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 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.
The purpose of the Democratization Department's Democratic Governance and Gender Unit is to support participating States in implementing their OSCE commitments with regard to democratic institutions, democratic governance and participation in democratic processes. The Gender Adviser, in line with the assignments given specifically and exclusively to ODIHR in the OSCE Action Plan for the Promotion of Gender Equality, conducts initiatives promoting equal opportunity for participation in political and public life and building national gender equality mechanisms.
The incumbent is expected to start in July 2021.
Tasks and Responsibilities
Under the supervision of the Chief, Democratic Governance and Gender Unit, the incumbent will advise on issues relating to gender equality and women's participation in political and public life and provide guidance and assistance in respect of developments affecting the above-mentioned issues throughout the OSCE region. More specifically, the incumbent will perform the following duties:
- Identifying, developing, implementing and evaluating specific programmes, projects and activities to promote increased participation of women in public and political life across the OSCE region, in line with the tasks assigned to the ODIHR in the OSCE Action Plan for the Promotion of Gender Equality, to foster equality between women and men, promote inclusive democratic institutions such as parliaments and political parties, and to increase the level of compliance of domestic policies with international instruments for the promotion and protection of women's rights;
- Designing assistance programmes aimed at facilitating implementation and assessment of national strategies and action plans on measures to promote gender equality and gender mainstreaming;
- Analysing and monitoring public policy, legislation and State practices affecting areas of gender equality, women’s rights and other human dimension activities to identify areas where improvements are necessary;
- Preparing analytical reports and providing briefings on activities related to women's rights, gender equality and other human dimension issues;
- Contributing to the substantive organization of mandated OSCE human dimension meetings on issues of gender equality and participation in public affairs;
- Reporting to the ODIHR management and, as required, to the ODIHR partners and donors, on the progress in implementation of the projects and activities conducted in the field of women's participation and gender equality;
- Co-ordinating and working with other ODIHR units and departments, the OSCE Senior Adviser on Gender Issues at the OSCE Secretariat as well as gender focal points in the OSCE field operations and, when requested, providing expertise and advice;
- Representing the ODIHR at international conferences and meetings on women's participation and gender equality issues;
- Performing other duties as assigned.
For more detailed information on the structure and work of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, please see https://www.osce.org/odihr.
Necessary Qualifications
- First-level university degree in gender studies, social and political science, law, sociology, public administration or other related field;
- At least six years of increasingly responsible related professional experience in government, an international organization or an NGO of which three years at the international level;
- Proven experience in designing, planning and implementing project activities that support gender equality and promote equal participation of women and men in public affairs; demonstrated experience in project management;
- Good understanding of the international environment in which gender related activities are being discussed, promoted and implemented as well as an excellent knowledge of the functioning of international institutions and bodies entrusted with the task of promoting and overseeing the implementation of gender-related treaties, conventions and other instruments;
- Experience in working as part of a team is highly desirable;
- Excellent written and oral communication skills in English; knowledge of Russian would be an asset;
- Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, ethical awareness and an ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities;
- Ability to work with people of different nationalities, religions and cultural backgrounds;
Computer literate with practical experience in Microsoft applications.
Required competencies Core values
Commitment: Actively contributes to achieving organizational goals
Diversity: Respects others and values their diverse perspectives and contributions
Integrity: Acts in a manner consistent with the Organization’s core values and organizational principles
Accountability: Takes responsibility for own action and delegated work
Core competencies
- Communication: Actively works to achieve clear and transparent communication with colleagues and with stakeholders of the Organization
- Collaboration: Works effectively with others on common goals and fosters a positive, trust-based working environment
- Planning: Works towards the achievement of goals in a structured and measured manner
- Analysis and decision-making: Analyses available information, draws well-founded conclusions and takes appropriate decisions
- Initiative-taking: Proposes and initiates new ideas, activities and projects
- Flexibility: Responds positively and effectively to changing circumstances
Managerial competencies (for positions with managerial responsibilities)
Monthly remuneration is approximately EUR 5,208 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.