Senior Operational Adviser

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Archived vacancy details

The following information is provided for archival purpose only.

Issued by: OSCE Secretariat
Vacancy number: VNSECP01577
Vacancy type: International Contracted
Field of expertise: Political Affairs
Grade: P4
Number of posts: 1
Duty station: Vienna
Date of issue: 1 December 2020
Deadline for application: 12 January 2021 - 23:59 Central European Time (CET/CEST)
Date of entry on duty: 1 October 2021

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, combating human trafficking, 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 OSCE Secretariat in Vienna assists the Chairmanship in its activities, and provides operational and administrative support to the field operations, and, as appropriate, to other institutions. The Conflict Prevention Centre (CPC) plays a key role in supporting and co-ordinating the OSCE's activities in the field, in providing analysis and policy advice to the Secretary General (SG) and the Chairmanship, in leading work on all aspects of the conflict cycle, and in supporting the various formats dealing with protracted conflicts. The CPC also serves as the focal point in the Secretariat for co-ordinating and developing the OSCE's role in the politico-military dimension. Within the CPC, the Operations Service covers a broad variety of tasks. These include operational planning for the set-up, reorganization and closure of field operations as well as analysis related to the conflict cycle (early warning, conflict prevention and conflict resolution (including mediation, mediation support, and dialogue facilitation), crisis management, post-conflict rehabilitation, and peacebuilding). Other responsibilities of the section include identifying lessons and best practices related to operational issues, liaising on the operational level with other international organizations, and maintaining a 24/7 Situation/Communications Room. In fulfilling these duties, the Planning and Analysis Team (PAT), as part of the CPC/Operations Service (OS) provides advice, analysis, support, and planning on operational issues related to the conflict cycle. It identifies and lessons and best practices in these areas to strengthen operational capacities and preserve institutional memory. CPC/OS also implements extra-budgetary projects in the fields of mediation support and security sector governance/reform. The OSCE is committed to further increasing the number of women in all areas of the OSCE's work. Women are encouraged to apply for this opportunity.

Tasks and Responsibilities

		Under the direct supervision of the Deputy Director for Operations Service (DD/CPC-OS), as Senior Operational Adviser, your main responsibilities lie in leading CPC/OS efforts in the field of operational planning and implementation as well as in providing analysis and strategic advice on conflict cycle related issues. You may be required to deploy temporarily to crisis areas in support of the Organization's crisis response efforts. You are also responsible for the development and exchange of lessons learned/best practices, primarily related to operational issues, including through the conduct of after action reviews. As required to carry out your duties, you will be expected to interact closely with the CPC's Policy Support Service, OSCE field operations, and relevant thematic units of the Secretariat as well as with OSCE institutions and relevant international / national stakeholders working in similar areas. More specifically, you will carry out the following duties: Leading the co-ordination of operational planning activities with departments, sections and units of the Secretariat and with OSCE field operations and institutions, and other international/regional organizations, as necessary; Ensuring that operational guidance and plans for the deployment of crisis responses and/or new OSCE field operations, as well as the enhancement, restructuring, downsizing and closure of existing field operations are properly developed and synchronized in order to avoid delays and confusion during the implementation phase; Co-ordinating with departments, sections and units of the Secretariat, and with OSCE field operations and institutions, and other international/regional organizations as necessary during the implementation of the operational plans; Reviewing and amending existing or developing new guidelines, generic operational planning templates and other operational planning documents related to OSCE activities in the field; Contributing to analytical support and strategic advice and assistance to the Chairmanship and senior management of the Secretariat in the field of conflict cycle related activities; Preparing briefs, speeches and speaking points on conflict cycle-related issues for the Chairmanship and senior management of the Secretariat, as required and on a case-by-case basis; Developing and running crisis response simulations for the Chairmanship and OSCE field operations upon their request; Liaising with relevant international, regional and non-governmental organizations as well as relevant academic organizations and institutions, and prominent research centres to exchange operational and conflict cycle-related lessons learned and information, and identifying possible areas of co-operation; Attending meetings, conferences and workshops relevant to operational planning and the conflict cycle and writing summaries, notes or reports for internal distribution; Monitoring, analyzing, and reporting on changes in field-related policies and procedures of other relevant organizations; Supervising one staff; Deputizing for the DD/CPC-OS during their absence and performing additional tasks as required. For more detailed information on the structure and work of the OSCE Secretariat, please see https://www.osce.org/secretariat

Necessary Qualifications

		Second-level university degree in political science, international relations, or related field; a first-level university degree in combination with two years of additional qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the second-level university degree; A minimum of eight years of progressively responsible professional experience in operational planning and implementation with a government agency, a national or international organization or a non-governmental organization; experience in working in an international environment and/or in the field would be a distinct asset; Demonstrated ability to analyze experience and international practice in order to develop and report on best practices in the field of operational planning; Thematic expertise in one or more fields of conflict prevention, conflict resolution, crisis management or post-conflict rehabilitation, and familiarity with the relevant international efforts in the field(s) of thematic expertise; Professional fluency in English, including excellent written and oral communication skills; knowledge of another OSCE working language is an asset; Experience in supervising staff is desirable; Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, and an ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities; 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; Computer literate with practical experience with Microsoft applications.

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 7,824, depending on post adjustment and family status. OSCE salaries are exempt from taxation in Austria. Social benefits will include possibility of participation in the Cigna medical insurance scheme and the OSCE Provident Fund. Other allowances and benefits are similar to those offered under the United Nations Common System. Please note that appointments are normally made at step 1 of the applicable OSCE salary scale.

How To Apply

		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/re-post 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 https://www.osce.org/participating-states. The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all religious, ethnic and social backgrounds to apply to become a part of the Organization. The OSCE is a non-career organization committed to the principle of staff rotation, therefore the maximum period of service in this post is 7 years. Please be aware that the OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application and review process.