General Questions

Does the OSCE accept applications from candidates with disabilities?

Yes, candidates with disabilities are encouraged to apply for OSCE positions. The OSCE is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace and providing reasonable accommodations to support applicants throughout the recruitment process.

If I am a national from a country which is not an OSCE participating State, am I eligible to apply for an OSCE position?

Vacancies are open for competition only for nationals of its 57 participating States. OSCE Partners for Co-operation can nominate candidates for seconded posts at the S1 and S2 level.

If a family member of mine works for the OSCE, can I apply for a position myself?

An appointment or assignment shall not be granted to a person who is the father, mother, son, daughter, brother or sister of an OSCE official, except for an appointment of assignment to an institution or mission which is different to from that of the OSCE official. OSCE officials closely related to another shall not be assigned to serve in a post in which they directly supervise and are supervised by their relative, partner or spouse.

Can I submit an unsolicited CV or resume?

No, all candidates are required to submit an application through the OSCE’s official application platform, TALEO.

Should I add any attachments to my application?

No, you should not add any attachments to your application, this includes a photo, copies of diplomas, degrees or certificates, and recommendation letters. You are required to provide the contact details of three references and contact details for previous supervisors in the OSCE application form. If you are invited to an interview, you will be asked to supply copies of your relevant degrees and diplomas. The OSCE will conduct reference checks based on the information supplied.

At what stage of the process is this status updated?

Your status will normally remain “active” until the recruitment process has been completed and the chosen candidate has accepted the post.

Will I be notified if I have been long-listed for a position?

Due to the volume of applications received, we only contact those candidates who have been short listed for interview.

How long does the recruitment process take?

From the vacancy deadline to making a job offer to the successful candidate, the process may take 120 days on average.

If I’m successful with my application, what kind of learning opportunities are provided?

Local induction courses are run in the Secretariat, our Institutions and Field Operations. In addition to this, the OSCE offers a range of internal and external learning opportunities to support both programmatic and administrative activities.

What benefits will I receive if my application is successful?

The salary for a given post is indicated in the respective section of our vacancies However, the benefits and entitlements will depend on your status, the location of the post and the current rates. If you are offered a post with the OSCE, your HR focal point will be happy to discuss this in detail after your appointment.

Contracted Positions

What is the difference between Professional posts and General Service posts?

Applicants for positions at the Director (D), Professional (P) and National Professional (NP) categories are required to have a university degree, as well as several years of experience at the national and/or international level in a relevant field of expertise.

Applicants for positions in the General Service (GS) category are required to have completed secondary education, supplementary courses related to the functions of the position and the commensurate number of years of relevant working experience.

What is the maximum period of service for contracted posts?

In accordance with OSCE’s rules and regulations, the maximum period of service for contracted posts is as follows:

• For Director (D1/D2) level posts, the maximum period of service is 4 years.
• Professional (P) level posts are limited to a maximum of 7 years in a single post. However, an additional 3 years may be served in another post, bringing the total maximum period of service to 10 years.
• For P5-level posts, the maximum period of service is 5 years.
• For National Professionals (NP), contracts are not subject to a maximum duration, and the length of service is determined based on the needs of the organization and individual performance.
• General Service (GS) staff contracts are not subject to a maximum duration, and the length of service is determined based on the needs of the organization and individual performance.

What is the age limit for applying for contracted posts?

For contracted positions at the General Service, Professional and Director level, the mandatory retirement age in the OSCE is 65. 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.

Seconded Positions

What is the difference between contracted and seconded posts?

Contracted staff members and mission members are directly employed by the OSCE and are paid by the OSCE. Seconded employees are pre-selected and nominated by their respective participating State. When seconded to a Field Operation, they receive a Board and Lodging Allowance (BLA) from the Field Operation and may receive additional benefits from their seconding State; however, this is subject to national policies and regulations. When seconded to the Secretariat or Institutions, no BLA is paid by the OSCE.

What is the maximum period of service for seconded posts?

For seconded positions in the Secretariat and Institution the maximum period of service is 10 years. For seconded positions in Field Offices the maximum period of service is 7 years.

What is the age limit for applying for seconded posts?

For seconded positions, including the posts of Head of Mission and Deputy Head of Mission, and other officials appointed by the Chairman-in-Office or the Ministerial Council, there is no age limit.

Special Service Agreements (SSA)

If I am a national from a country which is not an OSCE participating State, am I eligible to apply for an SSA at the OSCE?

Vacancies are open for competition amongst all nationalities.

Is there an age limit for applying to an SSA position?

No, there is no age limit for applying to an SSA position.

How many days can I work as an SSA with the OSCE?

As an SSA, one can work for a maximum of 180 days in a calendar year, in any OSCE Executive Structure.

Am I eligible for receiving benefits as an SSA?

Consultants are responsible for arranging their own social security coverage, including health insurance and pension, as they consider appropriate at their own expense. Upon request prior to the commencement of the SSA, consultants may participate in the OSCE health insurance scheme at their own expense, subject to conditions of the scheme in force.

Can I work in the OSCE if my relatives work there too?

An SSA shall not be granted to a person who is the father, mother, son, daughter, brother or sister of an OSCE official, except when the consultancy is in an executive structure which is different from that of the OSCE official.

Rosters

What is a roster?

A roster is a pool of pre-assessed and approved candidates who may be considered for immediate or anticipated vacant posts.

How can I be rostered?

There are two primary pathways for candidates to join a roster: through a generic or a specific vacancy, normally up to P5 level. These vacancies will include a standard clause stating that "candidates interviewed and found suitable during the recruitment process for this vacancy will be placed on a roster of suitable candidates should a suitable opportunity arise."

The placement on a roster does not guarantee a future appointment or assignment.

Will I be notified If I am rostered?

Candidates who have been placed on a roster will be notified of their status.

For how long can I be in the roster?

Candidates can be placed on a roster for a period of three years from the date of approval by the appointing authority. 

Candidates are encouraged to keep their profiles up to date on the TALEO system to ensure education and work experience are up to date. Candidates who wish to withdraw from a roster may do so at any time by contacting recruitment@osce.org.