Senior Adviser to the Head of Mission (SSA)

Background:
The Senior Adviser will provide high‐level counsel and ensure that key decisions are effectively implemented across the Mission. 
 

Objective of Assignment: 
To provide visible, expert advice, and engagement to the Head of Mission and the wider leadership group, offering senior (policy) guidance, direction and recommendations to facilitate decision-making and ensure full adherence to OSCE policies and programmes, contributing to consistent and effective implementation of the Mission’s mandate. 

Duration of Assignment:
4 months (September - December 2026)

Tasks and Responsibilities:
The Senior Adviser will support the work of the Head of Mission in the management of the Fund by providing senior policy and operational advice, thereby supporting continuity of leadership, informed decision-making and the effective implementation of the Mission's mandate. 
Under the direct supervision of the Head of Mission, the Senior Adviser will:

• Advise on Mission Mandate Implementation:
  Offer advice to the Head of Mission, in close co-operation with the Office of Strategic Co-ordination, in overseeing the implementation of the Mission’s mandate and Mission Strategic Framework.
• Advise and recommend approaches to senior Mission leadership on priorities, policy implementation and administrative practices, ensuring that recommendations are aligned with the Mission’s strategic orientation.
• Enhance Operational Integration:
  In close co-operation with the Office of Strategic Co-ordination and Department of Administration and Support, promote the further integration of programmatic and administrative activities to ensure a cohesive operational framework.
• Support External Representation:
  Support preparations for HoM’s engagements with international and institutional partners.
• Support Gender Equality Efforts: 
  Advising the HoM and working closely with the Mission Gender Adviser to support systematic integration of gender equality approaches into Mission activities, advocacy, strategies and programming.  
• Support Local Dialogue Initiative:
  Provide advice to the HoM on the Mission's local dialogue approaches and support the effective use of dialogue as a tool in advancing the Mission's strategic objectives.
• Undertake Additional Advisory Tasks:
  Perform other advisory functions as required to support the effective execution of the Mission’s mandate.
  
   

Deliverables:

• Submit monthly progress reports throughout the assignment period following a predetermined template, summarizing activities undertaken, key observations, recommendations provided, progress achieved against agreed objectives, and any emerging issues requiring management attention.
• At the end of the assignment, submit a comprehensive final report. The report shall summarise activities undertaken, recommendations provided, implementation progress achieved, lessons learned, and proposals for sustaining policy and operational alignment. It shall also include recommendations for further strengthening Mission leadership, decision-making processes, and organisational effectiveness.
• Timeline:
  • Monthly progress reports: submitted at the end of each month of the assignment.
  • Final report: submitted at the conclusion of the assignment and no later than 29 December 2026.
• Support delivery of a Mission-wide end-of-year event under the 2026 "16 Days of Activism" campaign and produce a final summary report.
• Recommendations for relevant and effective use of dialogue in specific Mission interventions.
• Continued implementation of OSCE Mission culture.

Necessary Qualifications:

• Advanced Education and Experience:

   

  • Master’s degree (or equivalent advanced training) in Management, International Relations, or a related field. At least 10 years of diversified, progressively responsible professional experience, including a minimum of five years in senior management—preferably with demonstrated leadership in an OSCE field mission.
      
•  Kosovo Expertise:
  • Proven understanding of, and experience working in the Kosovo context.
• High-Level Drafting and Analytical Skills:
  • Demonstrated ability to draft high-level strategic documents and analytical reports, tailored to senior management audiences.
• Diplomatic and Negotiating Acumen:
  • Strong diplomatic, negotiating, and interpersonal skills with the requisite clout to influence decisions and enforce adherence to policies at senior levels.
• People Leadership Skills:
  • Strong people leadership skills, characterized by empathy, clear communication, and resilience, with a demonstrated ability to motivate, support, and build trust with staff in a demanding and dynamic operational environment.
• Internal Leadership, Business Continuity, and Security:
  • Demonstrated capacity to lead on internal mission matters with confidence and clarity, including experience of business continuity planning and security management in a field environment.
• Representational and Collaborative Skills:
  • Proven external representational skills, with the ability to engage credibly with senior interlocutors and the diplomatic community, combined with a demonstrated ability to work closely and collaboratively with the Head of Mission.
• OSCE and Regional Knowledge:
  • Comprehensive understanding of OSCE principles and commitments, complemented by knowledge of regional political history and developments.
• Communication and IT Proficiency:
  • Professional fluency in English (oral and written) with excellent communication skills.
  • Proficiency in standard IT applications (e.g., word processing and email).

• Highly Desirable Qualifications

  • Working knowledge of a local language (Albanian and/or Serbian).

  • Experience working in field operations within South Eastern Europe.

     

   

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.
 

In order to apply for this position, you must complete the OSCE's online application form, found under OSCE Careers- Jobs. Applicants are encouraged to use the online recruitment and only fully completed OSCE applications will be accepted. However, if you have technical difficulties with the system, you may use the offline application form found at Offline application form | OSCE Employment and forward the completed form quoting the vacancy number by email to: consultancy.omik@osce.org .In line with your qualifications please indicate a preference for one or more fields of expertise listed above (while using the online application the field of expertise preference can be indicated in the cover letter part). Kindly note that applications received after the deadline, submitted in different formats than the OSCE Application Form or other languages than the English language would not be considered. The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all national, religious, ethnic, and social backgrounds to apply.