Background:

Please note that this position is funded under an Extra-Budgetary (ExB) Project, with post duration set until 31 December 2026.

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 Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities (OCEEA) deals with economic and environmental issues, operating under the premise that promoting economic prosperity and co-operation on environmental problems can contribute to international security and stability. The OSCE's role is twofold: a) to monitor economic and environmental developments among participating States, and alert them to any threat of instability, and b) to facilitate the formulation of economic and environmental policies and initiatives among participating States, to promote security.

This position is established under the Extra-Budgetary (ExB) project on “Mitigating Climate Change Threats to Critical Energy Infrastructure” (hereinafter the project) within the OCEEA, that is currently envisaged to last until December 2026, with possibility of extension until December 2028.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

The Senior Project Adviser will be responsible for advising governmental and/or intergovernmental partners, bilateral and multilateral donor institutions and technical/substantive units respectively on implications of established programme policies and project needs within the framework of capacity-building or technical co-operation plans and priorities; initiating and, within the context of the Organization’s mandate, planning capacity-building or technical co-operation projects in collaboration with government institutions, as well as executing and funding agencies and co-ordinating effective project implementation.

As Senior Project Adviser, you will report directly to the Deputy Co-ordinator/Head Environmental Activities, while the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities acts as the second-level supervisor.

More specifically, you will perform the following tasks:

Providing strategic vision and managing relevant OCEEA’s energy project activities, addressing critical energy infrastructure protection, climate resilience, renewable energy, energy transitions, and other key energy and environmental security challenges;

Analysing political, social, and economic developments that influence energy security, as well as how energy security challenges impact political stability, economic development, environmental security, and climate action across the OSCE region;

In close consultation with participating States, Field Operations, and partner organizations, identifying energy-related capacity-building needs and designing appropriate, sustainable projects to address them; assessing project feasibility and impact based on country context and available resources; leading and coordinating project proposal development, ensuring alignment with regional priorities, as well as OSCE and donor requirements for submission and approval;

Overseeing smooth project implementation by planning and coordinating multiple activities across OSCE sub-regions, ensuring timely execution, alignment with project objectives, and synergy with other relevant initiatives;

Assessing the implementation of programme activities and resource use; identifying challenges or resource gaps and proposing corrective or alternative actions, including fundraising initiatives. Ensuring project reporting and evaluations are carried out in accordance with organizational and donor requirements;

Preparing reports, concept notes, talking points, speeches, and presentations; supporting outreach efforts; maintaining regular contacts with relevant counterparts; and representing the OSCE at conferences and related events;

Guiding and orienting the efforts and contributions of consultants, project personnel, donors, institutions and governments towards the achievement of programme objectives; and

Supporting other relevant activities, as per needs and instructions of the OCEEA senior management.

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

Necessary Qualifications:

Second-level university degree in international relations, political science, energy policy or other relevant disciplines; a first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree;
A minimum of seven years (nine years with a relevant first-level degree) of progressively responsible professional-level experience in the field of multilateral diplomacy, covering energy security, and related environmental security matters;
Demonstrated policy and advisory experience in the field of energy security, climate change or environmental security;
Proven knowledge of climate resilience and adaptation aspects of energy security and relevant solutions;
Experience in planning, implementing and managing thematically relevant donor-funded projects, as well as fundraising;
Recognized project management certification would be an asset;
Practical experience working on energy matters in OSCE countries, in particular Central Asia, would be an important asset;
Excellent oral and written communication skills in English. Knowledge of another official OSCE language would be an asset;
Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, and proven ability to integrate a gender perspective into projects, tasks and activities;
Ability and willingness to work as member of a team, and with people of different national and cultural backgrounds, while maintaining impartiality and objectivity;
Digital literacy and proficient use of Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint) and the internet.

Remuneration Package:

Monthly remuneration is around EUR 9,400, 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: SEC000863
Contract Type: International Contracted
Grade: P4
Job Level: Senior Professional
Job Type: Contracted
Number of posts: 1
Location: SEC - OSCE Secretariat, Vienna
Issue Date: Aug 20, 2025
Closing Date: Sep 17, 2025
Employee Status: Fixed Term
Schedule: Full-time
Education Level: Master's Degree (Second-level university degree or equivalent)
Job Field: Economic & Environmental Affairs
Target Start Date: As soon as possible