Legal Officer

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, 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 Legal Affairs provides legal services OSCE-wide with respect to public international law, financial and contractual matters, and legal issues related to the structure and activities of the OSCE. The Office also develops and strengthens the overall regulatory framework of the OSCE and advises on its implementation, including with respect to international civil service law.

The Office of Legal Affairs sits within the Office of the Secretary General (OSG), which in turn 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, co-ordinating policy advice provided to the Secretary General and the Chairpersonship as well as management decisions taken by the Secretary General.

Tasks and Responsibilities

Under the general supervision of the Head, Office of Legal Affairs, the Legal Officer will support the work of Legal Affairs by providing general legal support and advice to OSCE field operations, as well as to OSCE Institutions in furtherance of their programmatic functions in Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, Central Asia, and the Western Balkans. Such support may also include advising the Chairpersonship and the Delegations on legal issues relating to the functions, structure and activities of the Organization.
- Providing legal advice on issues arising in relation to early conflict warning, conflict prevention, crisis management and post conflict rehabilitation, including by participating in task forces, particularly with respect to field operations;
- Providing legal advice on issues concerning the legal status and privileges and immunities of the OSCE and its officials in the field;
- Reviewing, providing legal advice in the negotiation and interpretation of legal instruments, such as agreements, memoranda of understanding, or other legal materials relevant to the work of the Organization;
- Providing legal advice on representation or procedure in the OSCE decision-making bodies;
- Providing legal advice in the negotiation or interpretation of contracts, such as for the lease of premises, as well as on issues concerning intellectual property rights and insurance;
- Providing legal advice on dispute resolution, including by examining claims by or against the Organization, its field operations, and its officials;
- Performing extensive legal research and analysis for the preparation of legal opinions, studies, reports or correspondence;
- Performing other related duties as required.

Necessary Qualifications
- First-level university degree in law with a background in public international law;
- A minimum of six years of relevant professional experience, including a minimum of two years with a governmental administration or international organization;
- Excellent interpersonal and analytical skills;
- Professional fluency in English, with excellent oral and drafting skills; knowledge of other OSCE working languages is desirable;
- Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, and ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities;
- 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;
- Issued by: OSCE Secretariat
- Requisition ID: OFF00005K
- Contract Type: International Secondment
- Grade: S
- Job Type: Seconded
- Number of posts: 1
- Location: SEC - OSCE Secretariat, Vienna
- Issue Date: Nov 29, 2022
- Closing Date: Sep 30, 2024
- Employee Status: Fixed Term
- Schedule: Full-time
- Education Level: Bachelor's Degree (First-level university degree or equivalent)
- Job Field: Legal Services
- Target Start Date: As soon as possible