Job: Head of the Office of Political Affairs

Location: Pristina 
Deadline: Monday, 28 October 2013 

Description

The majority of positions in OSCE field operations are filled by secondment, which means that individuals are nominated by their respective OSCE participating State. In addition, a limited number of seconded positions are available at the OSCE Secretariat and the institutions.

General Minimum Requirements

The general minimum requirements for working with the OSCE are:

• Excellent physical condition
• Possession of a valid automobile driving license and ability to drive using manual transmission
• Ability to cope with physical hardship and willingness to work extra hours and in an environment with limited infrastructure

Field of Expertise Requirements

The general minimum requirements for working in this field of expertise are:

• University education in international studies, public policy, political science or law or related fields
• Diplomatic experience or experience working in political affairs with international organizations or governments
• Experience in preparing analytical reports
• Excellent communication and drafting skills
• Knowledge of regional political history and developments
• Diplomatic and negotiating skills
• Some knowledge of the OSCE principles and commitments

Level of Professional Competence Requirements

Furthermore, this level of responsibility requires the following:

Education:

• Advanced education/certified training course in relevant field. Advanced degree in a management discipline an asset

Experience:

• Minimum 10 years relevant, diversified and progressively responsible professional experience including at least 5 years at the management level relevant to the actual position

Mission Specific Requirements

Additionally, this particular post has specific requirements:

Mandatory:

• Proven experience in the management of a team
• Previous experience in analyzing political developments
• Thorough understanding of multi-disciplinary issues in international co-operation and development
• Excellent drafting and writing skills
• Professional fluency in the English language with strong communication skills
• Flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances and to respond to emergency situations
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to work as a member of a team, with people of different cultural and religious backgrounds, different gender, and diverse political views while maintaining impartiality and objectivity
• Cultural sensitivity and judgment
• Flexibility and ability to work under pressure and with limited time frames
• Ability to operate windows applications, including word processing and e-mail

Desirable:

• Knowledge of the Albanian and/or Serbian language
• Familiarity with Kosovo's political environment
• Working experience in one or more of the main functional areas of the Mission's mandate, preferably in an international environment

Tasks and Responsibilities

The Head of the Office of Political Affairs (OPA) provides support and advice to the Head of Mission (HoM) and Deputy Head of Mission (DHoM) on all major policy issues. Under the supervision of the HoM, the incumbent performs the following functions:

• Manages a team of political advisers and ensures the quality of political reporting;
• Advises the HoM and the DHoM on policies and major issues affecting the implementation of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo (OMIK) mandate under Permanent Council Decisions;
• Reviews, approves or submits for approval strategies, concepts and approaches to meet new challenges, prepares detailed proposals on policy issues related to the priorities of the Mission at Headquarters, in the Regional Centres and Field Offices;
• Co-ordinates co-operation and work on major policy issues falling under the mandate of the Mission with local institutions, political parties and entities, communities, regional and international stakeholders; participates in inter-agency meetings and advises on issues of common concern;
• Provides up-to-date analysis;
• Informs senior management of political priorities, identifies priority projects and important cross-departmental issues, participates in and contributes to planning initiatives for the Mission;
• Follows political developments in Kosovo and the region, provides analysis and advice to HoM/DHoM; directs and reviews political reporting on behalf of the Mission to UNMIK and OSCE Headquarters;
• Co-ordinates closely with the directors of Departments to optimize OMIK's participation in regional fora and regional co-operation activities;
• Performs related duties as required.

The OSCE is committed to achieving a better balance of women and men within the Organization. The nomination of female candidates is particularly encouraged.

Candidates should, prior to applying, verify with their respective nominating authority to which extent financial remuneration and/or benefit packages will be offered.

Please apply to your relevant authorities several days prior to the deadline expiration to ensure timely processing of your application. Delayed nominations will not be considered.

More Info and Application