JOB DESCRIPTION

Background:

Please note that this is a consultancy assignment of a temporary nature, with an expected duration of approximately 60 working days.

The OSCE is seeking a qualified research consultant to conduct a targeted study on the connection between the legitimate art market and illicit trafficking in cultural property. The special service agreement aims to analyse the vulnerabilities in the legal art trade that are exploited for laundering looted, stolen, or trafficked cultural objects, and to provide concrete recommendations for policy and market-level reforms.

The OSCE has a comprehensive approach to security that encompasses politico-military, economic and environmental, 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, counterterrorism and economic and environmental activities. All 57 participating States (pS) enjoy equal status, and decisions are taken by consensus on a politically, but not legally binding basis.

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

The mandate for OSCE engagement originates from the OSCE Border Security and Management Concept (BSMC) – (MC.DOC/2/05, 2005), namely the engagement and assistance to the pS in preventing all forms of cross-border illicit trafficking; Declaration on strengthening co-operation in countering transnational organized crime (MC DOC/1/20, 2020) in correlation with Ministerial Council Decisions No. 3/05 on combating transnational organized crime and No. 5/06 on organized crime; Ministerial Council Declaration on strengthening OSCE efforts to prevent and counter terrorism (MC.DOC/1/16, 2016), regarding the suppression of the terrorism financing via direct or indirect trade in cultural property and other items of archaeological, historical, cultural, rare scientific and religious importance.

In order to assist participating States in complying with the BSMC. the OSCE Transnational Threats Department’s Border Security and Management Unit (TNTD/BSMU) is implementing an ExB Project aimed at strengthening the capacities of border, law enforcement, and relevant agencies to more efficiently combat the illicit trafficking in cultural property, including its direct linkages to transnational organized crime, terrorism financing, money laundering, and corruption networks.

Throughout 2026, TNTD/BSMU will continue supporting participating States by implementing thematic action plans to enhance the enforcement, investigative, and risk-assessment capacities of the OSCE pS, and Partners for Co-operation in confronting this serious transnational threat. Priority will be given to those experts who are already contributing members of the OSCE-led Heritage Crime Task Force.

Objective of Assignment:

TNTD/BSMU is seeking a qualified research consultant to conduct a targeted study on the connection between the legitimate art market and illicit trafficking in cultural property. The special service agreement aims to analyse the vulnerabilities in the legal art trade that are exploited for laundering looted, stolen, or trafficked cultural objects, and to provide concrete recommendations for policy and market-level reforms.

Duration of Assignment:

The expected duration of the consultancy is approximately 60 working days over 3 months span.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

Under the overall supervision of the Customs Advisor, the successful candidate will be tasked with the following duties:

1. Mapping the actors, mechanisms, and financial flows (qualitative and quantitative analysis) involved in the intersection between the legal art market and illicit trade.
2. Conducting a comprehensive literature review on art market structures, regulations, and known cases of illicit trafficking in cultural property.
3. Identifying case studies where art market transactions facilitated or disguised the sale of trafficked cultural goods.
4. Analysing gaps in due diligence, provenance verification, and regulatory oversight within private galleries, auction houses, and online platforms.
5. Drafting a final research paper with recommendation for stakeholders (OSCE pS and PfC, as well as the OSCE-led HCTF) and presentation of findings.

Deliverables:

For more detailed information on the structure and work of the Secretariat, please see: http://www.osce.org/secretariat.

Necessary Qualifications:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or PhD) in art history, cultural heritage, law, international relations, law enforcement or related field;
• Demonstrated experience conducting independent, policy-relevant, research related to the art market, cultural property protection, or illicit trafficking in cultural property;
• Strong understanding of international legal instruments (e.g. UNESCO 1970 Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property, The Hague 1954 Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict, UNIDROIT 1995 Convention on Stolen or Illegally Exported Cultural Objects);
• Good knowledge of the OSCE and its area of operation. Previous assignments within the OSCE or another international organization would be an asset;
• Excellent analytical, written and communication skills in English language and the ability to draft documents clearly and concisely;
• Flexibility and ability to work under pressure in a challenging environment and within limited time frames;
• Previous publications on cultural heritage crime or the art market;
• Experience engaging with stakeholders from law enforcement, customs, museums, and the private art sector;
• Professional fluency in English with excellent communication (both oral and written) skills; professional fluency in Russian would be an asset;
• Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, and an ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities;
• Ability to work independently and deliver high-quality outputs on schedule;
• 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;
• Hiring of government official or civil servant requires a written agreement of the employer. When this consultant is hired on a full-time basis, evidence should be provided by the consultant to the OSCE that they have granted consent and, if necessary, leavy by their employer.

Remuneration Package:

Remuneration will be based on the selected consultant’s/expert’s qualifications, experience, the tasks and deliverables for this position and in accordance with the OSCE established rates.

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 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.

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.

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

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements