International Consultant - Expert on Anti-corruption/Whistleblower protection (SSA)

DISCLAIMER:

Please note that this is a call for a consultancy assignment of temporary nature, consisting of a total of fifteen (15) working days.

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, 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 Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities (OCEEA) deals with economic and environmental issues, operating under the premise that promoting economic prosperity and co-operation on environmental concerns can contribute to peace, security and stability. The OCEEA’s role is two-fold: a) to monitor economic and environmental developments among participating States, and alert them to any threat of conflict, and b) to facilitate the formulation of economic and environmental policies and initiatives among participating States, to promote peace and security.

Objective of Assignment:

Corruption is one of the major threats to Moldova’s stability and security. In line with OSCE’s commitments in combating corruption, this ExB project “Supporting Anti-Corruption Efforts of the Government of Moldova” aims to strengthen Moldova’s anti-corruption efforts by enhancing its legal and institutional frameworks, improving investigative capacities, and fostering collaboration among key stakeholders. This includes updating normative and regulatory frameworks for authorities responsible for combating and investigating corruption, as well as enhancing the skills of relevant practitioners in conducting corruption-related investigations. Additionally, the project seeks to improve inter-agency and international cooperation mechanisms for information exchange, to bolster resilience against petty corruption in select public sectors, and to increase civil society engagement in anti-corruption initiatives. Through these measures, the project aims to create a more transparent and accountable environment in Moldova.

A new whistleblower protection law was adopted by the Republic of Moldova in 2023. The Law no. 165/2023 transposed the provisions of the EU Directive 2019/1937 on the protection of persons who report breaches of Union Law. The stakeholders reported the need for an integrated co-operation methodology for a better implementation of the whistleblower protection legislation. The need for a consolidated framework of cooperation on whistleblower protection is also mentioned in the National Integrity and Anti-Corruption Program 2024-2028.

OCEEA will provide assistance to the national authorities with mapping the legal framework and institutional practices related to whistleblower protection in Moldova, as well as proposing recommendations aimed at improving the protection of whistleblowers in the country. For that purpose, OCEEA seeks to hire an international anti-corruption / whistleblower protection expert to provide assistance and share relevant expertise with the National Anticorruption Centre (NAC), the Ombudsperson’s and the Ministry of Justice.

The expert will work remotely and travel to Moldova for engaging with the key stakeholders. OSCE will provide logistical and interpretation/translation support. The expert will work jointly with a national expert.

Duration of Assignment:

15 working days

Tasks and Responsibilities:

The anti-corruption / whistleblower protection expert will work under supervision of the Senior Economic Officer, and is expected to conduct the following tasks:

A. Legal Framework Mapping and Analysis

• Review and analyze existing national legal instruments on whistleblower protection in Moldova (laws, bylaws, regulations)
  Assess the alignment of Moldova’s legal framework with EU Directive 2019/1937 and relevant case law of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR)
• Identify legal gaps, inconsistencies, and areas for reform
• Draft a comprehensive Legal Analysis Report outlining findings and proposed recommendations

B. Mapping Institutional Practices and Implementation

• Develop a structured questionnaire to assess the practical implementation of whistleblower protection mechanisms across key public institutions and agencies
• Conduct interviews with relevant stakeholders, including representatives from anti-corruption bodies, law enforcement, the judiciary, civil society, and whistleblowers (as appropriate)
• Identify strengths, weaknesses, and challenges in institutional practices
• Draft a Report on Institutional Practices and Recommendations
• Develop an Implementation Guide outlining concrete steps and good practices for improving whistleblower protection in practice
• Deliver a training session for Moldova practitioners on the Implementation Guide and good practices in whistleblower protection

Deliverables:

• Legal Analysis Report on the whistleblower protection framework in Moldova
• Questionnaire for institutional mapping
• Report on institutional practices and recommendations
• Implementation Guide
• Training material and training session
  

For more detailed information on the structure and work of the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities, please see: www.osce.org/oceea 

Necessary Qualifications:

• Minimum 10 years of professional experience working in the field of law with focus on whistleblower protection and/or in the field of justice and corruption prevention;
• Second-level university degree in law political science or similar;
• In-depth knowledge or practical experience with whistleblower protection in the European Union and Eastern Europe;
• Previous experience with conducting fact-finding missions for an international project would be a distinct asset;
• Legal and anti-corruption expertise of draft legislative acts; legislative creation; policy making in the justice sector and anti-corruption; monitoring the policies and activity of public authorities; providing legal assistance as a lawyer;
• Professional fluency in English with excellent communication (both oral and written) skills; knowledge of Romanian would be an asset;
• 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 team, with people of different cultural, and religious backgrounds, different gender, and diverse political views, while maintaining impartiality and objectivity;
• Computer literate with practical experience using Microsoft applications.

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.