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.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

Under the supervision of the Senior Adviser on Freedom of Religion or Belief, the incumbent performs the following functions:  

1. Contributing to the development and regular review of the Freedom of Religion or Belief portfolio, researching, analyzing and monitoring the developments relevant to Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB);

2. Providing substantive advice and identifying new key areas of concerns through monitoring of developments in law, policy and practice, in collaboration with the Senior Advisor on Freedom of Religion or Belief;

3. Implementing and evaluating FoRB projects, developing evaluation mechanisms, and drafting donor reports;

4. Identifying priority areas, target groups, partners and most effective means and associated budgets for addressing key FoRB issues;

5. Conducting assessment visits, consultations with relevant institutions and OSCE field missions, and planning workshops and other events;

6. Supporting the co-ordination of the work of the ODIHR Advisory Panel of Experts on Freedom of Religion or Belief, and contributing to the organization of all meetings of the Advisory Panel;

7. Analyzing and monitoring public policy, legislation, state practices and OSCE documentation affecting areas related to freedom of religion or belief and related human rights and providing advice and recommendations to the Senior Adviser on Freedom of Religion or Belief and ODIHR management;

8. Participating in relevant meetings and representing the ODIHR Freedom of Religion or Belief portfolio at conferences, meetings and events;

9. Performing other duties as required.

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 social sciences, law, or another related field; specialization in the field of human rights. 

• Minimum of four years of relevant professional experience, of which at least two with an international organization;

• Excellent knowledge of human rights issues and relevant international mechanisms and instruments;

• Strong project management and implementation experience in relation to human rights programming;

• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English; working knowledge of at least one additional OSCE official language is an advantage;

• Ability and willingness to deploy to the field, sometimes on short notice, for different types of missions;

• 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 approximately EUR 5,300 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.