Research Co-ordinator (P3, STA)

Background:

This is a short-term (STA) position for the period of 5 months 29 days, with a possibility of extension for another 5 months 29 days.

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.

ODIHR’s monitoring mandate is based on a number of commitments (Helsinki 1992, Budapest 1994, Oslo 1998, Maastricht 2003). Moreover, ODIHR serves as a point of contact for information provided by participating States (Rome 1993), and participating States have expressed their determination to co-operate within the OSCE and with its institutions and representatives in a spirit of solidarity and partnership in a continuing review of implementation of commitments (Istanbul 1999).

The Human Rights Department (HRD) of the ODIHR collects thematic and country-based information on the human rights situation in pSs based on OSCE commitments and international human rights standards, identifying areas of concern and developing targeted, gender-sensitive recommendations to OSCE pSs on how to address identified gaps. In this regard, the extra-budgetary (ExB) Human Rights Monitoring Fund under the HRD envisages three types of activities: 1) rapid response; 2) country specific monitoring of the situation of human rights defenders; 3) enhancing the accessibility of capacity-building tools for human rights monitoring.

HRD has extensive experience of conducting monitoring activities in line with its mandate. Since 2022, ODIHR has been implementing rapid response activity (1) under the Fund in order to monitor violations of international human rights law (IHRL) and international humanitarian law (IHL) in the context of the war in Ukraine.

In the light of regional changing contexts and security challenges HRD is seeking an Associate Research Co-ordinator to monitor and analyse potential IHRL and IHL violations through open source monitoring to gather, sort and analyse data from publicly available sources, including social media, video and image-sharing websites, mapping tools and satellite imagery.

The objective of this recruitment is to select one successful candidate and to establish a roster of suitable candidates for the same and similar positions.
 

Tasks and Responsibilities:

The Research Co-ordinator reports to the Deputy Head of the Human Rights Department, and performs the following functions:

1. Co-ordinating the identification of emerging and evolving trends of human rights concerns and alleged violations in the OSCE region and develop a work plan and timeline for a study implementation;
2. Co-ordinating the desk-research by liaising with research team-members, conducting and facilitating team meetings and discussions on collected information;
3. Collecting and analyzing complementary information and provide necessary inputs for the research;
4. Complementing the research with expert legal analysis and recommendations; 
5. Compiling the collected information together in briefings to share with the ODIHR leadership;
6. Co-ordinating reports drafting and ensure their final quality according to ODIHR standards;
7. Advising Deputy Head of the Human Rights Department on the management of activities related to the human rights monitoring, taking into account the needs within the ODIHR's mandate, as well as security context in the OSCE region; 
8. Advising on participation of the research team members in topical capacity building activities and events, such as seminars, webinars, e-learning courses, etc.;
9. Evaluating the research process on a regular basis (preferably every half a year) and producing the review of the lessons learnt and the way to move forward; 
10. Assisting in drafting statements, letters, social media posts, on findings and/or activities of the Monitoring Fund;
11. Supporting investigations, analysis and development of individual case files concerning alleged violations of IHL and IHRL when requested;
12. Conducting interviews with survivors and witnesses, as required;
13. Drafting progress reports to donors; 
14. Managing urgent and dynamic tasks based on situational awareness;
15. Participating in meetings with ODIHR's external partners, as required. 
     

Necessary Qualifications:

• Second-level university degree in law, political science, international relations or other disciplines related to human rights. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of relevant experience will be accepted in lieu of the second-level university degree; 

• Minimum of five years (seven with a relevant first-level degree) of progressively responsible professional-level experience in international human rights law and international humanitarian law, preferably in an international environment;

• Demonstrated experience in research on human rights and international humanitarian law issues;

• Demonstrated experience in providing legal analysis regarding armed conflict or other crisis situations;

• Demonstrated experienced in drafting or reviewing research documents for publication;

• Demonstrated experience in managing or co-ordinating the work of a team;

• Digital literacy and proficient use of Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint);

• Experience with interviewing people with trauma and experience in application of human rights monitoring principles is an asset;

• Successful completion of Hostile Environment Awareness Training or equivalent is an asset; 

• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English; 

• Knowledge of other OSCE region languages, especially Russian and Ukrainian is an asset.
   

Remuneration Package:

Monthly remuneration is approximately EUR 7200 depending on post adjustment and family status. OSCE salaries are exempt from taxation in Poland. Social security will include participation in the Cigna International medical insurance scheme.

Appointments are  made at Step 1 of the applicable OSCE salary scale. 

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 for short-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 be aware that OSCE appointments are subject to medical clearance. 

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