Background:

ODIHR assists OSCE participating States with implementing their human dimension commitments, which includes monitoring of human rights and building capacity of State and non-State actors in overall nine thematic portfolios.

The objective of the Human Rights Monitoring Fund is to collect thematic and country-based information on the human rights situation in participating States based on OSCE commitments and international human rights standards, identifying areas of concern and developing targeted, gender-sensitive recommendations to OSCE participating States on how to address identified gaps.

As the main OSCE institution concerned with the human dimension of security, ODIHR is tasked, inter alia, with assisting the OSCE participating States in the implementation of their human dimension commitments (Helsinki 1992). ODIHR’s monitoring mandate is based on a number of commitments (Helsinki 1992, Budapest 1994, Oslo 1998, Maastricht 2003). Moreover, ODIHR serves as a point of contact for information provided by participating States (Rome 1993), and participating States have expressed their determination to co-operate within the OSCE and with its institutions and representatives in a spirit of solidarity and partnership in a continuing review of implementation (Istanbul 1999).

ODIHR aims to carry out its monitoring mandate in situations where evidence points to significant international human rights and humanitarian law concerns and where there are indications of significant civilian suffering, where ODIHR can make a positive impact through engagement with the OSCE participating State.

Objective of Assignment:

The objective of this consultancy is to contribute to ODIHR’s international human rights and humanitarian law monitoring efforts, and to validate, document and assess allegations of violations of international human rights and humanitarian law in the OSCE region.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

Under the overall supervision of the Deputy Head of the Human Rights Department, the consultant will be part of ODIHR team set up to monitor, document and assess alleged violations of human rights or international humanitarian law in applicable contexts in the OSCE region.

In close consultation with the project coordinator, the consultant will:

1. Monitor the use of weapons in line with the prohibition of deliberate, indiscriminate and reckless attacks against civilians, any instances of murder, torture and other violence including sexual or conflict-related sexual violence against civilians and/or prisoners of war, taking of hostages, enforced disappearance, unlawful confinement, denial of humanitarian relief;
2. Support investigations, analysis and development of files of attacks concerning alleged violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law, in line with the internally developed data security protocol;
3. Advise, orally and in writing, and draft briefings, reports and assist in drafting statements, letters, and social media posts, as requested, on application of international humanitarian law, in the context of armed conflicts in the OSCE region;
4. Contribute to maintenance and updating of relevant internal databases on the topic, as requested;
5. Take part in interviews in the course of the monitoring project, including with refugees and victims of violations of international human rights and humanitarian law, in line with human rights monitoring principles, including do no harm, confidentiality, informed consent, impartiality, objectivity, etc.;
6. Advise on participation of the core team members in topical capacity building activities and events, such as seminar, webinars, e-learning courses, etc.;
7. Participate in meetings with ODIHR’s external partners, as required.

Necessary Qualifications:

• Advanced university degree in law, political science, international relations or other disciplines related to human rights;
• At least 6 years of professional experience in international human rights law and international humanitarian law;
• At least 4 years of experience in research on human rights and international humanitarian law issues;
• Experience of working in a monitoring team examining violations during an armed conflict;
• Ability to work under time pressure and meet tight deadlines;
• Experience of working in a multilateral/multicultural environment;
• General awareness of safety and security;
• Possessing excellent communication skill;
• Excellent gender awareness and knowledge of gender mainstreaming;
• Excellent knowledge of English, oral and written;
• Experience with interviewing people with trauma and experience in application of human rights monitoring principles is an asset;
• Knowledge of other OSCE region languages, especially Ukrainian and/or Russian is an asset.

Remuneration Package:

Remuneration will be based on the selected consultant's/expert's qualifications, experience, the tasks and deliverables for this position and in accordance with the OSCE established rates.

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 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.

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, please see https://jobs.osce.org/resources/document/our-competency-model.

Please be aware that the OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application and review process.