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 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. It groups horizontal services such as Executive Management, Communication and Media Relations, Legal Services, External Co-operation, Security Management, Gender Issues, Conference and Language Services, Central Records Management, and oversees the OSCE Documentation Centre in Prague (DCiP). The OSG ensures effective co-ordination of policy advice provided to the Secretary General and the Chairpersonship, and management decisions taken by the Secretary General.
Under the supervision of the Director of the OSG and the overall strategic guidance of the OSCE Secretary General, the Head of External Co-operation leads on development and implementation of external relations focused on three key areas: partnerships with international and regional organizations and multilateral partners; partnerships with the OSCE Partners for Co-operation (Mediterranean and Asian Partners). Within this scope, s/he cultivates and strengthens the existing and develops new partnerships. In line with mandates and organizational priorities, the incumbent steers the development and implementation of strategies, partnership agreements, approaches and activities within the Section’s remit, and co-ordinates internal and external processes related to the function.
Tasks and Responsibilities:
The Head of External Co-operation is responsible for the effective management of the External Co-operation Section, including its human and financial resources. S/he ensures the sound financial management of the Section’s budget and effective allocation of resources in line with organizational priorities.
More specifically, the incumbent performs the following functions:
External co-operation and representation
1. Consistent with the OSCE’s role as a regional arrangement under Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations and in line with the organizational and the OSCE Secretary General’s priorities, the Head of External Co-operation is responsible for overseeing and strengthening co-operation between the OSCE and its key partners; Developing relevant strategies and institutional and management arrangements, following relevant developments, providing substantive contributions and advice to executive structures on partnerships, and ensuring effective internal and external co-ordination of activities;
2. With a view to enhancing the coherence of OSCE’s external relationships, building and ensuring effective communication flows and co-ordinating activities internally and externally; Participating in events and meetings, and representing the OSCE in inter-agency co-ordination mechanisms and in international fora, as required;
3. Providing advice to the Secretary General on external relations and engagements with OSCE’s partners.
OSCE Partners for Co-operation
4. Contributing to the OSCE’s co-operation with Mediterranean and Asian Partners for Co-operation; planning and overseeing co-ordination of activities involving Partners for Co-operation and participating States, such as Partners for Co-operation Group meetings and other events; planning and overseeing organization of annual mandated conferences with Partners for Co-operation, including their comprehensive substantive and operational preparations and follow-up processes;
5. Maintaining relationships and contacts with representatives of Mediterranean and Asian Partners for Co-operation through personal liaison and facilitating meetings of Partners’ high-level representatives with the Secretary General;
6. Overseeing management of the Partnership Fund, including the development and identification of project opportunities involving Partners for Co-operation.
Management
7. Supervising the External Co-operation Section by effectively organizing the work across diverse portfolios, identifying priorities, managing staff’s performance and professional development, facilitating effective information- and knowledge sharing, and fostering constructive collaboration culture and practices;
8. The incumbent is responsible for managing the Section’s budget, including extra-budgetary resources within the Partnership Fund, in compliance with sound financial management principles;
9. Performing other duties as assigned.
For more detailed information on the structure and work of the OSCE Secretariat, please see: https://www.osce.org/secretariat
Necessary Qualifications:
Second-level university degree in international relations, political sciences, humanities or other related field. A first-level university degree in relevant fields in combination with two additional years of relevant experience will be accepted in lieu of the second-level university degree.
A minimum of ten years (twelve years with a relevant first-level degree) of relevant professional-level experience in the field of diplomacy and external co-operation;
At least 5 years of this experience shall be in a senior and/or managerial position;
Extensive experience in co-operation with the United Nations system, as well as with other multilateral, regional, and security organizations, complemented by substantial experience in diplomatic relations and international representation;
Excellent communication and diplomatic skills;
Strong team management skills;
Professional fluency in English and one other official OSCE language with excellent communication (both oral and written) skills; advance proficiency of at least one other language from the OSCE region is desirable;
Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, and an ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities;
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.
Remuneration Package:
Monthly remuneration is around EUR 11,300, with the actual monthly salary depending on post adjustment and family status. OSCE salaries are exempt from taxation in Austria. 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. In exceptional cases, an initial appointment at up to Step 3 may be considered. This depends on factors such as relevant experience exceeding minimum requirements or higher previous remuneration. Any such request by a candidate must be reviewed and approved by the OSCE before the appointment
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 those candidates who are selected to participate in the subsequent stages of recruitment 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
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,
The OSCE is a non-career organization committed to the principle of staff rotation, therefore the maximum period of service in this post is 5 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.
Additional Information
- Issued by: OSCE Secretariat
- Requisition ID: SEC001046
- Contract Type: International Contracted
- Grade: P5
- Job Type: Contracted
- Number of posts: 1
- Location: SEC - OSCE Secretariat, Vienna
- Issue Date: Jul 9, 2026
- Closing Date: Aug 6, 2026
- Employee Status: Fixed Term
- Schedule: Full-time
- Education Level: Master's Degree (Second-level university degree or equivalent)
- Job Field: Political Affairs
- Target Start Date: As soon as possible
