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.
Tasks and Responsibilities:
Under the supervision of the Chief, Legislative Support Unit, the incumbent will perform the following duties:
Overseeing the portfolios on democratic lawmaking and on the ODIHR legislative database (www.legislationline.org), including management of administrative and financial aspects, implementation, monitoring, evaluation of related projects/activities; supporting the development of new projects and carry out research work in connection with such areas; In the designated thematic areas of responsibility, carrying out research, providing expertise and drafting legal commentaries on questions of conformity of domestic legislation with OSCE commitments and other relevant international standards; advising ODIHR management on law reform policy issues as well as on questions of international law, including the interpretation of international instruments; assessing the impact of all legal commentaries drafted by herself/himself and taking follow-up measures necessary for a proper understanding and implementation of the recommendations contained in these commentaries; Supporting and co-ordinating the work of one of the group of experts on political parties, freedom of peaceful assembly and/or freedom of association, and assisting with the development, amendment, editing, publication of and awareness-raising about the legislative guidelines on these topics; Following legal developments in selected OSCE participating States, providing briefings to ODIHR management and OSCE officials on legislative trends and developments in selected OSCE countries; Providing proposals for the design of the ODIHR legislative assistance and reform programme as well as for the evaluation of its outcomes and impact; providing oversight, guidance and directions concerning the further development and improvement of the ODIHR legislative database (www.legislationline.org); Designing and ensuring the well-functioning of mechanisms for the proper assignment of funds to activities carried out by the Unit; drafting donor reports based on input collected from all unit members; Replacing the Chief of Legislative Support Unit in his/her absence, or as requested; representing ODIHR at international meetings; Performing related duties as required.
Necessary Qualifications:
First-level university degree in law is required; Excellent knowledge of international human rights law, as well as constitutional and comparative law in the area of human rights and the rule of law; Minimum of six years of professional work experience in law and at least three years of international experience specifically in law reform in countries in transition to democracy are required; Extensive proven experience in drafting legal commentaries on human rights and rule of law issues; comparative knowledge of law-making processes is an asset; Political intuition and tact; organizational and strong legal analytical skills; resourcefulness, initiative and maturity of judgement; Ability to work with minimum supervision; Ability to advise high-level officials on law reform and lawmaking issues; Excellent knowledge of English with strong legal writing is required; Ability to work with people of different nationalities, religions and cultural backgrounds; Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, ethical awareness and an ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities.
Remuneration Package:
Monthly remuneration is approximately EUR 5,400 depending on post adjustment and family status. OSCE salaries are exempt from taxation in Poland. Social security will include participation in the Cigna International medical insurance scheme and OSCE Provident Fund maintained by the OSCE. 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.
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.
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 the OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application and review process. Additional Information
Issued by: Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights Requisition ID: LEG00000J Contract Type: International Contracted Grade: P3 Job Level: Professional Job Type: Contracted Number of posts: 1 Location: Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), Warsaw Issue Date: Sep 14, 2022 Closing Date: Oct 12, 2022 Employee Status: Fixed Term Schedule: Full-time Education Level: Bachelor's Degree (First-level university degree or equivalent) Job Field: Democratization Target Start Date: As soon as possibleThis vacancy is archived.