OSCE Human Rights Officer (Secondment) Role in Warsaw: A Strategic Opportunity for Experienced Human Rights Professionals

The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) is inviting applications for the position of Human Rights Officer (S) within the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), based in Warsaw, Poland. This role is offered strictly as an international secondment and is open only to nationals of OSCE participating States.

ODIHR is the OSCE’s principal institution responsible for advancing the human dimension of security, including human rights, democratic development, gender equality, tolerance and non-discrimination, and the rule of law. The successful candidate will join the Human Rights Department, specifically within the Human Rights, Gender and Security portfolio, contributing to policy, programming, and advisory work across the OSCE region.

About the Role

Under the supervision of the Head of the Human Rights Department, the Human Rights Officer will monitor, analyse, and report on human rights developments across participating States. The role involves advising ODIHR leadership and governments, supporting programmatic responses, and strengthening human rights and gender mainstreaming within the security sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and evaluate human rights and gender-related programmes within the security sector

• Lead capacity-building initiatives, including trainings, workshops, seminars, and policy dialogues

• Monitor and analyse human rights developments across the OSCE region and provide strategic advice

• Coordinate with OSCE field missions, government authorities, civil society, and international partners

• Prepare project proposals, budgets, donor reports, and programme documentation

• Supervise consultants, experts, and contractors involved in programme delivery

• Contribute to cross-departmental initiatives and inter-institutional projects

Required Qualifications and Experience

Applicants should meet the following criteria:

• Master’s degree in social sciences, international relations, political science, or a related field (human rights specialization preferred)

• At least 5 years of relevant professional experience (or 7 years with a bachelor’s degree), including international advisory experience

• Strong knowledge of UN, Council of Europe, and OSCE human rights standards

• Proven experience in project design, implementation, and evaluation

• Expertise in women’s human rights, gender, and security issues (including UNSCR 1325)

• Experience working with or within the security sector (strongly preferred)

• Excellent written and spoken English; knowledge of other OSCE languages is an advantage

• Demonstrated ability to work in multicultural and multi-national environments

Secondment Conditions

This position is open by secondment only, meaning:

• All costs related to the assignment are borne by the nominating State

• Financial remuneration and benefits depend on national authorities

• No OSCE board and lodging allowance is provided

• Applications must be submitted through the relevant OSCE delegation

Diversity and Ethics

The OSCE promotes diversity and inclusion and strongly encourages the nomination of qualified candidates from all backgrounds. Appointees are expected to uphold the highest standards of integrity, impartiality, and professionalism as international civil servants.

Key Details

• Position: Human Rights Officer (S)

• Organisation: OSCE – ODIHR

• Location: Warsaw, Poland

• Contract Type: International Secondment (Fixed Term)

• Grade: S

• Closing Date: 3 February 2026

• Target Start Date: As soon as possible

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted through the OSCE online system or via the official offline secondment process, depending on the nominating authority.

Apply here: https://vacancies.osce.org/

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