches, speaking notes and articles for the HoM and Deputy HoM;
7. Acts as a line-manager for the OPA Political Officers, ensures that workload is fairly divided, and helps with case-work to cover absences;
8. Serves as acting Head of the OPA in his/her absence;
9. Represents the Mission at working groups and meetings within and outside of Kosovo, as appropriate;
10. Performs other duties as required.

The OSCE is committed to achieving a better balance of women and men within the Organization. The nomination of female candidates is particularly encouraged.

Candidates should, prior to applying, verify with their respective nominating authority to which extent financial remuneration and/or benefit packages will be offered.

Please apply to your relevant authorities several days prior to the deadline expiration to ensure timely processing of your application. Delayed nominations will not be considered.