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 CPC supports and co-ordinates the OSCE’s activities in the field, providing analysis and policy advice to the Secretary General (SG) and the Chairpersonship, leading work on all aspects of the conflict cycle, and supporting the various formats dealing with protracted conflicts. The CPC also serves as the focal point in the Secretariat for co-ordinating and developing the OSCE’s role in the politico-military dimension.
The post is located in the Operations Support Unit (OSU) within the OSCE Secretariat’s Conflict Prevention Centre (CPC)/Forum for Security Co-operation (FSC) and Operations Support Service (FOSS). Within the CPC, the FOSS/OSU covers a broad variety of tasks, such as operational planning for the set-up, restructuring, and closure of field operations; analysis and operational support on early warning, early action, crisis management, and other issues that cut across the conflict cycle; the identification of related lessons and best practices for institutional memory and improved effectiveness; crisis preparedness support and coordination; maintaining a 24/7 Situation/Communications Room; managing an OSCE Strategic Asset Reserve and an OSCE-wide geographic information system (GIS) capability; operational liaison with other international organizations.
Tasks and Responsibilities:
The Associate Operational Support Officer supports efforts to enhance the OSCE’s operational effectiveness, efficiency and impact by contributing to timely and robust operational planning and support, particularly on crisis preparedness and response as well as in the establishment, restructuring, or closure of an OSCE field operation. These actions may require temporary deployments to crisis areas in support of the Organization’s operational response efforts. Additionally, he/she will support the development of conflict early warning trend analysis and the development of analysis informing policy and operational responses.
The Associate Operational Support Officer co-operates closely with the other members of OSU to support co-ordination with departments, sections and units across the Secretariat as well as with OSCE field operations on operational planning activities and their implementation, to assist in developing and running crisis response simulations, in facilitating the development and exchange of operational lessons/best practices, and supporting the provision of strategic advice and assistance on conflict cycle-related activities. The incumbent works at the operational level to support specific initiatives with international and national stakeholders, non-governmental organizations, and academic institutions in similar areas of expertise, as required by the direct supervisor.
More specifically, the incumbent will be tasked with the following:
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Under the guidance of the Chief, OSU, assisting in operational planning and implementation activities in co-ordination with relevant departments, sections and units of the Secretariat and with OSCE field operations and institutions, as necessary. This includes support on crisis preparedness and response operational activities and planning the establishment, restructuring and closure of field operations;
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Assisting in the review, update and development of guidelines, generic operational planning templates, standard operating procedures, and other operational planning documents related to OSCE activities in the field, as required;
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Supporting design and conduct of crisis simulation exercises for field operations and the OSCE Chairpersonship to enhance crisis response and preparedness;
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Assisting in the development, conduct and coordination of after-action reviews and debriefings for departing senior OSCE officials and other relevant stakeholders, and by assessing international practices, to identify lessons and best practices to enhance effectiveness and impact of OSCE policies and programmes and to preserve institutional memory;
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Supporting analytical work on early warning methodological advice and conflict cycle issues; attending meetings, conferences and workshops on conflict cycle issues; assisting with analytical and organizational support for OSCE Chair and Secretariat on ASRC matters and other activities, as required.
For more detailed information on the structure and work of the OSCE Secretariat, please see https://www.osce.org/secretariat
Necessary Qualifications:
First-level university degree in political science, international relations or a related field;
A minimum of four years (two years with a relevant second-level degree) of progressively responsible professional experience in international relations, political analysis, knowledge management, operational planning and co-ordination with a government agency, national or international organization or non-governmental organization;
Field experience in an international environment would be a distinct asset;
Proven knowledge of conflict cycle concepts and practical applications, and familiarity with relevant international efforts in these areas;
Demonstrated political acumen, research and analytical skills, and experience in operational planning and lessons learned methodologies for conflict analysis;
Familiarity with technological tools for conflict analysis, early warning and operational planning, e.g., geographic information system, AI-powered predictive modelling, would be a distinct asset;
Excellent oral and written communication skills in English;
Knowledge of another official OSCE language would be 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 a team and with people of different cultural and religious backgrounds, different gender and diverse political views, whilst maintaining impartiality and objectivity;
Computer literate with practical experience with Microsoft applications, including maintaining databases.
Remuneration Package:
Monthly remuneration is around EUR 6,100, 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 7 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: SEC001008
- Contract Type: International Contracted
- Grade: P2
- Job Level: Professional
- Job Type: Contracted
- Number of posts: 1
- Location: SEC - OSCE Secretariat, Vienna
- Issue Date: May 18, 2026
- Closing Date: Jun 16, 2026
- Employee Status: Fixed Term
- Schedule: Full-time
- Education Level: Bachelor's Degree (First-level university degree or equivalent)
- Job Field: Political Affairs
- Target Start Date: As soon as possible
