Background:
In addition to filling this position, the OSCE may also use this recruitment to identify and roster qualified candidates for similar future opportunities at the G6 or lower levels.
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 has the human resources capacity necessary to successfully implement its mandates. DHR sets the policies and provides services in the areas of talent acquisition, administration of benefits and entitlements, payroll, performance management, talent development, and policy and employee relations across the Organization.
The Talent Acquisition, as part of the Department of Human Resources, comprises at least ten staff members and is primarily responsible for the recruitment and selection of international contracted and seconded staff for the Secretariat and field operations and of general staff, temporary staff and consultants at the Secretariat. It is also responsible for outreach activities.
Tasks and Responsibilities:
As Talent Acquisition Associate you will be responsible for co-ordinating the recruitment and selection of international contracted positions for the OSCE Secretariat and international contracted and secondments in the field operations. This role will include drafting and issuing Vacancy Notices (VNs), overseeing the screening and selection processes, and ensuring the timely deployment of qualified personnel, adhering to Staff Regulations and Rules, and other relevant administrative guidelines.
You will report to the Talent Acquisition Officer, while the Chief, Talent Acquisition acts as your second-level supervisor.

You will play a lead role in delivering talent acquisition services and contributing proposals for improvements in the efficiency of recruitment processes. More specifically, you will be responsible for the following:

• Leading the execution of recruitment processes, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and Staff Instructions, and co-ordinating the entire recruitment cycle from initiation to conclusion;
• Conducting initial screening and assessment of candidates, co-ordinating interviews and evaluations with hiring panels, and recommending suitable candidates in line with OSCE recruitment policies;
• Developing and updating recruitment standard operating procedures, ensuring consistency and compliance, and providing advice and support to HR staff;
• Engaging regularly with internal stakeholders, aligning recruitment strategies with organizational needs, and acting as the main point of contact for external stakeholders, including participating States and candidates;
• Overseeing the portfolio of responsibility, preparing and analyzing reports on recruitment activities, and identifying trends to inform process improvements;
• Serving as an active member of Selection Boards for Professional and General Service posts, acting as Secretary in interviews for Senior Management positions, and drafting comprehensive interview reports to document the selection process;
• Performing other duties as assigned.

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 required;
• A minimum of six years of working experience in talent acquisition and/or human resources; with strong expertise in modern recruitment tools, data-driven decision-making, and proactive talent sourcing;
• Proven knowledge of contemporary practices in talent acquisition;
• Proven ability to take a lead role and provide technical advice and guidance for colleagues in their functional area and to work collaboratively with colleagues to achieve objectives and generate positive results, with responsibility to respond to internal and external service needs promptly and proactively;
• Proven track record in enhancing team efficiency and adaptability;
• Client orientation experience, with a demonstrated track record of effectively managing client expectations, delivering tailored solutions, and ensuring high levels of client satisfaction;
• Experience with Oracle-based systems and recruitment software;
• Ability to extract and format data and to solve operational problems;
• Professional fluency in English with excellent communication (both oral and written) skills; working knowledge of another OSCE official language is an asset;
• Demonstrated ability to handle work quickly and accurately under time constraints;
• Ability to organize own work, set priorities and meet deadlines with a demonstrated sense of confidentiality, initiative and good judgment;
• General knowledge of GenAI applications and prompts would be considered 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;
• Digital literacy and proficient use of Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint), internet.

REMUNERATION PACKAGE:

Monthly remuneration, subject to social security deduction, is around EUR 5,400 (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: SEC000755
• Contract Type: Local Contracted
• Grade: G6
• Job Level: General Services
• Job Type: Contracted
• Number of posts: 1
• Location: SEC - OSCE Secretariat, Vienna
• Issue Date: Mar 24, 2025
• Closing Date: Apr 14, 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

• Leading the execution of recruitment processes, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and Staff Instructions, and co-ordinating the entire recruitment cycle from initiation to conclusion;
• Conducting initial screening and assessment of candidates, co-ordinating interviews and evaluations with hiring panels, and recommending suitable candidates in line with OSCE recruitment policies;
• Developing and updating recruitment standard operating procedures, ensuring consistency and compliance, and providing advice and support to HR staff;
• Engaging regularly with internal stakeholders, aligning recruitment strategies with organizational needs, and acting as the main point of contact for external stakeholders, including participating States and candidates;
• Overseeing the portfolio of responsibility, preparing and analyzing reports on recruitment activities, and identifying trends to inform process improvements;
• Serving as an active member of Selection Boards for Professional and General Service posts, acting as Secretary in interviews for Senior Management positions, and drafting comprehensive interview reports to document the selection process;
• Performing other duties as assigned