Head, External Co-operation (P5)

About the Position

Head, External Co-operation (P5)

The OSCE has a comprehensive approach to security that encompasses politico-military, economic and environmental, and human aspects. It 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. 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 coordinating tasks across the Secretariat.

Under the supervision of the Director of the OSG and the overall strategic guidance of the OSCE Secretary General, the Head of External Co-operation leads on the development and implementation of external relations focused on three key areas: partnerships with international and regional organizations and multilateral partners; partnerships with the OSCE Partners for Co-operation (Mediterranean and Asian Partners). Within this scope, s/he cultivates and strengthens the existing and develops new partnerships. In line with mandates and organizational priorities, the incumbent steers the development and implementation of strategies, partnership agreements, approaches, and activities within the Section’s remit, and coordinates internal and external processes related to the function.

Responsibilities

• Overseeing and strengthening cooperation between the OSCE and its key partners.
• Developing relevant strategies and institutional and management arrangements.
• Providing substantive contributions and advice to executive structures on partnerships.
• Ensuring effective internal and external coordination of activities.
• Enhancing the coherence of OSCE’s external relationships.
• Building and ensuring effective communication flows and coordinating activities internally and externally.
• Participating in events and meetings, and representing the OSCE in inter-agency coordination mechanisms and in international fora, as required.
• Providing advice to the Secretary General on external relations and engagements with OSCE’s partners.
• Contributing to the OSCE’s cooperation with Mediterranean and Asian Partners for Co-operation.
• Planning and overseeing coordination of activities involving Partners for Co-operation and participating States.
• Planning and overseeing organization of annual mandated conferences with Partners for Co-operation.
• Maintaining relationships and contacts with representatives of Mediterranean and Asian Partners for Co-operation.
• Overseeing management of the Partnership Fund.
• Supervising the External Co-operation Section.
• Managing the Section’s budget, including extra-budgetary resources within the Partnership Fund.

Requirements

• Second-level university degree in international relations, political sciences, humanities, or other related fields.
• A minimum of ten years (twelve years with a relevant first-level degree) of relevant professional-level experience in the field of diplomacy and external cooperation.
• At least 5 years of this experience shall be in a senior and/or managerial position.
• Extensive experience in cooperation with the United Nations system, as well as with other multilateral, regional, and security organizations.
• Excellent communication and diplomatic skills.
• Strong team management skills.
• Professional fluency in English and one other official OSCE language with excellent communication (both oral and written) skills; advance proficiency of at least one other language from the OSCE region is desirable.
• Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, and an ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities.
• Ability and willingness to work as a member of a team, with people of different cultural, religious backgrounds, different gender, and diverse political views, while maintaining impartiality and objectivity.
• Computer literate with practical experience using Microsoft applications.

We Offer

• Monthly remuneration is around EUR 11,300, with the actual monthly salary depending on post adjustment and family status.
• OSCE salaries are exempt from taxation in Austria.
• Social benefits will include the 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.

About the Company

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 5 years.

Application

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

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 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 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.