Programme Officer

This position is funded by Extra-budgetary (ExB) sources and the expected project duration is until November 2017.

This position is open for secondment only and participating States are kindly reminded that all costs in relation to assignment at the Secretariat must be borne by their authorities.

Candidates should, prior to applying, verify with their respective nominating authority to which extent financial remuneration and/or benefit packages will be offered. Seconded staff members in the OSCE Secretariat and Institutions are not entitled to a Board and Lodging Allowance payable by the Organization.

The Office of the Secretary General (OSG) plays a key role in supporting the Secretary General in the effective implementation of his/her mandate and specific tasks given to him/her by the OSCE participating States. This includes primarily assisting the Secretary General in his activities, serving as a focal point for liaison and support to the Chairperson-in-Office, and co-ordinating tasks across the Secretariat. It groups horizontal services such as Executive Management, Communication and Media Relations, Legal Services, External Co-operation, Security Management, Gender Affairs, Conference and Language Services, Central Records Management, and oversees the OSCE Prague Office. The OSG ensures effective co-ordination of policy advice provided to the Secretary General and the Chairmanship, and management decisions taken by the Secretary General. The OSG is led by a Director who also functions as the Head of Executive Management.

The External Co-operation Section is part of the Policy Cluster in the Office of the Secretary General and is the first point of contact at headquarters level for liaison and co-operation with international, regional and sub-regional organizations and institutions. It is also responsible for the strengthening and operationalizing of the OSCE¿s interaction with the 11 states representing the Asian and Mediterranean Partners for Co-operation. The External Co-operation Section further contributes to policy analysis and advice, and supports the Secretary General and the Chairperson-in-Office in the development of OSCE strategies and policies.

Under the direct supervision of the Head, External Co-operation Section, the Programme Officer will be responsible for:

• Acting as OSCE Mediterranean Focal Point in the NewMed network that facilitates and fosters Track II interaction (informal dialogue between representatives of think tanks and academic institutions) between the OSCE participating States and the Mediterranean Partners for Co-operation, and complements and supports the political dialogue and practical co-operation in the framework of the OSCE Mediterranean Partnership;
• Maintaining and further developing contacts with key entities in participating States and in Mediterranean Partner Countries, that are contributing to the network of think tanks and academic institutions focusing on comprehensive security issues in the Mediterranean Region;
• Liaising with the OSCE executive structures, with delegations of the Mediterranean Partners for Co-operation and participating States, as well as with the OSCE Chairmanship and the Chairmanship of the Mediterranean Contact Group (MCG) to ensure a coherent, inclusive and balanced approach;
• Regularly reporting to the Secretary General, the OSCE Chairmanship, the Chairmanship of the Mediterranean Contact Group and the MCG on progress and plans to gain support and guidance;
• Organizing meetings and events, including the design and implementation of relevant extra-budgetary projects, also ensuring adequate fundraising, in order to support activities and events aimed at facilitating activities of the network;
• Performing other related duties as requested.

• First level university degree in public administration, public policy, management, international relations, political science, economic development, law, and/or other relevant field;
• Knowledge of Euro-Mediterranean affairs and previous engagement with policy and academic institutions, think tanks, and civil society;
• A minimum of six years of relevant professional experience in project design and implementation, organization of meetings and liaison of events and consultations with potential partners;
• Computer literate with practical experience in Microsoft applications;
• Professional fluency in English including excellent written and oral communication skills; professional fluency in French and/or Arabic is an asset;
• Ability to work with people of different national, religious and cultural backgrounds;
• Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, ethical awareness and an ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities.

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.

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 the nomination of qualified female and male candidates from all religious, ethnic and social backgrounds.

Please be aware that the OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application and review process.

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.