Talent Development Officer (P3)

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 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 Department of Human Resources (DHR) ensures that the OSCE has the human resources capacity necessary to successfully implement its mandates. DHR sets the policies and provides services in the areas of talent acquisition, administration of benefits and entitlements, payroll, performance management, talent development, and policy and employee relations across the Organization.

DHR provides organizational structure and support to meet business needs by effectively managing the employee lifecycle. Human resources play an essential role in supporting, developing, and co-creating a positive culture in the workplace. Within this context the Talent Development Unit is responsible for developing, implementing and updating the learning and development aspects of the DHR strategy with a view of it staying relevant to the evolving needs of the Organization. The Unit ensures coherent and consistent planning and delivery of learning and development services across DHR, the Secretariat, and the OSCE.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

As Talent Development Officer, you will play a pivotal role in delivering the objectives of the Learning and Development Unit by leading the design, implementation, and evaluation of innovative learning programs aligned with organizational priorities. Serving as an advisor, you will collaborate with stakeholders in the Organization to assess learning needs, provide guidance on performance development opportunities, and ensure consistency in training activities at the OSCE. Furthermore, you will be responsible for delivering effective learning solutions, and co-ordinating with external service providers to deliver high-quality programs.

You will operate with a high degree of autonomy, drive process improvements, introduce best practices, and foster a culture of continuous learning. The role's impact extends to enhancing staff capabilities, aligning learning strategies and supporting tools and systems with organizational goals, and contributing to the overall success of the OSCE’s talent development initiatives.

You will report directly to the Chief of Talent Development, while the Deputy Director for Human Resources serve as your second level supervisor.

More specifically, you will perform the following tasks:

1. Collaborating with multiple stakeholders to assess learning needs and develop learning plans aligned with organizational goals and priorities, incorporating industry trends and best practices to ensure innovative and effective learning solutions;
2. Designing and implementing a variety of learning programs, using diverse delivery methods such as e-learning, blended learning, and in-person sessions, while co-ordinating with external service providers to ensure effective training delivery;
3. Preparing and delivering engaging learning sessions, workshops, and presentations to diverse audiences, ensuring clarity, relevance, and alignment with organizational learning objectives and staff needs;
4. Planning and promoting alternative learning methods such as peer-to-peer learning, mentoring, coaching, job shadowing and stretch assignments, ensuring alignment with the OSCE's competency model; 
5. Co-ordinating the implementation of the Organization’s performance management and development system, advising on developmental opportunities, addressing performance shortcomings and recognizing outstanding performance, as well as advising managers, employees and HR colleagues on consistent learning and performance development opportunities that support staff growth;
6. Supporting monitoring and evaluation of the impact of learning programs and providing data-driven recommendations for continuous improvement and innovation in learning practices;
7. Under delegated authority, managing a team of assistants, fostering collaboration, managing workloads, and ensuring professional growth and high-quality delivery of talent development initiatives;
8. Performing other duties as assigned.   

For more detailed information on the structure and work of the OSCE Secretariat, please see https://www.osce.org/secretariat 

Necessary Qualifications:

• A second-level university degree in human resources management, learning and development, adult education, business/public administration, behavioural sciences or a related area; a first-level university degree in the said fields in combination with two additional years of relevant experience will be accepted in lieu of the second-level university degree;
• Certification in learning and development area or similar is considered an asset;
• A minimum of five years of progressively relevant professional-level experience, preferably in an international and multicultural work environment;
• Sound understanding of adult learning techniques and proven knowledge and application of diverse training methods and approaches; 
• Experience in delivering and presenting engaging training sessions;
• Experience in co-ordinating performance management and development activities; 
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English; knowledge of other official OSCE languages is considered an asset;
• Excellent interpersonal skills, to collaborate and influence internally with various stakeholders;
• Experience in leading teams is desirable; 
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to deliver clear, engaging, and impactful presentations tailored to diverse audiences;
• Computer literate with practical experience with Microsoft applications and learning management systems (LMS) and other learning technologies;
• 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 a team, with people of different cultural, and religious backgrounds, different gender, and diverse political views, while maintaining impartiality and objectivity.

Remuneration Package:

Monthly remuneration is around EUR 7,800, with the actual monthly salary depending on post adjustment and family status. OSCE salaries are exempt from taxation in Austria. Social benefits will include possibility of participation in the Cigna medical insurance scheme and the OSCE Provident Fund. Other allowances and benefits are similar to those offered under the United Nations Common System.

Please note that appointments are normally 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 (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 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.

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.