Background:

Please note that this position is currently funded until 31 December 2026 and any further extension will be subject to the availability of extrabudgetary funds.

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 Department of Human Resources (DHR) ensures that the OSCE benefits from a capable and committed workforce that delivers on the security priorities of participating States. DHR provides a range of human resources services throughout the OSCE and is responsible for the development and review of human resources policies.

Talent Acquisition Section, part of the Department of Human Resources, oversees the recruitment processes for the OSCE Secretariat and various field operations. The Talent Acquisition Assistant will help co-ordinate talent acquisition efforts, ensuring the effective sourcing, selection, and deployment of qualified candidates for international and local posts.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

As the Talent Acquisition Assistant, you are responsible for supporting talent acquisition activities in the recruitment and selection of international and local staff, consultants, Junior Professional Officers, and interns for the OSCE Secretariat, as well as international mission members for field operations. This involves co-ordinating with various stakeholders, managing complex tasks, and providing guidance and support in recruitment matters.

Your role will have a special focus on supporting the section in the overall co-ordination of change management initiatives and projects, policy and procedure development, internal controls and compliance, managing the talent acquisition help desk, administration and maintenance of staff sourcing and consultancy rosters, records management, and ongoing and proactive outreach activities. You will also support the section in its regular recruitment activities, including for senior-level posts.

You will report to the Chief, Talent Acquisition, and receive technical guidance from Talent Acquisition Officers.

More specifically, you will be tasked with the following:

1. Supporting Policy and Procedure Development and Compliance:

Assisting in developing and maintaining recruitment policies, procedures, and guidelines to ensure consistent and fair recruitment practices;
Supporting the co-ordination and implementation of change management initiatives and projects, system upgrades and innovations;
Supporting the co-ordination of activities related to ensuring compliance and internal controls, such as internal control walkthroughs and audit activities;
Supporting the provision of training and guidance to HR staff on recruitment processes and best practices.

2. Facilitating Talent Acquisition Support and Reporting:

Administering, maintaining and upgrading various staff sourcing and consultancy rosters;
Contributing to reports on recruitment activities, including metrics on application volumes, selection outcomes, time-to-hire, geographic and gender diversity;
Assisting in conducting analysis of recruitment data to identify trends and make recommendations for process improvements;
Administering the talent acquisition help desk, providing support in resolving issues related to recruitment processes, assisting with troubleshooting in collaboration with other sections and departments in the Secretariat and other executive structures.

3. Assisting Stakeholder Management and Outreach:

Maintaining regular communication with internal stakeholders, including department heads and HR teams, to align recruitment efforts with organizational needs;
Serving as a point of contact for external stakeholders, including participating States and candidates, addressing inquiries and providing information on recruitment processes;
Assisting with ongoing and targeted outreach activities in social and professional networks.

4. Supporting Recruitment and Sourcing Efforts:

Assisting in end-to-end recruitment processes, including drafting, issuing, and managing vacancy notices, screening applications, co-ordinating and conducting assessments and interviews with evaluation boards, serving on or acting as secretary to evaluation boards, drafting evaluation reports, and facilitating approvals with the appointing authority;
Collaborating with hiring managers in sourcing for and contracting experts and consultants;
Assisting in attracting, selecting, and onboarding interns and Junior Professional Officers.

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

Necessary Qualifications:

Completed secondary education, as well as specialized training in human resources, business administration, or a related field is commonly required; a university degree in a relevant field may be considered as a substitute for up to two years of working experience only to determine eligibility;
A minimum of 5 years of working experience in human resources or overall administration focusing on talent acquisition;
Experience in assisting project management and/or co-ordination of change management and innovation initiatives would be considered an asset;
Advanced knowledge of computer applications (word processing, database and spreadsheets) and an in-depth knowledge of Oracle-based systems and software can be beneficial to understand system functionalities and troubleshooting technical issues. Furthermore, general knowledge of such systems as Taleo, VidCruiter or similar, and GenAI applications and prompts would be considered as an asset;
Established ability to work with figures, display accuracy and attention to detail and good understanding of collecting and interpreting statistical data;
Professional fluency in English with excellent communication (both oral and written) skills; working knowledge of another OSCE official language is an asset;
Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, and an ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities;
Ability and willingness to work as a member of team, with people of different cultural and religious backgrounds, different gender, and diverse political views, while maintaining impartiality and objectivity.

Remuneration Package:

Monthly remuneration, subject to social security deduction, is around EUR 4,670 (12 times a year) depending on 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.

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.

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,

Please note that for this position the OSCE does not reimburse expenses such as travel in connection with interviews, tests, visas and relocation.

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: SEC000875
Contract Type: Local Contracted
Grade: G5
Job Level: General Services
Job Type: Contracted
Number of posts: 1
Location: SEC - OSCE Secretariat, Vienna
Issue Date: Sep 19, 2025
Closing Date: Oct 27, 2025
Employee Status: Fixed Term
Schedule: Full-time
Education Level: High School Diploma / (GED)
Job Field: Human Resources Management
Target Start Date: As soon as possible