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, 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 OSCE Secretariat in Vienna assists the Chair in its activities, and provides operational and administrative support to the field operations, and, as appropriate, to other institutions.

The Office of Legal Affairs provides legal services OSCE-wide with respect to public international law, financial and contractual matters, and legal issues related to the structure and activities of the OSCE. The Office also develops and strengthens the overall regulatory framework of the OSCE and advises on its implementation, including with respect to international civil service law.

The Office of Legal Affairs sits within the Office of the Secretary General, which in turn plays a key role in supporting the Secretary General in the effective implementation of their mandate and specific tasks given to them by OSCE participating States. This includes primarily assisting the Secretary General in their activities, serving as a focal point for liaison and support to the Chairperson-in-Office, co-ordinating policy advice provided to the Secretary General and the Chair as well as management decisions taken by the Secretary General.

Tasks and Responsibilities:
Under the general supervision of the Head/Office of Legal Affairs, the Legal Adviser supports the work of the Office by providing legal advice on the full range of legal issues that affect the OSCE. Specifically, the successful candidate will be tasked with the following duties:

1. Providing legal advice on issues arising in relation to early conflict warning, conflict prevention, crisis management and post conflict rehabilitation, including by participating in task forces;
2. Providing legal advice on issues concerning the legal status and privileges and immunities of the OSCE and its officials;
3. Reviewing, providing legal advice in the negotiation and interpretation of legal instruments, such as agreements, memoranda of understanding, or other legal materials relevant to the work of the Organization;
4. Providing legal advice on representation or procedure in the OSCE decision-making bodies;
5. Providing legal advice in the negotiation or interpretation of commercial contracts, such as for the lease of premises, as well as on issues concerning intellectual property rights and insurance;
6. Providing legal advice on the elaboration, review, interpretation and application of the regulatory framework of the Organization, including Staff Regulations, Rules, Instructions, Financial Regulations and other administrative issuances;
7. Providing legal advice on internal justice cases, including by examining claims by or against the Organization and its officials;
8. Performing extensive legal research and analysis for the preparation of legal opinions, studies, reports or correspondence;
9. Performing other related duties as required.

For more detailed information about the work of the OSCE Secretariat please see: http://www.osce.org/secretariat

Necessary Qualifications:

• First-level university degree in law with specialization in public international law;
• A minimum of six years of relevant professional experience, including a minimum of two years at the international level;
• Excellent interpersonal and analytical skills;
• Professional fluency in English with excellent communication (both oral and written) skills; knowledge of other OSCE working languages is an asset; 
• Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, and an ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities;
• Ability and willingness to work as a member of team, with people of different cultural, and religious backgrounds, different gender, and diverse political views, while maintaining impartiality and objectivity;
• Computer literate with practical experience using Microsoft applications.

 
Remuneration Package:
Monthly remuneration is around EUR 7,300, with the actual monthly salary depending on post adjustment and family status. OSCE salaries are exempt from taxation in Austria. Social benefits will include possibility of participation in the Cigna medical insurance scheme and the OSCE Provident Fund. Other allowances and benefits are similar to those offered under the United Nations Common System.

Please note that 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.

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.