Director for Human Resources

Job Description

The OSCE has a comprehensive approach to security that encompasses politico-military, economic and environmental, and human dimension aspects. It therefore addresses a wide range of security-related concerns, including arms control, confidence- and security-building measures, human rights, freedom of media, protection of national minorities, democratization, rule of law, policing strategies, border management, 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 OSCE is committed to gender equality. Female candidates are therefore encouraged to apply.

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.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

Overview of the role:

OSCE seeks a dynamic and innovative leader, adept at creating a strategic HR vision while also overseeing operational HR functions to ensure business process excellence and compliance. The Director oversees design and application of HR policies, organizational development and change management, HR analytics, talent acquisition and development, performance management, HR services and employee relations, and the operational safety and health (OSH) functions. The role is also instrumental in setting good people management practices while building upon industry standards, and ensuring a positive and inclusive workplace culture.

Key responsibilities:

As part of the senior leadership team, and reporting to the Secretary General, the Director for Human Resources is responsible for:

Strategic leadership:

Proactively advising the Secretary General on the Staff Rules and Regulations in need of revision to keep up with good industry standards and ways to align to those.
Developing and implementing HR policies and strategies aligned with the OSCE’s objectives, as well as with the OSCE general regulatory framework.
Position the Organization to proactively anticipate, plan, and meet workforce needs in a dynamic environment, utilizing strong HR analytics and systems and tools.
Advocating and building awareness within the Organization as well as with the Chairpersonship, OSCE participating States, and the OSCE governing bodies of the strategic importance of effective human resource management.
Using HR metrics to assess the effectiveness of HR initiatives and identify areas for improvement.
Advising senior management on HR good practices, organizational structure, and strategic human resource planning.
Applying the highest standards of ethics, while leading a group of 40+ HR professionals in the OSCE Secretariat, ensuring coherence of action across all DHR functions.
Ensuring cohesive and consistent HR support and advice across OSCE executive structures by fostering collaboration with and amongst HR staff outside the OSCE Secretariat.

Necessary Qualifications:

Second-level university degree in human resources management, public or business administration, law, social sciences, or a related field;
A minimum of twelve years of progressively responsible professional experience in human resources management, including a significant part of this period at a managerial level, preferably within an international organization;
Knowledge of human resources management theory and general management concepts;
Thorough understanding and proven experience in people management in a similar setting with the ability to lead effectively in a fast-changing environment;
Ability to plan the work and manage organizational units involved in diverse human resources functions, ensuring coherence across;
Political sensitivity and judgement, including strong analytical and negotiation skills;
Professional fluency in English; knowledge of other OSCE working languages would be an asset;
Excellent communication and presentation skills;
Computer literacy with practical experience using Microsoft applications;
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.