Senior Adviser on Freedom of Religion or Belief

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Archived vacancy details

The following information is provided for archival purpose only.

Issued by: OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights
Vacancy number: VNODIP00816
Vacancy type: International Contracted
Field of expertise: Human Rights
Grade: P4
Number of posts: 1
Duty station: Warsaw
Date of issue: 26 August 2020
Deadline for application: 11 October 2020 - 23:59 Central European Time (CET/CEST)

Background

		The OSCE has a comprehensive approach to security that encompasses politico-military, economic and environmental, and human aspects. It therefore addresses a wide range of security-related concerns, including arms control, confidence- and security-building measures, human rights, national minorities, democratization, policing strategies, counter-terrorism and economic and environmental activities. All 57 participating States enjoy equal status, and decisions are taken by consensus on a politically, but not legally binding basis. 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 ODIHR's Human Rights Department (HRD) provides support to participating States in implementing their OSCE commitments with regards to human rights and fundamental freedoms. ODIHR provides participating States with advice and assistance, supports individuals, civil society, National Human Rights Institutions and state officials with targeted training and education. ODIHR covers as broad spectrum of issues, ranging from the fundamental freedoms of religion or belief, assembly and association, to reporting on the use of the death penalty, monitoring the situation of human rights defenders, addressing trafficking in human beings and preventing torture and other forms of ill-treatment. ODIHR also promotes gender equality in the security sector and human rights compliant policies and practice in the fight against terrorism.

Tasks and Responsibilities

		Under the supervision of the Head of the Human Rights Department, the incumbent performs the following functions: Analysing, monitoring and providing expert advice and guidance on public policy, legislation and State practices affecting the respect for freedom of religion or belief and related human rights and fundamental freedoms, for the Head of the Human Rights Department and the ODIHR management; following general and country-specific issues in the OSCE area and advising on programmatic priorities; Providing the Head of the Human Rights Department and ODIHR management with information about developing trends in the OSCE region and providing guidance on issues requiring follow-up and recommending necessary actions or intervention; Identifying, developing, implementing and evaluating project activities aimed at ensuring compliance with OSCE human dimension commitments. Project activities may cover a wide range of topics focusing on the protection of freedom of religion or belief and related fundamental freedoms and human rights; Providing substantive and expert support for the organization of meetings on freedom of religion or belief, including relevant human dimension meetings; Overseeing the co-ordination of the work of the ODIHR Panel of Experts on Freedom of Religion or Belief (FORB); Managing the work of the Freedom of Religion or Belief Programme and supervising activity of the Associate Officer on Freedom of Religion or Belief and temporary contracted personnel and interns as relevant; Establishing and maintaining contact with representatives of communities of religion or belief and relevant civil society actors in OSCE participating States; Performing other duties as required. For more detailed information on the structure and work of ODIHR, please see: http://www.osce.org/odihr.

Necessary Qualifications

		Second-level university degree in law, social and political science or another related field. Specialization in the field of human rights. A first-level university degree in combination with two years of additional qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree; A minimum of eight years of professional work experience is required, including research and advocacy activity in related fields, of which at least two years at the international level; At least two years of project management experience; Proven expertise on Freedom of Religion or Belief and the international framework for human rights protection; Supervisory experience and experience managing teams is highly desirable; Knowledge of the functioning of relevant national and international institutions, as well as previous involvement in relevant activities of intergovernmental or non-governmental organizations would be very helpful; Professional fluency in the English langauge including excellent communication skills; working knowledge of other OSCE working languages, especially Russian, is an asset; Ability to work with people of different nationalities, religions and cultural backgrounds; Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, and an ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities.

Required competencies

		Core 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 6,379 depending on post adjustment and family status. OSCE salaries are exempt from taxation in Poland. Social security will include participation in the Cigna International medical insurance scheme and OSCE Provident Fund maintained by the OSCE. 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 normally made at step 1 of the applicable OSCE salary scale.

How To Apply

		Please be aware that the OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application and review process. If you wish to apply for this position, please use the OSCE's online application link found under https://jobs.osce.org/vacancies. 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 those applicants who are selected to participate in the subsequent stages of recruitment 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 national, religious, ethnic and social backgrounds to apply to become a part of the Organization.