Political 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:

• Extensive experience in political reform, support to political parties, inter-ethnic issues, early warning and conflict prevention mechanisms as well as combating transnational threats
• Excellent drafting, analytical and communication skills
• Experience in liaising with governmental and non-governmental organizations
• Knowledge of regional political history and developments
• Diplomatic and negotiating skills
• Flexibility and ability to work under pressure and with limited time frames
• Cultural sensitivity and judgement
• Experience in identifying potential relevant programmes and projects and their subsequent implementation, monitoring and reporting
• 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
• Knowledge of the OSCE principles and commitments
• Professional fluency in English and Russian, both oral and written

The post will contribute to the early warning, conflict prevention and post-conflict reconciliation efforts by the Centre, with a particular focus on the south of Kyrgyzstan.

The Political Officer is responsible for defining and managing related programme activities (projects) as pertains to the Politico-Military Unit that will be managed from the Osh Field Office, and reports directly to the Head of the Politico-Military Unit. The Deputy Head of the OSCE Centre in Bishkek is the incumbent's Second Level Supervisor. Specifically, the Political Officer:

1. Provides analysis and advice to the Senior Political Officer on all major politico-military issues related to southern Kyrgyzstan and keeps the Senior Field Representative of the Osh Field Office abreast of all relevant political developments;
2. Provides input to the Centre's regular political reporting;
3. Contributes to defining the strategy and necessary resources for the Politico-Military Activities programme through the Programme Budgeting process;
4. In co-ordination with the Head, Politico-Military Unit, contributes to the development, co-ordination, implementation and evaluation of projects related to reconciliation, conflict prevention and peace-building; coordinates horizontally with the Economic and Environmental Officer as well as the Human Dimension Officer in developing, coordinating and implementing cross-dimensional projects related to conflict prevention and early warning in southern Kyrgyzstan when applicable;
5. Ensures all projects under his / her direct supervision are adequately monitored, controlled and reported on, especially those implemented in the south of Kyrgyzstan;
6. Assists in arranging OSCE events, inter alia, visits to the area by OSCE delegations as relates to PMD-related partners, as well as other events with OSCE participation, particularly in the south of Kyrgyzstan;
7. 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.