Legal Officer (S)

This position is open for secondment only and participating States are kindly reminded that all costs in relation to an assignment at the Secretariat must be borne by their authorities.

Candidates should, prior to applying, verify with their respective nominating authority to which extent financial remuneration and/or benefit packages will be offered. Seconded staff members in the OSCE Secretariat and Institutions are not entitled to a Board and Lodging Allowance payable by the Organization.

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

The Office of the Secretary General (OSG) plays a key role in supporting the Secretary General in the effective implementation of his/her mandate and specific tasks given to him/her by the OSCE participating States. This includes primarily assisting the Secretary General in his/her activities, serving as a focal point for liaison and support to the Chairperson-in-Office, and co-ordinating tasks across the Secretariat.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

The Legal Officer assists Head, Office of Legal Affairs (H/OLA) to carry out the main tasks necessary for the functioning of the Office by preparing expert and timely legal advice on the full range of legal issues that affect the OSCE, including by representing OLA in working groups and committees and supporting H/OLA and DH/OLA in the mentoring of Junior Professional Officers (JPOs), and interns.

Under the direct supervision of the Head, Office of Legal Affairs, and with the Director, Office of the Secretary General as second-level supervisor, the successful candidate will be tasked with the following duties:

• Providing expert and timely legal advice on the interpretation of the regulatory framework of the Organization, including the Financial and Staff Regulations, Rules, Instructions and other administrative issuances, and preparing drafts and reviewing proposed amendments thereto;
• Providing expert and timely legal advice on the full scope of multi-disciplinary, complex and novel legal issues relating to the function of the Organization;
• Providing expert and timely legal advice on the drafting, negotiation and interpretation of legal instruments, including international agreements;
• Providing expert and timely legal advice on contractual matters, as required;
• Providing expert and timely legal advice on procedural issues arising in OSCE decision-making bodies;
• Conducting legal research and analysis for the preparation of legal opinions, studies, reports or correspondence;

Minimum Requirements:

• Second-level university degree in Law; a first-level university degree in Law in combination with two additional years of relevant experience will be accepted in lieu of the second-level university degree;
• A minimum of five years (seven years with a first-level university degree) of progressively responsible professional-level experience in law, including legal analysis, research and writing;
• Proven knowledge of the legal frameworks of international organizations;
• Professional fluency in English with excellent communication (both oral and written) skills; knowledge of another official OSCE language is an asset;
• Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity;
• Ability and willingness to work as a member of team, with people of different cultural, and religious backgrounds;
• Computer literate with practical experience using Microsoft applications.

The OSCE retains the discretion to re-advertise/re-post the vacancy, to cancel the recruitment, 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.

The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages the nomination of qualified female and male candidates from all religious, ethnic and social backgrounds.

Candidates should be aware that OSCE officials shall conduct themselves at all times in a manner befitting the status of an international civil servant.

Please apply to your relevant authorities well in advance of the deadline expiration to ensure timely processing of your application.

Please be aware that OSCE appointments are subject to medical clearance.

Please be aware that the OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application and review process.

• Issued by: OSCE Secretariat
• Requisition ID: SEC000657
• Contract Type: International Secondment
• Grade: S
• Job Type: Seconded
• Number of posts: 1
• Issue Date: Oct 21, 2024
• Employee Status: Fixed Term
• Schedule: Full-time
• Education Level: Master's Degree (Second-level university degree or equivalent)
• Target Start Date: As soon as possible