JOB DESCRIPTION

Background:

Please note that this is a consultancy assignment of a temporary nature, subject to the availability of sufficient funds.

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 Conflict Prevention Centre (CPC) plays a key role in supporting and co-ordinating the OSCE’s activities in the field, in providing analysis and policy advice to the Secretary General (SG) and the Chairpersonship, in leading work on all aspects of the conflict cycle, and in supporting the various formats dealing with protracted conflicts. The CPC also serves as the focal point in the Secretariat for co-ordinating and developing the OSCE’s role in the politico-military dimension.

The OSCE Mediation Support Team (MST) within the Conflict Prevention Centre (CPC) has been consolidated as the main resource for mediation support within the OSCE. The MST serves as the in-house capacity, providing strategic support for OSCE mediation and dialogue processes based on methodological expertise and practical experience. As such, the MST works closely with OSCE field operations, OSCE Institutions as well as with different departments and sections within the OSCE Secretariat, in particular the CPC/Operational Services (OS), the Gender Issues Programme, and the Office of the Co-ordinator of Economic and Environmental Affairs.

Objective of Assignment:

Please refer to the Terms of Reference for detailed information: https://www.osce.org/secretariat/597791

Duration of Assignment:

40 working days

Tasks and Responsibilities:

The consultant will conduct an evaluation of OSCE mediation support. The evaluation shall:

1. Assess the design and implementation of the current project phase (2023 – 2026);
2. Evaluate the effectiveness of MST support;
3. Identify areas of greatest added value for future MST programming.

Deliverables:

1. Inception report, including a detailed evaluation methodology, guiding questions, data collection methods and plan, interview guides, list of key informants and implementation schedule;
2. Final evaluation report, including key findings and forward-looking recommendations.

Necessary Qualifications:

• Advanced university degree in political science, international affairs, law, evaluation, or related field;
• Minimum 10 years of professional experience in evaluation, preferably in the field of peacebuilding, mediation, or dialogue facilitation;
• Proven expertise in evaluation methodologies, including theory-based and participatory approaches (experience with “critical friend” methodology is a strong advantage);
• Advanced knowledge of the OSCE’s political context and sensitivities, with experience of high-level mediation or dialogue processes;
• Professional fluency in English, including outstanding communication and drafting skills;
• 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;w
• Computer literacy and experience in conducting remote interviews;
• Flexibility and proven ability to meet deadlines.

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.

Additional Information

• Issued by: OSCE Secretariat
• Requisition ID: SEC000878
• Contract Type: Special Service Agreement (SSA) / Consultant
• Grade: No grade
• Job Level: Senior Professional
• Job Type: Consultant
• Number of posts: 1
• Location: SEC – OSCE Secretariat, Vienna
• Issue Date: Sep 24, 2025
• Closing Date: Oct 8, 2025
• Employee Status: Short-Term
• Schedule: Full-time
• Education Level: Master’s Degree (Second-level university degree or equivalent)
• Job Field: Political Affairs
• Target Start Date: As soon as possible

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements