Legal Adviser

This position is open for secondment only and participating States are kindly reminded that all costs in relation to assignment at OSCE/ODIHR 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 Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) is the principal institution of the OSCE responsible for the human dimension. ODIHR is active throughout the OSCE area in the fields of election observation, democratic development, human rights, tolerance and non-discrimination, and the rule of law. ODIHR's assistance projects and other activities are implemented in participating States in accordance with ODIHR's mandate.

Tasks and responsibilities:

• Providing legal advice and analysis on the interpretation of the mandate of ODIHR, as well as on issues relating to the functions, structure and activities of ODIHR, and with respect to the general applicable law;
• Providing legal advice and analysis on questions of international law affecting the legal status and privileges and immunities of ODIHR and its officials, as well as its legal relationships with governments and international organizations;
• Undertaking research and studying legal precedents related to the function, structure and activities of ODIHR;
• Providing legal advice on disciplinary procedures and other personnel-related matters and appeals against administrative decisions in conformity with OSCE Staff Regulations and Staff Rules, and Staff Instructions and the wider OSCE regulatory framework;
• Providing legal advice on the elaboration, review, interpretation and application of the regulatory framework of the OSCE;
• Providing legal advice in the negotiation or interpretation of legal instruments, such as agreements, memoranda of understanding, or other legal materials relevant to the work of the OSCE; Ensuring legal reviewing and clearing of and drafting legal documents;
• Co-ordinating ODIHR legal consultations and liaising with the OSCE Secretariat Legal Services regarding compliance with and consistent application of OSCE CRMS; co-ordinating discussions on legal matters of interest to ODIHR and to the OSCE internally as well as with local institutions and international organizations at the local level where appropriate;
• Performing other related duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:

• First level university degree in law;
• Minimum 6 years of relevant, diversified and progressively responsible professional experience;
• Experience in the practice of law, e.g. judges, prosecutors, lawyers, etc. is desirable;
• Knowledge of International Law;
• Experience in drafting and/or reviewing legislation and legal texts;
• Strong analytical skills and ability to take into account various policy implications and identify strategic issues for the office;
• Discretion and sound judgment in applying expertise to resolve sensitive and/or complex issues for the office;
• Computer literate with practical experience with Microsoft applications;
• Excellent written and spoken communication skills in English with good drafting skills is essential; knowledge of another OSCE language is desirable;
• Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, and an ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities;
• Ability to work in a team and to establish and maintain effective working relationships with people of different national and cultural backgrounds.

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.

The OSCE is a non-career organization committed to the principle of staff rotation; therefore, the maximum period of service in this post is 10 years.

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.

Please apply to your relevant authorities well in advance of the deadline expiration to ensure timely processing of your application. Delayed nominations will not be considered. The OSCE can only process Secondment applications that have been nominated by participating States.

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: Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights
• Requisition ID: ODI000215
• Contract Type: International Secondment
• Grade: S
• Job Type: Seconded
• Number of posts: 1
• Location: ODI - Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), Warsaw
• Closing Date: Apr 1, 2025
• Employee Status: Fixed Term
• Schedule: Full-time
• Education Level: Bachelor's Degree (First-level university degree or equivalent)
• Target Start Date: As soon as possible