Background:
This position is open for secondment only and participating States are kindly reminded that all costs in relation to an assignment at the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities 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 OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities (HCNM) promotes conflict prevention and integration of diverse societies. HCNM was established to identify and seek early resolution of ethnic tensions that might endanger peace, stability or friendly relations between OSCE participating States. Among the tools that the High Commissioner uses are recommendations to governments of OSCE participating States regarding the treatment of national minorities.
Senior Adviser supports the work of the High Commissioner as part of a dynamic team of political and legal advisers, project staff and administrators that values diversity.
Tasks and Responsibilities:
Under the overall supervision of the Head of the South Eastern Europe and West Section (SEE and West Section), the successful candidate will be tasked with the following duties:
Advising the High Commissioner on national minorities and other matters in his/her area of responsibility, as well as on the development of the High Commissioner's thematic work and project activities, analyzing information related to national minorities in the assigned geographic region, identifying issues that should be addressed, including thematic priorities, and formulating recommendations; advising the High Commissioner on participation and the course of action to be taken in a particular situation;
Preparing briefing papers, speaking notes and background information in advance of High Commissioner's visits and accompanying the High Commissioner on official visits as principal adviser;
Monitoring political and social developments, and preparing comprehensive analyses, notes and reports for the High Commissioner;
Providing input to HC speeches and, in consultation with the relevant project officers, identifying areas, where project activity can contribute to the fulfillment of the High Commissioner's mandate;
Establishing and maintaining contacts with international organizations, OSCE field operations and institutions with regard to national minority issues;
Representing the HCNM at seminars, conferences and meetings concerned with political, social and other issues relating to national minorities;
Performing other related duties as required.
For more detailed information on the structure and work of the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities, please see:https://hcnm.osce.org
Necessary Qualifications:
Second-level university degree in Political Science, International Relations, International Law, Sociology or other related fields;
A minimum of seven years (nine years with a first-level university degree) of progressively responsible professional experience in dealing with minority issues and human rights, international relations, public administration or other related fields, including three years at the international level;
Thorough knowledge of international relations, diplomacy, European security issues, international law and human rights;
Excellent analytical, planning and organizational skills;
Professional fluency in English, including excellent drafting skills; knowledge of local languages spoken in the assigned geographical area and/or other OSCE working languages, is an asset;
Strong communication skills, resourcefulness, team spirit and initiative;
Ability to work independently but also as part of a team;
Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, and an ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities;
Ability and willingness to establish and maintain effective working relations with people of different cultural and religious backgrounds, different gender, and diverse political views, while remaining impartial and objective;
Computer literate with practical experience using Microsoft applications.
If your participating State does not provide the option to apply online for seconded positions, you are kindly requested to submit your offline application form available at https://jobs.osce.org/resources/document/offline-application-form to the respective OSCE delegation whose address can be found at https://www.osce.org/contacts/delegations.
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.
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 open for secondment, 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 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. For more information on the values set out in OSCE Competency Model, please see https://jobs.osce.org/resources/document/our-competency-model.
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.
For queries relating to your application, please refer to the respective delegation as listed here: https://www.osce.org/contacts/delegations.
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: OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities
- Requisition ID: HCN000057
- Contract Type: International Secondment
- Grade: S
- Job Type: Seconded
- Number of posts: 1
- Location: HCN - OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities, The Hague
- Issue Date: Jun 2, 2026
- Closing Date: Jul 1, 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
