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 OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities (HCNM) promotes conflict prevention and integration of diverse societies. HCNM was established to identify and seek early resolution of ethnic tensions that might endanger peace, stability or friendly relations between OSCE participating States. The Senior Administrative Officer supports the work of the High Commissioner as part of a dynamic team of political, legal advisers, project staff and administrators that values diversity.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

Under the general guidance of the HCNM, direct supervision of the Director, and in close co-ordination with the Heads of Sections, the Senior Administrative Officer will be responsible for managing all administration and support functions, including Finance, Human Resources, Information and Communication Technology, Procurement, Logistics, Security in The Hague and the field. The successful candidate will be tasked with the following duties:

1. Contributing to strategic planning, including preparation of the HCNM budget; providing guidance on priorities, objectives and strategies to achieve objectives; tracking progress during implementation phase and recommending corrective actions, when necessary;
2. Advising the HCNM’s senior management team on strategic planning issues, notably Performance-Based Budgeting (PBPB);
3. Managing of financial resources, including the certification of expenditures;
4. Formulating and implementing control procedures to safeguard resources and ensuring accountability on all levels;
5. Advising the High Commissioner and Director on administrative policies and management issues, including finance, procurement and logistics;
6. Drafting internal human resources policy and advising senior management on staffing and professional development issues;
7. Co-ordinating recruitment processes in the office;
8. Supporting project activities and administration of project related contracts which are implemented throughout the OSCE region;
9. Advising the High Commissioner on all security and safety issues as security focal point;
10. Co-ordinating support for events, conferences and visits throughout the OSCE region;
11. Developing information management system and policies;
12. Liaising with the host country authorities on all matters affecting the HCNM, notably building management and protocol issues.

For more detailed information on the work of the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities, please see: https://www.osce.org/hcnm.

Necessary Qualifications:

• Second-level university degree in public or business administration or equivalent with specialisation in finance and accounting or other related fields; a first-level university degree in the said fields in combination with two additional years of relevant experience will be accepted in lieu of the second-level university degree;
• A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible relevant experience in public or business administration, budget, finance management at the national level, including at least five years at the international level;
• Professional fluency in English is required; knowledge of other OSCE official language/languages would be an asset;
• Excellent analytical, drafting, planning and organizational skills, resourcefulness; team spirit and initiative;
• Digital literacy and proficient use of Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Power Point, Excel);
• Experience in the use of IRMA/Oracle or any other ERP software would be an asset;
• Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, and an ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities;
• Ability and willingness to establish and maintain effective working relationships with people of different cultural and religious backgrounds, different gender and diverse political views, while remaining impartial and objective.

Remuneration Package:

Monthly remuneration amounts to approximately EUR 9,100 per month depending on post adjustment and family status. OSCE salaries are exempt from taxation in the Netherlands. 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. 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 shortlisted candidates 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 62 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.