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 Rule of Law Unit is to support OSCE participating States in strengthening the legitimacy of law in compliance with OSCE commitments and international law within the human dimension. Towards that end, the Rule of Law Unit develops and implements projects and activities in support of participating states on fair trial monitoring, criminal and administrative justice reform of criminal justice, and independence of the judiciary in the OSCE region. In addition to project activities, the Rule of Law Unit provides policy advice and assistance to ongoing ODIHR and OSCE work on rule of law issues throughout the OSCE Region.
Tasks and Responsibilities:
Under the supervision of the Head of Democratization Department of ODIHR, the incumbent is responsible for the following duties:
Providing leadership and guidance in determining strategic priority areas for the Unitโs work, supervising the staff of the Rule of Law Unit, including experts and consultants, monitoring the status of the budget and use of extra-budgetary contributions for the Rule of Law Unit; Advising on rule of law issues, including providing briefings and trainings on activities relating to rule of law; Supervising the development, implementation and evaluation of programmatic activities covering a wide range of topics related to rule of law, including supervising the analysis and monitoring of public policy, legislation and OSCE participating state practices affecting the rule of law to identify areas where improvements/action are required or recommended; Supervising the analysis of legal texts and staying informed about developments and the overview of existing national legal frameworks in developing democracies in the OSCE region, specifically relating to criminal justice reform and fair trials; Contributing to the substantive organization of mandated OSCE human dimension meetings on rule of law topics; Giving presentations and representing the ODIHR on rule of law issues at OSCE meetings, seminars and conferences and events of other international organizations, participating States of the OSCE and NGOs; Performing other related duties, as required.Necessary qualifications:
Second-level university degree in law; a first-level university degree in combination with two years of additional qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the second-level university degree; At least seven years (nine years with a relevant first-level degree) of professional law-related work experience, including at least three years of relevant experience at the international level working in the field of rule of law development; Established knowledge of human rights and democracy-building issues; Experience working in criminal law including a thorough knowledge of criminal procedure, practice and policy, public international law, and comparative government structures and knowledge of criminal justice reform is an advantage; Relevant work experience in South Eastern Europe and/or the former Soviet Union; Strong analytical skills; Management skills; Excellent written and oral communication skills in English. Knowledge of another OSCE language would be an asset; 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 8,600 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. In exceptional cases, an initial appointment at up to Step 3 may be considered. This depends on factors such as relevant experience exceeding minimum requirements or higher previous remuneration. Any such request by a candidate must be reviewed and approved by the OSCE before the appointment.
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 63 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. Additional Information
Issued by: Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights Requisition ID: ODI000233 Contract Type: International Contracted Grade: P4 Job Level: Professional Job Type: Contracted Number of posts: 1 Location: ODI - Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), Warsaw Issue Date: May 21, 2025 Closing Date: Jun 18, 2025 Employee Status: Fixed Term Schedule: Full-time Education Level: Master's Degree (Second-level university degree or equivalent) Job Field: Rule of Law Target Start Date: August 2025