In accordance with paragraph f. of Article 44 of the General Standards, the official languages of the Organization are English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish. No candidate for a position in the General Secretariat subject to the competition requirement shall be contracted until he/she has passed language proficiency exams administered by the DHR in at least two of the official languages. Nevertheless, i) Any candidate, including staff member whose native language is one of those four languages shall only be required to demonstrate proficiency on an exam in one of the others; and (ii) Persons applying for G-1 and G-2 positions at Headquarters and G-3 driver/clerk positions in those Offices of the General Secretariat in the Member States where the language requirement unduly restricts the recruitment of otherwise qualified staff shall be exempt from this language proficiency requirement for as long as they occupy those positions. Subsequently, in order to be eligible to compete for a higher-level position, any staff member who has benefited from this exemption must demonstrate proficiency in a second official language of the Organization. (iii) A person selected as the best candidate may receive a fixed-term contract, which will be considered to have lapsed in case the person does not pass the required language examination within the 36 months following the appointment.
Duties and responsibilities:
Under the general supervision of the Chief of Staff of the Assistant Secretary General, and the direct supervision of the Committee Secretaries, the incumbent is responsible for:
1. Conducting research and preparing data for the Secretariat on the various areas of competence of the organs by:
1. Analyzing resolutions approved by the General Assembly, selecting those that contain mandates to the Permanent Council and other organs of the Organization.
2. Analyzing resolutions approved by the Permanent Council and the Meeting of Consultation and transmitting those resolutions to the other organs of the Organization.
3. Maintaining a system that permits the control and pursuit of the mandates of the various organs of the OAS in order to effectively carry out such mandates.
4. Searching for background information on topics that the Permanent Council or its committees will be considering in the near future.
5. Revising the format of documents and reports prepared by the committee secretaries to ensure exactness of references and/or quotations.
6. Providing advice and assistance to the Chief of Staff of the Assistant Secretary General and the committee secretaries in the interpretation of statutory and regulatory dispositions of the political bodies.
2. Prepare a variety of documents, reports, and transmittal notes for use by the highest decision-making bodies of the OAS, collaborating with the Committee Secretaries in determining the course of action that should be given to these items. These include:
The Annual Report of the Permanent Council to the General Assembly.
Transmittal notes for the signature of the Chairman of the Permanent Council, the Secretary General, the Assistant Secretary General, and/or their Chiefs of Staff.
The draft agenda, agenda, and schedule of activities of the General Assembly, the Meeting of Consultation and any other as requested
3. Respond to and handle inquiries from the permanent missions and permanent observer missions to the OAS regarding the status of work being executed by the Secretariat.
Qualifications:
Education & Experience:
Essential: First University Degree (Bachelor’s) in in Languages, Communication, Liberal arts, international relations, political science, public administration or any field related to the functions of the position and 4 years of relevant experience in similar position OR Advanced University Degree (Master’s) in one of the fields listed above and 2 years of relevant experience.
Desirable: Experience or knowledge of the OAS mandate and priorities, OAS project management and oversight system as related to the area of work and/or the dynamics of the Inter-American agenda and system.
Computer Skills: Ability to effectively work using Microsoft Office applications (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), Oracle, Visio, Access, and SharePoint, as well as software relevant to the area of work.
Languages:
Essential – Proficient in at least two of the following languages: English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish (read, write and communicate). Language proficiency examination will be required.
Desirable – Working knowledge of other two OAS official languages
Interpersonal Competencies: Excellent verbal and written communication skills; tact, discretion, and diplomacy; strong presentation abilities; proven experience in teamwork and collaboration; adapt at multitasking and managing multiple projects simultaneously.
The GS/OAS embraces equality, diversity and inclusion. Thus, the GS/OAS, in accordance with its rules and regulations, is committed to providing equal opportunities in employment, achieving a diverse staff, and will take into account a wide geographic representation, as well as gender equity and equality, in the selection of candidates.
Please note that the mandatory retirement age for staff members at the General Secretariat of the OAS is 65 years