Background:

As the main OSCE institution concerned with the Human Dimension of security, ODIHR is tasked, inter alia, with assisting 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 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.

The invasion that the Russian Federation initiated against Ukraine on 24 February 2022, has led to widespread civilian suffering with mounting evidence of violations of international humanitarian law (IHL) and international human rights law (IHRL).

In order to fulfil its mandate, since 24 February 2022 ODIHR carries out a comprehensive monitoring under the Human Rights Monitoring Fund – the Ukraine Monitoring Initiative (UMI) – focusing on the most pressing issues affecting the lives of civilians and prisoners of war. The monitoring includes desk-research, collection and analysis of first-hand accounts regarding potential violations of IHRL and IHL on the most pressing issues impacting on the lives of civilians and prisoners of war.

Objective of Assignment:

The Researcher, in close consultation with the Research Coordinator, will assist ODIHR’s monitoring efforts to collect and analyse information as well as validate, document and assess allegations of violations of IHRL and IHL related to the international armed conflict between the Russian Federation and Ukraine.

Duration of Assignment:

up to 180 days per year

Tasks and Responsibilities:

Under the overall supervision of the Acting Head of Human Rights Department, the successful candidate will be tasked with the following duties:

1. Remotely monitor developments related to the international armed conflict between the Russian Federation and Ukraine;
2. Document and analyse specific cases of alleged violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law;
3. Draft specific chapter/s of internal briefings and public reports, as well as assist in drafting statements and social media posts on the international armed conflict between the Russian Federation and Ukraine;
4. Participate in regular team meetings and briefings, and meeting with other relevant ODIHR staff and external partners.
   

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

Necessary Skills and Qualifications:

• Advanced university degree in human rights law, international humanitarian law, public international law or related field;
• Minimum 4 years of professional experience in research on human rights and/or international humanitarian law issues;
• Knowledge of international human rights standards and OSCE human dimension commitments, and human rights issues arising from the international armed conflict between the Russian Federation and Ukraine;
• Solid drafting skills of different types of research papers;
• Experience of working in a multilateral/multicultural environment;
• Excellent knowledge of English, including excellent communication and drafting skills;
• Proficient use of Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint);
• Professional fluency in Russian and/or Ukrainian language would be 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.