Political Adviser

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 advising on political matters
• Experience in leading (or assisting in leading) a team
• Experience in monitoring political developments
• Experience in political analysis and reporting
• Knowledge of the regional political history and the political and cultural sensitivities of the country and the region
• Ability to establish contacts and develop confidential relations with the local population as well as the ability to work with government officials and institutions
• Demonstrable organizational, analytical, communication and interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relations as member of a team, with people of different cultural and religious backgrounds, different gender, and diverse political views, while maintaining impartiality and objectivity
• Ability to work with minimum supervision and meet tight deadlines
• 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:

• Prior experience of working in the region
• Experience of working on a political campaign and/or with (or in) a legislative body and/or in civil society
• Experience in working with the OSCE or other international organizations
• Knowledge of minority rights mechanisms
• Knowledge of the local language or most common lingua franca spoken in the Mission area

Under the direct supervision of the Chief of Political and Reporting Unit, the Political Adviser:

1. Monitors and analyses the political situation and developments in the country and the region and provides information to the Senior Political Officer, the Head of Mission (HoM) and Deputy Head of Mission (DHoM); drafts policy/position papers, analytical reports and briefing materials, as required;
2. Establishes and maintains contact at the appropriate level with representatives of political parties/associations, international and national NGOs working in the areas of activity corresponding to the Mission's mandate;
3. Liaises with State institutions and Government bodies, partner organizations, embassies and relevant NGOs on issues related to the Mission's mandate;
4. Provides information/briefings to third parties on specific, job-related topics as requested;
5. Drafts political inputs for the Unit's Weekly Political Overviews and periodic Mission Activity Reports;
6. Provides inputs and/or drafts speeches for the Political/Reporting Unit or HoM Department;
7. Represents the Unit and/or Department at relevant conferences, seminars and meetings;
8. Supervises the work of three national staff;
9. In the absence of the Chief of the Political and Reporting Unit, the Political Adviser becomes Acting-Chief;
10. Performs other tasks as required.

The OSCE is committed to achieving a better gender balance within the organization. It accordingly welcomes applications from women and encourages their nomination for all OSCE posts.

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.