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 Legal Affairs (OLA) provides legal services OSCE-wide with respect to public international law, internal justice matters, financial and contractual matters, and legal issues related to the structure and activities of the OSCE, including claims against it. OLA also advises on personnel matters, develops and strengthens the overall regulatory framework of the OSCE, and advises on its implementation, including with respect to international civil service law.
OLA sits within the Office of the Secretary General, which in turn plays a key role in supporting the Secretary General in the effective implementation of the mandate and specific tasks assigned to the Secretary General by the OSCE participating States. This includes primarily assisting the Secretary General in carrying out activities, serving as a focal point for liaison, co-ordinating policy advice provided to the Secretary General as well as other decisions taken by the Secretary General.
Tasks and Responsibilities:
The Head, Office of Legal Affairs (H/OLA) oversees the preparation of authoritative legal advice to the Secretary General, ensuring OLA provides a common and consistent approach to diverse substantive and procedural questions of considerable complexity.
H/OLA supervises the unit’s personnel and performance, oversees the unit’s legal advice and administrative reporting, and manages the organizational arrangements necessary for the functioning of the unit, such as budgeting and recruitment.
H/OLA is under the administrative supervision of Director, Office of the Secretary General. The Secretary General is the second level supervisor.
Under the overall supervision of the Director, Office of the Secretary General, the successful candidate will be tasked with the following duties:
Providing and overseeing the provision of expert and timely legal advice on the interpretation of the regulatory framework of the Organization, including the Financial and Staff Regulations, Rules, Instructions and other administrative issuances, and reviews drafts and proposed amendments thereto; and reviewing drafts other administrative issuances (e.g., policy guidance, guidelines) and verifying their consistency with the Regulations, Rules and Instructions;
Providing and overseeing the provision of expert and timely legal advice on the full scope of multi-disciplinary, complex and novel legal issues relating to the function of the Organization, including concerning the legal status and privileges and immunities of the OSCE and its officials.
Providing and overseeing the provision of expert and timely legal advice on the drafting, negotiation and interpretation of legal instruments, including international agreements, protocols, exchange of letters, memoranda of understanding or other legal arrangements concluded on behalf of the Organization with participating States, international organizations and other entities;
Providing and overseeing the provision of expert and timely legal advice on contractual matters, as required, including dispute resolution, intellectual property rights, insurance and data protection; overseeing the drafting and negotiation of leases and high value and complex commercial contracts with senior officials in the Secretariat, Institutions and Field Operations;
Providing and overseeing the provision of expert and timely legal advice on procedural issues arising in OSCE decision-making bodies;
Managing staff performance, portfolios and assignments, providing feedback as necessary;
Performing other related duties as required.
For more detailed information on the structure and work of the OSCE Secretariat, please see: https://www.osce.org/ secretariat
Necessary Qualifications:
A first-level university degree (Bachelor's or equivalent) and a second-level university degree in Law are required;
A minimum of ten years of directly related and progressively responsible professional-level experience, including at least eight years in the legal service of an international organization and/or national diplomatic service;
Proven extensive knowledge of international administrative law and/or public international law, including the legal frameworks, practice and procedure of international organizations;
Demonstrated managerial and supervisory experience, including over staff and financial resources;
Professional fluency in English with excellent communication (both oral and written) skills;
Working knowledge of at least one other language from the OSCE region is an asset;
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.
- Issued by: OSCE Secretariat
- Requisition ID: SEC000993
- Contract Type: International Contracted
- Grade: P5
- Job Level: Senior Professional
- Job Type: Contracted
- Number of posts: 1
- Location: SEC - OSCE Secretariat, Vienna
- Issue Date: May 6, 2026
- Closing Date: Jun 8, 2026
- Employee Status: Fixed Term
- Schedule: Full-time
- Education Level: Master's Degree (Second-level university degree or equivalent)
- Target Start Date: As soon as possible
