Project Co-ordinator (P3)

Background:

This is an extra-budgetary position. The initial contract will be for one year, renewable until the project ends. The expected duration of the project is until end of 2028, and the selected candidate should commit to being available for the duration of the project.

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.

Among ODIHR’s main fields of activity is election observation as well as a large number of assistance projects in the areas of democratic institution building. The present position is an extra-budgetary (ExB) post, located within the Elections Department, and established under the project Enhancing Electoral Reform in the Western Balkans. The project is envisaged for the period 2025 - 2028, and builds on the earlier ODIHR initiative “Support to Electoral Reforms in the Western Balkans” implemented between 2021 and 2025. It is designed to support the implementation recommendations stemming from ODIHR and EU electoral observation activities in the Western Balkans region.
 

Tasks and Responsibilities:

Under the direct supervision of the Deputy Head of the Election Department, the selected candidate will be responsible for efficient implementation of the project, in particular by performing the following duties:

1. Planning and co-ordinating project activities by developing and overseeing project workplans and timelines in consultation with Election Department management, professional staff, field operations, national institutions and project partners; co-ordinating local activities, meetings and events to ensure timely and high-quality delivery; identifying and engaging external experts, assigning and supervising tasks, and evaluating deliverables; maintaining regular communication with management and identifying areas requiring strategic input.

2. Leading project implementation and oversight by ensuring timely delivery of project outputs and monitoring progress against objectives and key performance indicators, making adjustments as necessary; co-ordinating donor reporting and maintaining communication with donors in line with OSCE and donor visibility guidelines; managing administrative tasks, including finance, HR, IT, procurement and logistics; traveling to the region as required to support field-level implementation.

3. Overseeing electoral legislative assistance by contributing to and reviewing legal and technical assistance outputs related to elections; overseeing expert analyses, tools and guidance for policymakers and lawmakers on electoral law-making and public consultation; overseeing delivery of electoral legislative assistance activities to ensure quality, accuracy, coherence and effectiveness.

4. Conducting analysis and supporting project development by analysing regional electoral developments and practices relevant to the project, identifying issues and opportunities for ODIHR engagement; leading field visits and consultations with governmental and non-governmental stakeholders; integrating findings and lessons learned into project planning and implementation and promoting knowledge-sharing among partners.

5. Facilitating co-ordination and partnerships by ensuring effective communication and co-operation with internal teams and external stakeholders, including national authorities, international organizations, civil society and donors, and by aligning joint activities with the project’s objectives.

6. Providing guidance and supervision by advising and overseeing project staff in the design, implementation and reporting of activities, and by reviewing outputs to ensure quality, coherence and consistency with project objectives.

    

For more detailed information on the structure and work of the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights», please see: https://odihr.osce.org/    

Necessary Qualifications:

• First-level university degree in international relations, public administration, law, or social sciences is required;
• Minimum of seven years (five with a relevant second-level degree) of progressively responsible and relevant professional experience in the field of elections, democracy or other human rights issues, including 3 years at international level in the field of elections;
• Experience in implementing projects in the field of elections;
• Experience promoting human rights and democracy from an international institutional base, including experience at the international level in an advisory or operational function;
• Experience implementing capacity-building and institution-building strategies; familiarity with elections, democracy and human rights issues;
• Field experience, preferably in the region of the OSCE targeted by the project, and co-operation with international organizations at the field and headquarters level;
• Experience providing policy and strategic advice;
• Excellent analytical and drafting skills;
• Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, and experience in integrating a gender perspective into tasks and activities;
• Computer literate with practical experience with Microsoft applications;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English, working knowledge of language(s) spoken in the project's geographical area is an advantage;

• Ability to work with people of different nationalities, religions and cultural backgrounds.
   

   

Remuneration Package:

Monthly remuneration is approximately EUR 7,000 depending on post adjustment and family status. OSCE salaries are exempt from taxation in Poland. Social benefits will include participation in the Cigna medical insurance scheme and the OSCE Provident Fund. 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. In exceptional cases, an initial appointment at up to Step 3 may be considered. This depends on factors such as relevant experience exceeding minimum requirements or higher previous remuneration. Any such request by a candidate must be reviewed and approved by the OSCE before the appointment

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  Countries | Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe. 

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.

The OSCE is a non-career organization committed to the principle of staff rotation, therefore the maximum period of service in this post is 7 years.

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.