Call for Applications: ODIHR Advisory Panel on the Political Participation of Persons with Disabilities

Background

In line with its mandate to assist participating States in the implementation of their human dimension commitments, and in particular the OSCE commitments on the rights of persons with disabilities and political participation, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) is launching the application process for members of its Advisory Panel on the Political Participation of Persons with Disabilities (“Advisory Panel”).

The Advisory Panel acts as a consultative body to OSCE/ODIHR, providing advice, guidance and recommendations on matters concerning the rights of persons with disabilities and their political participation in the OSCE area. The Advisory Panel's first convocation was held in 2021. For more information, see the ODIHR Advisory Panel on the Political Participation of Persons with Disabilities web page.

Role and Responsibilities of Panel Members

The role of the Advisory Panel is to provide advice, guidance, and recommendations to ODIHR and, through ODIHR, to the participating States on matters pertaining to the participation of persons with disabilities in political and public life. Members will be expected to act with integrity, demonstrate teamwork, and actively participate in the Advisory Panel, including by attending and contributing constructively to meetings, consultations, and other activities.

Panel Composition and Appointment

The Advisory Panel shall consist of no more than fifteen (15) members. In selecting members, ODIHR strives to ensure gender balance, a reasonable geographical cross-section of the OSCE region, and diversity of backgrounds and expertise, including lived experience of disability. ODIHR further strives to ensure that the majority of members of the Advisory Panel have lived experience of disability, including diverse types of disabilities and intersectional backgrounds. Candidates with lived experience of disability are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Call for Applications is for the renewal of the Advisory Panel for a four-year term. Former Panel Members of the first convocation of the Advisory Panel are invited to reapply should they wish to be considered for the renewed Panel. The members of the Advisory Panel will be appointed by the Director of ODIHR for a renewable four-year term in consultation with ODIHR’s Democratization Department. 

Terms of Service and Compensation

Members will serve on a part-time basis and will not be entitled to remuneration for their services. Travel costs in connection with participation in the in-person annual meeting and other activities requested by ODIHR will be covered by ODIHR, in accordance with the OSCE travel policy. Candidates found suitable in the recruitment process are eligible to be placed on the OSCE/ODIHR experts’ roster. 

ODIHR is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to support the participation of Advisory Panel members. This may include, as appropriate and upon request, accessible meeting venues, sign language interpretation, captioning, accessible formats of documents, and other accommodations based on individual needs. 

Requirements

Candidates should meet the following requirements:

• A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in a relevant field (e.g. law, human rights, disability studies, or social sciences);
• Demonstrated and recognized expertise on participation of persons with disabilities in public and political life, while being committed to the core values of the OSCE, protection of human rights, fundamental freedoms, principles of democracy and rule of law, with at least two years of track record of relevant professional experience related to disability inclusion or the participation of persons with disabilities in public and political life; demonstrated leadership in this area is considered an asset;
• Experience contributing to or delivering training or capacity-building activities is considered an asset;
• Demonstrated gender sensitivity and experience in mainstreaming a gender perspective into activities;
• Fluency in English (written and oral); working knowledge of other OSCE languages is desirable;
• Strong analytical, organizational and communication skills, and the ability to work in a multi-national and multi-cultural environment;
• Long-term or permanent residence in an OSCE participating State.

Candidates with lived experience of disability are strongly encouraged to apply.

How to apply? 

Please submit a two-page CV and the completed application form (available also below) to ODIHR at disability-inclusion@odihr.pl by Friday, 10 April 2026. 

Only candidates selected to proceed to the next stages of the recruitment process will be contacted.

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

Reasonable accommodation will be provided during the application and interview process. Should you have any questions or require accommodations during the process, please do not hesitate to contact ODIHR at disability-inclusion@odihr.pl.