Human Rights Adviser (P3) A Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe

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 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.

ODIHR Human Rights Department (HRD) assists OSCE participating States in fulfilling their obligations to protect and promote human rights and fundamental freedoms. This is accomplished by monitoring and identifying areas where improvements to legislation or the functioning of state bodies could result in better protection of human rights for everyone, and by offering technical assistance and expertise where there is sufficient political will.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

Under the overall supervision of the Deputy Head, Human Rights Department, the incumbent will perform the following duties:

1. Monitoring and analyzing implementation of OSCE Human Dimension commitments related to human rights and fundamental freedoms, including with a particular focus on human rights defenders, providing advice and recommendations, and preparing general and issue-specific reports and/or other background material, letters and public statements;
2. Ensuring preparedness for and planning and co-ordinating the deployment of human rights monitoring missions, including in situations of heightened risk and/or as part of ODIHR’s freedom of assembly monitoring work;
3. Identifying, developing, and implementing programmatic activities and projects on key human rights issues, including preparation and co-ordination of expert workshops, training activities and networking events;
4. Building alliances and networks with independent experts, international and national governmental and non-governmental actors, to exchange information, share best practices, coordinate activities and implement common programs;
5. Responding to requests to ODIHR on information about implementation of OSCE Human Dimension freedoms in key areas of concern;
6. Performing other duties as assigned.

For more detailed information on the structure and work of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, please see https://www.osce.org/odihr

Necessary qualifications:

• First-level university degree in law, political science, international relations, or social sciences, preferably with a specialization in human rights;
• Minimum six years (full-time equivalent) of progressively responsible and relevant professional experience in the field of human rights, including experience at the international level in an advisory function;
• Experience in project design and implementation; knowledge of results-based management would be an asset;
• Knowledge and understanding of human rights and new technologies would be an advantage;
• In-depth knowledge of human rights monitoring and reporting methodology and practice;
• Excellent knowledge of UN, Council of Europe and OSCE human rights standards;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English; working knowledge of Russian and/or other OSCE languages is desirable;
• Computer literacy with practical experience in Microsoft applications; knowledge of how new technologies can be used to promote human rights is a distinct advantage;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English; knowledge of Russian is highly desirable. Knowledge of other languages of OSCE participating States would be 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.

Remuneration Package:

Monthly remuneration is around EUR 5,200, with the actual monthly salary depending on post adjustment and family status. OSCE salaries are exempt from taxation in Poland. Social benefits will include participation in the Cigna medical insurance scheme and the OSCE Provident Fund. 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 made at step 1 of the applicable OSCE salary scale.