Our friends at OSCE are recruiting again for an important position that will be of interest to human rights professionals who are concerned about the rise in global anti-Semitism:

Job Vacancy – OSCE Adviser on Combating Antisemitism (Warsaw)

by Zbyněk Tarant

ISSUED BY: OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights

Re-posted from: https://jobs.osce.org/vacancies/adviser-combating-anti-semitism-vnodip00676

VACANCY NUMBER: VNODIP00676

VACANCY TYPE: International Contracted

FIELD OF EXPERTISE: Human Rights

GRADE: P3

NUMBER OF POSTS: 1

DUTY STATION: Warsaw

DEADLINE: 15 October 2017

DATE OF ISSUE: 21 September 2017

Background

The Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) is the principal institution of the OSCE responsible for the human dimension. ODIHR is active throughout the OSCE area in the fields of election observation, democratic development, human rights, tolerance and non-discrimination, and the rule of law. ODIHR’s assistance projects and other activities are implemented in participating States in accordance with ODIHR’s mandate.

Tasks and Responsibilities    

Under the general guidance of the Deputy Head of the Tolerance and Non-Discrimination Department, the Adviser on Combating Anti-Semitism performs the following functions:

  1.  Monitoring and reporting manifestations of anti-Semitism, in particular hate crimes, with a focus on the response of governmental authorities and on good practices;
  2. Providing analysis and advice on issues related to anti-Semitism and recommend interventions to the ODIHR management;
  3. Developing, managing and delivering capacity building  projects and activities aimed at combating anti-Semitism, in particular hate crime, and at the promotion of the remembrance of the Holocaust;
  4. Establishing and maintaining contact with relevant stakeholders on issues and programmes related to (combating) anti-Semitism;
  5. Providing support to the Personal Representative of the Chair-in-Office (CiO PR) on Combating Anti-Semitism;
  6. Performing other duties as required.

For more detailed information on the structure and work of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, please see: http://www.osce.org/odihr

Necessary Qualifications    

  •  First-level university degree, preferably in international relations, political science, social sciences, law or other disciplines related to human rights;
  • At least six years of progressively responsible professional experience at national and international levels in the human rights field, preferably in the field of combating  anti-Semitism and other forms of intolerance; Excellent understanding of issues relating to anti-Semitism;
  • Sound political judgement, outstanding analytical skills;
  • Familiarity with regional and international initiatives to combat anti-Semitism and experience in the development and implementation of educational programmes for combating anti-Semitism;
  • Knowledge of international human rights standards;
  • Established experience in project design and implementation, preferably in the field of combating anti-Semitism and other forms of intolerance;
  • Established experience in monitoring and reporting on incidents of anti-Semitism;
  • Training and presentation skills desirable;
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills in English knowledge of another OSCE language is desirable;
  • Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, and an ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities;
  • Ability to work in a team and to establish and maintain effective working relationships with people of different national and cultural backgrounds.

Required competencies         

  • Commitment: Actively contributes to achieving organizational goals
  • Diversity: Respects others and values their diverse perspectives and contributions
  • Integrity: Acts in a manner consistent with the Organization’s core values and organizational principles
  • Accountability: Takes responsibility for own action and delegated work    Core competencies        •    Communication: Actively works to achieve clear and transparent communication with colleagues and with stakeholders of the Organization
  • Collaboration: Works effectively with others on common goals and fosters a positive, trust-based working environment
  • Planning: Works towards the achievement of goals in a structured and measured manner
  • Analysis and decision-making: Analyses available information, draws well-founded conclusions and takes appropriate decisions
  • Initiative-taking: Proposes and initiates new ideas, activities and projects
  • Flexibility: Responds positively and effectively to changing circumstances    Managerial competencies (for positions with managerial responsibilities)
  • Leadership: Provides a clear sense of direction, builds trust and creates an enabling environment
  • Strategic thinking: Identifies goals that advance the organizational agenda and develops plans for achieving them
  • Managing performance: Helps to maximize team performance by providing active feedback and skill development opportunities

Remuneration Package     

Monthly remuneration is approximately EUR 4,900, depending on post adjustment and family status. OSCE salaries are exempt from taxation in Poland. Social benefits will include possibility of participation in the Cigna medical insurance scheme and the OSCE Provident Fund. The Organization contributes an amount equivalent to 15% of the employee’s salary to this Fund and the employee contributes 7.5%. Other allowances and benefits are similar to those offered under the United Nations Common System.

Appointments are made at step 1 of the applicable OSCE salary scale.

How To Apply    

If you wish to apply for this position, please use the OSCE’s online application link found under https://jobs.osce.org/vacancies.

The OSCE retains the discretion to re-advertise 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 shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

Please note that vacancies in the OSCE are open for competition only amongst nationals of participating States, please see http://www.osce.org/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.

The OSCE is a non-career organization committed to the principle of staff rotation, therefore the maximum period of service in this post is 7 years.

Please be aware that the OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application and review process.

(more…)

Bundesregierung_(Tobias_Koch)On Wednesday, September 20th, the German Cabinet announced that it had unanimously adopted the working definition of anti-Semitism used by the International Alliance for Holocaust Remembrance (IHRA). In 2016, the 31 member states of the IHRA adopted their definition after a unanimous vote at a plenary session in Bucharest City. The IHRA was the first international body to formally adopt such a definition. Similar decisions to apply this working definition of anti-Semitism have been adopted by the governments of Romania, the United Kingdom, and Austria. The European Commission also, as of April 25th, has the working definition of anti-Semitism posted on its official website.

Following the announcement, the Minister of the Interior for Germany, Thomas de Maizière stated that “History made clear to us, in the most terrible way, the horrors of which anti-Semitism can lead.” The push to adopt the definition was spearheaded by the independent Bundestag Commission on Anti-Semitism, which has also urged the appointment of a federal commissioner for anti-Semitism affairs. This move for a federal commissioner has been championed by the American Jewish Committee (AJC) as well, with the director of the AJC, Deidre Berger, promoting it as essential for “fighting anti-Semitism as well as responding to current manifestations.”

Earlier this year, Romania pledged to apply the IHRA definition as well. The Romanian government asserted that “…Romanian society will be provided with an efficient guide that will contribute toward better understanding and definition of anti-Semitic actions as well as of the consequences deriving therefrom.”

In the United States, the U.S. State Department has a definition which is almost entirely that used by both the EUMC and the IHRA. This definition is, however, only used for international monitoring. In December 2016, the Anti-Semitism Awareness Act (AAA) was introduced to the U.S. Congress. The AAA would have required the U.S. Department of Education to use the State Department’s definition in evaluating intent of anti-Semitic incidents on campuses. The AAA bill, which passed the Senate unanimously in December of last year, did not have a chance to be voted on in the House before the legislative session ended. Several states are currently in the process of drafting their own versions of the Anti-Semitism Awareness Act.

The adopting and application of a uniform definition of anti-Semitism in both Europe and the United States will help provide the tools to the governments and institutions of countries where resurgent anti-Semitism and bigotry threatens to undermine the progress made in fighting intolerance during the 20th century. Germany’s decision to adopt the working definition of anti-Semitism is a wonderful step in the right direction, one that will inspire other countries to follow suit.