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 OSCE/ODIHR Contact Point for Roma and Sinti Issues (CPRSI) has been established by the OSCE participating States in 1994 to act as a clearing house and sharing good policies and experiences in improving the situation of Roma and Sinti. The CPRSI’s core activities are guided by the 2003 OSCE Action Plan on Roma and Sinti and the three subsequent Ministerial Council Decisions focusing on the overall improvement of the situation of Roma and Sinti, addressing their needs in crises and post-crises situations, enhancing their access to equal and quality education, combating the rise of violent manifestations against them and empowering their active participation in public and political life, in particular of Roma and Sinti women and youth. The ODIHR CPRSI work is based on the principle of non-discrimination and on direct involvement of Roma and Sinti in addressing areas of their concern. The ODIHR CPRSI core functions are to assist the OSCE participating States in policy development and implementation, to monitor and report about progress and challenges in this area and to build capacity of national authorities and the Roma and Sinti civil society. The ODIHR CPRSI fulfills its tasks in close collaboration and co-ordination with OSCE institutions and field operations, the international community, national agencies and the civil society.
Tasks and Responsibilities
Under the overall supervision of the Senior Adviser on Roma and Sinti Issues, Chief of the CPRSI, the incumbent will perform the following duties:
- Monitoring and analyzing the human rights situation of Roma and Sinti in the OSCE area, identifying emerging challenges and trends and particular situations that have the potential for tensions or crises situations and proposing ODIHR response where immediate action is required;
- Providing advice and expertise on development, implementation and evaluation of policies, programmes and projects implemented by national and local authorities addressing Roma and Sinti. Analyzing and monitoring the impact of new legislation and policies and its effects on Roma and Sinti and identifying good policy models fostering integration and non-discrimination;
- Preparing analytical human rights assessment reports on the situation of Roma and Sinti in the OSCE region and monitoring reports in line with the OSCE/ODIHR mandate. Reporting to the ODIHR management on the implementation of specific ODIHR activities, programmes and projects;
- Developing and implementing UB and ExB funded programmes and activities assisting the OSCE participating States in implementing the OSCE commitments on Roma and Sinti, addressing specific needs identified by the ODIHR CPRSI in line with its mandate on Roma and Sinti and for building capacity of the national and local authorities and Roma and Sinti civil society.
- Co-ordinating ODIHR CPRSI activities, programmes and projects internally with ODIHR departments, relevant OSCE institutions and field operations and externally with the international community (UN, CoE, EU), national authorities, intergovernmental organizations and civil society sector active in the field of Roma and Sinti issues;
- Representing the ODIHR CPRSI at international conferences and meetings hosted by national and local authorities addressing Roma and Sinti Issues and developing and keeping relations to the Roma and Sinti civil society sector in the OSCE region;
- Performing other duties as required.
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 law, political science, sociology or social science, public administration, international relations of other related field;
- At least four years of progressively responsible professional experience at national and international levels in human rights, public policy, Roma and Sinti or related field (either in governmental, international organization or NGO);
- Proven experience in human and minority rights, in Roma and Sinti issues or other vulnerable groups; familiarity with national, regional and international policies and initiatives addressing Roma and Sinti;
- Demonstrated experience in designing, planning and implementing project activities addressing the situation of Roma and Sinti with a gender mainstreaming and/or diversity management approach;
- Experience in monitoring human rights or relevant field experience on human rights and Roma and Sinti;
- Good understanding of the international environment and functioning of international human rights institutions and bodies and their work on Roma and Sinti;
- Computer literate and practical experience in Microsoft applications;
- Excellent oral and written communication skills in English; knowledge of Romani, Russian and/or other OSCE language would be an asset;
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with people of different national and cultural backgrounds whilst maintaining impartiality and objectivity;
- Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, and an ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities.
Remuneration:
Monthly remuneration is around EUR 4,000 with the actual monthly salary depending on post adjustment and family status. OSCE salaries are exempt from taxation in Poland.
Social benefits will include possibility of 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.