International Consultant – Researcher (SSAs)
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.
The objective of ODIHR’s Human Rights Monitoring Fund is to collect thematic and country-based information on the human rights situation in participating States based on OSCE commitments and international human rights standards, identify areas of concern, and develop targeted, gender-sensitive recommendations to OSCE participating States on how to address the identified gaps.
The armed conflict following the military attack that the Russian Federation initiated against Ukraine on 24 February 2022, has led to widespread civilian suffering with repeated violations of international humanitarian law (IHL) and international human rights law (IHRL). In order to fulfil its mandate, ODIHR has carried out a comprehensive monitoring initiative as of 24 February 2022 under the Human Rights Monitoring Fund. The monitoring includes desk-research, collection and analysis of first-hand accounts regarding potential violations of IHRL and IHL on the most pressing issues impacting on the lives of civilians and prisoners of war.
Objective of Assignment:
The Researcher, in close consultation with the Research Coordinator, will assist ODIHR’s monitoring efforts to collect and analyse information as well as validate, document and assess allegations of violations of IHRL and IHL related to the international armed conflict between the Russian Federation and Ukraine.
Duration of Assignment:
up to 180 days per year
Tasks and Responsibilities:
Under the overall supervision of the Deputy Head of Human Rights Department, the successful candidate will be tasked with the following duties:
- Remotely monitor developments related to the international armed conflict between the Russian Federation and Ukraine;
- Document and analyse specific cases of alleged violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law;
- Draft specific chapter/s of internal briefings and public reports, as well as assist in drafting statements and social media posts on the international armed conflict between the Russian Federation and Ukraine;
- Participate in regular team meetings and briefings, and meeting with other relevant ODIHR staff and external partners.
For more detailed information on the structure and work of ODIHR, please see: http://www.osce.org/odihr
Necessary Skills and Qualifications:
- Advanced university degree in human rights law, international humanitarian law, public international law or related field;
- Minimum 4 years of professional experience in research on human rights and/or international humanitarian law issues;
- Knowledge of international human rights standards and OSCE human dimension commitments, and human rights issues arising from the international armed conflict between the Russian Federation and Ukraine;
- Solid drafting skills of different types of research papers;
- Experience of working in a multilateral/multicultural environment;
- Excellent knowledge of English, including excellent communication and drafting skills;
- Digital literacy and proficient use of Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint);
- Professional fluency in Russian and/or Ukrainian language would be an asset.
Remuneration Package:
Remuneration will be based on the selected consultant's/expert's qualifications, experience, the tasks and deliverables for this position and in accordance with the OSCE established rates.
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 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.
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 be aware that the OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application and review process.