Short-term Assistant, Vienna

Background

Please note that this is a temporary position for the duration of 6 months with the possibility of an extension, subject to funding availability.

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 Chairpersonship in its activities, and provides operational and administrative support to the field operations, and, as appropriate, to other institutions. 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/her 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 Issues, Conference and Language Services, Central Records Management, and oversees the OSCE Documentation Centre in Prague (DCiP). The OSG ensures effective co-ordination of policy advice provided to the Secretary General and the Chairpersonship, and management decisions taken by the Secretary General.

The Executive Management Unit within the Office of the Secretary General supports the Secretary General by providing policy advice, preparing (and accompanying to) visits, meetings, statements and speeches, coordinating with other departments, OSCE institutions, and liaising with participating States to help implement the Secretary General’s mandate effectively. Given the current and foreseeable workload in the upcoming period, particularly in preparation for the 2026 Ministerial Council in Lugano, the Executive Management is currently looking for a Short Term Assistant for a period of six months.

Tasks and Responsibilities

The Short Term Assistant will, under the supervision of Senior Special Adviser, support the Executive Management. The work will include the following tasks:

1. Supporting the preparations for the 2026 Ministerial Council;
2. Supporting in co-ordinating preparations for the Secretary General’s meetings and visits, including preparation of daily files, briefing notes, reports and background information, in co-operation with other departments and units of the Secretariat;
3. Conducting research and compiling information on specific issues related to the OSCE mandate and activities;
4. Supporting the preparation of the Secretary General’s reports to the Permanent Council, including compiling inputs, drafting sections and ensuring timely submission;
5. Following meetings of the Permanent Council, the Preparatory Committee and other relevant OSCE meetings, taking meeting minutes and drafting reports and readouts/following up on developments within these frameworks;
6. Participating and note-taking at internal meetings, following up on associated tasks;
7. Maintains working-level contacts with relevant units within the Secretariat and, as appropriate, with external stakeholders, in support of the Unit’s activities;
8. Performing other duties as required.

For more detailed information on the structure and work of the OSCE Secretariat, please see: https://www.osce.org/ secretariat.

Necessary Qualifications

• Completed secondary education is required;
• A first-level university degree in Political Science, International Relations, and/or Law field is desirable;
• A minimum of three years of relevant professional experience in international relations at the national and international levels, including experience in foreign policy research, international dispute analysis, security risk assessment, and diplomatic engagement. A first-level university degree may be considered as a substitute for up to two years of working experience to determine eligibility;
• Good drafting and reporting skills, demonstrated through the preparation of research reports on international agreements, as well as policy-oriented research and analysis;
• Experience in youth-related portfolios, international youth initiatives, multilateral forums, and interdisciplinary projects;
• Professional fluency in English and at least one additional language from the OSCE region;
• Ability to work under time pressure and meet tight deadlines, demonstrated through international conflict monitoring and security risk assessment;
• Ability and willingness to work as a member of team, with people of different cultural, and religious backgrounds, different gender, and diverse political views, while maintaining impartiality and objectivity;
• Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, and an ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities;
• Computer literate with practical experience using Microsoft applications.

Remuneration Package

Monthly remuneration, subject to social security deduction, is approximately EUR 3,600. OSCE salaries are exempt from taxation in Austria. Social benefits will include possibility of participation in the Cigna medical insurance scheme.

If you wish to apply for this position, please use the OSCE's online application link found under https://vacancies.osce.org/.

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 candidates who are selected to participate in the subsequent stages of recruitment will be contacted.

Candidates interviewed and found suitable in the recruitment process for this vacancy notice will be placed on a roster of suitable candidates (valid for three years) for fixed-term posts, should a suitable opportunity arise. The placement on a roster does not guarantee a future appointment or assignment.

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.

Candidates should be aware that OSCE officials shall conduct themselves at all times in a manner befitting the status of an international civil servant. This includes avoiding any action which may adversely reflect on the integrity, independence and impartiality of their position and function as officials of the OSCE. The OSCE is committed to applying the highest ethical standards in carrying out its mandate. For more information on the values set out in OSCE Competency Model, please see https://jobs.osce.org/resources/document/our-competency-model.

Please note that for this position the OSCE does not reimburse expenses such as travel in connection with interviews, tests, visas and relocation.

Please be aware that OSCE appointments are subject to medical clearance.

The mandatory retirement age at the OSCE is 65 years for contracted positions at the general service, professional and director level. The Organization shall apply an age limit of 62 years at the time of appointment as the incumbent selected is normally expected to carry out the contractual obligation of two years.

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