Senior Policy Support Officer OSCE

NORCAP works to improve aid to better protect and empower people affected by crisis and climate change. We do this by providing expertise and solutions to humanitarian, development and peacebuilding partners, because we believe working together is the best way to reduce needs, risks and vulnerability over time. We seek and promote more effective ways of working at the global level and in the field. NORCAP's aim is not only to reduce needs, but also to create choice and opportunity for vulnerable people. NORCAP works with and through our partners to improve aid in two complementary ways:

• We provide targeted expertise to strengthen our partners' response.
• We collaborate with partners to develop solutions to unmet gaps and challenges.

This role is delivered through NORDEM, NORCAP's resource bank for democracy and human rights, and reflects our commitment to strengthening dialogue, confidence-building and early warning capacity across the OSCE region.

The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) takes a comprehensive approach to security, covering political-military, economic, environmental and human dimensions across its 57 participating States. The OSCE Secretariat in Vienna supports the Chairpersonship and provides operational and policy support to field operations. Within the Secretariat, the Conflict Prevention Centre's Policy Support Service is the main point of contact on field operations, providing analysis, advice and support to the Secretary General and the Chairpersonship, including on the Geneva International Discussions (GID) and related conflict formats.

Responsibilities

As Senior Policy Support Officer (GID), you will provide policy advice with a focus on the Geneva International Discussions and related meetings, drafting speeches, statements, background briefings and talking points on OSCE activities in the conflict context. You will lead and manage a Policy Support Officer, analyse the impact of ongoing activities against agreed objectives, and provide policy advice, reporting and early warning input, including on confidence-building measures. Success in this role means the Secretary General and the Chairpersonship are well briefed, well supported, and positioned to act early on emerging risks.

The position is based in Vienna, Austria, with an initial contract duration of 12 months (subject to confirmation as part of the 2026 Unified Budget process). You will report to the Deputy Director for Policy Support Service, with the Director of the Conflict Prevention Centre acting as second-level supervisor.

NB. This assignment is open for Norwegian passport holders only.

As the Senior Policy Support Officer (GID), you will take on the following responsibilities:

Role and Responsibilities

• Monitor and analyse developments in the assigned context, with a focus on early warning signals of potential crises, and recommend appropriate preventive or reactive action to the Secretary General and the Chairpersonship.
• Assist in implementing policy and mandate guidance from the Secretary General and participating States, including leading or taking part in meetings with relevant Institutions, Units and the OSCE Troika, in particular on the Geneva International Discussions (GID) and its formats.
• Provide expert advisory, technical and material support to the Secretary General and the Chairpersonship, including research, analytical reports, policy options, background information, and draft decisions and statements on OSCE field activities.
• Support the Chairperson-in-Office's engagement on the ground, including co-moderating GID Working Group 2 and supporting Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism meetings.
• Facilitate coordination of confidence-building programmes, people-to-people contacts, and entry points for mediation and dialogue, and help prepare senior-level meetings, visits and travel.
• Lead consultations with partner organisations at headquarters and in the field, and present the Organization's work to international organisations, officials and delegations.
• Supervise a Policy Support Officer and, where relevant, interns: allocate tasks and resources, support performance and professional development, contribute to onboarding, and participate in selection panels as required.
• Ensure a gender perspective is considered and integrated across all activities developed and managed by the team.

Please note that this position is administered through NORDEM, NORCAP's resource bank for democracy and human rights, on behalf of the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and is therefore open only to candidates holding Norwegian citizenship.

Qualifications

To excel in this role, candidates should possess the following qualifications and skills:

• A first-level university degree in political science, public or international law, international relations, or a related field.
• A minimum of nine years (seven years with a relevant second-level degree) of progressively responsible professional experience in government, diplomatic service, an international organisation, national administration, or an international non-governmental organisation; experience in the region, and in project management and resource mobilisation, is an advantage.
• Demonstrated experience in dialogue facilitation, political analysis and reporting, and in people management.
• Professional fluency in English with excellent drafting skills, and a working knowledge of Russian; knowledge of another OSCE official language or a language spoken in the region is an asset.
• Gender awareness and sensitivity, digital literacy (Microsoft Office), and the ability to work effectively within a diverse team while maintaining impartiality and objectivity.
• Please read the attached terms of reference for more details before applying.

Competencies

The main competencies of a NORCAP Expert are:

• Building working relationships
• Planning and organising
• Adaptability
• Resilience

What We Offer

In recognition of your expertise and contributions, we provide the following benefits and opportunities:

• Rewarding work for a renowned global organisation
• Access to a network of humanitarian, peace, and development professionals
• A dedicated Staff Care Unit
• Salary and benefits in accordance with NORCAP´s framework for international assignments
• Eligible for consideration for NORCAP membership and future assignments, subject to a successful performance review

Our Values & Commitment

NORCAP is part of the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC).

All NRC employees are expected to act in accordance with the organisation's values. Being dedicated, innovative, inclusive, and accountable are behaviours and beliefs that guide how we work and how we build relationships. We are committed to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, empowered, supported, and a genuine sense of belonging.

NORCAP values diversity, equity, and inclusion and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates. We believe that a diverse workforce strengthens our ability to respond effectively to the needs of people affected by crisis.

NRC has a zero-tolerance stance toward any form of exploitation or abuse, including sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment (SEAH), and we do not tolerate inaction when concerns arise.

All offers are subject to reference and background checks conducted in line with our safeguarding standards, and NORCAP reserves the right to conduct a full background check on shortlisted candidates.

How to Apply

Based on what you have read so far, do you think you could be a good fit? If so, please follow these steps and apply!

• When submitting your application, kindly register in English your full employment history and education. Please include your full name as written in your passport. Uploaded CVs alone will not be reviewed.
• NORCAP reserves the right to conduct a full background check on shortlisted candidates.
• An approved Health Certificate will be required prior to contract commencement and assignment.
• Feedback will be given to all applicants within four weeks after the closing of this advertisement.
• Apply before 19th July 2026, 11:59PM Central European Time

Organization context

At NORCAP, we work to better protect and empower people affected by crises and climate change. With expertise in the humanitarian, development and peacebuilding sectors, we collaborate with local, national and international partners on finding solutions to meet the needs of people at risk. NORCAP is part of the Norwegian Refugee Council.