Adviser on Gender Issues

Apr 29, 2019 | Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe
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Background

This position is open for secondment only and participating States are kindly reminded that all costs in relation to assignment at the Secretariat 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, 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 Gender Section supports the efforts of the OSCE Secretary General to ensure a continuous and sustainable gender mainstreaming process across the Organization.  It supports the full implementation of the 2004 Action Plan for the Promotion of Gender Equality, as well as other gender-related commitments undertaken by the OSCE participating States. It assists and advises the OSCE Chair in Office and the OSCE Structures in the implementation of the Action Plan by providing technical assistance for the mainstreaming of gender in all activities, policies, programmes and projects. The Gender Section/OSG also designs and implements projects and activities that are strategically important for advancing the implementation of the OSCE commitments in the field of gender equality.

Currently male staff in the Gender Section are underrepresented. Nominations of male candidates would be encouraged for this opportunity.

Tasks and Responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of the Senior Adviser on Gender Issues, and the direct supervision of the Senior Co-ordination Adviser, the selected candidate will provide programmatic expertise and follow-up in the thematic area of mainstreaming gender in OSCE programmes, projects, and activities, in particular those dedicated to economic and environmental security. More specifically, the Adviser on Gender Issues will perform the following duties:

  • Providing knowledge and expertise to departments at the OSCE Secretariat,  Institutions and field operations on  the development of a consistent and systematic approach to integrating a gender perspective in their programmes and projects, especially in the second dimension (economic and environmental affairs) of the OSCEs comprehensive security work and in compliance several OSCE offical documents;
  • Assisting OSCE Secretariat departments, field operations, and Institutions in designing and implementing projects and promoting the inclusion of a gender perspective in comprehensive security, with focus on economic and environmental activities; monitoring their implementation within the framework of OSCE standards and the framework of the 2004 Action Plan for the Promotion of Gender Equality and relevant Ministerial Decisions;
  • Providing technical expertise and inputs on priority issues of gender mainstreaming, including to senior management, with focus on economic and environmental issues and liaising, consulting and co-operating with the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities (OCEEA);
  • Contributing to briefings, proposals and reports, including the OSCE Annual Progress Report on gender equality, in all areas of the second dimension, while collaborating with all relevant Secretariat departments, Institutions and field operations;
  • Drafting talking points for OSCE senior management and statements/speeches for the Senior Adviser on Gender Issues with a focus on economic and environmental  gender and security issues;
  • Developing and implementing capacity building materials and activities on gender mainstreaming for the OSCE executive structures; 
  • Participating in capacity building of Gender Focal Points and OSCE staff in promoting networking and dissemination of good practices;
  • Promoting the utilization of instruments for gender mainstreaming, co-ordinating and enhancing the exchange of information and best practices on promoting gender equality in OSCEs work and among the participating States, in the areas identified in the 2004 Action Plan; 
  • Liaising with relevant international and regional organizations;
  • Representing the Senior Adviser on Gender Issues in meetings and conferences, as required;
  • Performing other related duties, such as preparing fact sheets on gender related topics and drafting press releases, as required.

For more detailed information on the structure and work of the OSCE Secretariat, please see: http://www.osce.org/secretariat

Necessary Qualifications

  • First-level university degree in gender studies, international relations, political  sciences, economics, environmental sciences or other relevant field;
  • A minimum of six years of professional experience in gender issues, economic or environmental issues;
  • Solid experience in programme management and technical co-operation in bi- or multi-lateral development organizations, including field operations;
  • Solid knowledge and awareness of international commitments and conventions related to gender equality, especially the Women, Peace and Security Agenda;
  • Proven track record in mainstreaming a gender perspective in programmes and projects, especially in the economic and environmental fields;
  • Ability to analyse and evaluate critical matters in the field of gender equality,  preferably in economic and environmental issues, and to design strategies to address them;
  • Knowledge of the OSCE related economic and environmental commitments and fields of expertise would be an asset;
  • Professional fluency and excellent drafting skills in English; knowledge of other OSCE working languages, especially Russian, would be an asset;
  • Ability and willingness to work as a member of a team with people from diverse cultural backgrounds, as well as different religious and political views, while maintaining impartiality and objectivity.