Background:
The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) assists participating States with implementing their Human Dimension commitments, which includes human rights monitoring and capacity building of State and non-State actors. The objective of ODIHR’s Human Rights Monitoring Fund is to collect thematic and country-based information on the human rights situation in participating States based on OSCE commitments and international human rights standards, identify areas of concern, and develop targeted, gender-sensitive recommendations to OSCE participating States on how to address the identified gaps.
The military attack that the Russian Federation initiated against Ukraine on 24 February 2022, has led to widespread civilian suffering, with mounting evidence of violations of international humanitarian law (IHL) and international human rights law (IHRL).
In order to fulfil its mandate, ODIHR has undertaken a comprehensive monitoring initiative as of 24 February 2022 – the Ukraine Monitoring Initiative (UMI). As part of the monitoring, ODIHR deploys teams of monitors to interview witnesses and survivors of IHL and IHRL violations, including internally displaced persons, humanitarian workers, journalists, former prisoners of war, members of local authorities, and others who may have information of relevance to the monitoring initiative. Monitors deploy to Ukraine, as well as to other countries where ODIHR sees the necessity to conduct interviews.
Objective of Assignment:
The main objective of this consultancy is to support ODIHR Ukraine Monitoring Initiative by collecting and analysing information, as well as validating, documenting and assessing allegations of violations of international human rights and humanitarian law related to the international armed conflict between the Russian Federation and Ukraine.
Duration of Assignment:
The Consultant is expected to work up to 105 working days in the period 25 September 2023 – 25 February 2024, with a possibility of extension.
Tasks and Responsibilities:
Under the supervision of the Deputy Head of the Human Rights Department, the consultant will:
- Remotely monitor developments related to the armed conflict between the Russian Federation and Ukraine by collecting, recording, and analysing open source information;
- Support efforts to document and analyse specific cases of alleged violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law;
- Provide information orally and in writing, draft internal briefings and public reports;
- Assist in drafting statements and social media posts;
- Contribute to maintenance and updating of relevant internal databases on the topic;
- Participate in regular team meetings, briefings and meetings with external stakeholders;
- Carry out other tasks connected to the Ukraine Monitoring Initiative as required;
Necessary Qualifications:
- Advanced university degree in human rights law, international humanitarian law, public internal law or related field;
- At least two years’ of professional experience in research on human rights and/or international humanitarian law issues;
- Solid knowledge of international human rights standards and OSCE human dimension commitments;
- Good understanding of the regional context and human rights issues arising from the international armed conflict between the Russian Federation and Ukraine;
- Excellent research and drafting skills in English, working knowledge of Russian or Ukrainian strongly desired;
- Flexibility and demonstrated ability to work under minimum supervision, under pressure and tight deadlines;
- Experience of working with the OSCE, including in the context of human rights monitoring and/or human rights-related research is an asset;
- Strong gender awareness and demonstrated ability to incorporate gender perspectives into planning, research and drafting;
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: Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights
- Requisition ID: ODI000096
- Contract Type: Special Service Agreement (SSA) / Consultant
- Grade: No grade
- Job Type: Consultant
- Number of posts: 1
- Location: ODI – Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), Warsaw
- Issue Date: Aug 25, 2023
- Closing Date: Sep 8, 2023
- Education Level: Master’s Degree (Second-level university degree or equivalent)
- Job Field: Human Rights
- Target Start Date: 25 September 2023
