Welcoming your interest in its employment opportunities, the OSCE is pleased to share with you a brief introduction to its main benefits and entitlements.
Please note that the information provided here is a summary for general guidance only and does not describe all conditions of service; more detailed information is provided to candidates in the event of an offer of appointment/assignment.
True to its unique nature, the OSCE is committed to workforce diversity, and stands for providing a healthy professional working environment for all its officials. It also aims to ensure better work/life balance by promoting flexible working arrangements.
According to the OSCE Staff Regulations and Rules, which set out in details the conditions of service in the organization, the benefits and entitlements provided to OSCE officials differ depending on the category and level of their post. The specific conditions may also vary depending on type and duration of the contract, as well as family status. A brief outline for each of the main groups of employees is given under the following links:
Staff Membersi.e. assigned/appointed to the Secretariat or an Institution:
Mission Membersi.e. assigned/appointed to a Field Operation:
The conditions of service for more specific types of employment (e.g. temporary assistance) are defined on an individual basis, subject to the existing regulatory framework and the distinct circumstances of each case.
The paramount consideration in the employment of OSCE officials and in the determination of conditions of service is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity, taking full account of the principle of recruiting staff from all OSCE participating States on a fair basis and the importance of achieving gender balance within the Organization.
The OSCE is a non-career organization committed to the principle of staff rotation. Therefore certain limitations in the periods of service for specific posts have been placed (grading of Professional and General Service posts is similar to that applied in the UN Common System), i.e. Head of Mission or Director’s level – maximum 4 years, P5 level – maximum 5 years, P4 level and below – maximum 7 years, seconded mission members – up to 7 years in one mission. The cumulative length of service of international staff/mission members shall not exceed ten years.
The OSCE requires compliance to its Code of Conduct, which entails that OSCE Officials conduct themselves at the highest personal and professional level, while both on and off duty.
Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe