Call for Applications: Join ODIHR’s Panel of Experts on Freedom of Religion or Belief
About ODIHR’s Work on Freedom of Religion or Belief
The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) assists OSCE participating States in implementing their human dimension commitments, including those related to the right to freedom of thought, conscience, religion, or belief.
The Panel of Experts on Freedom of Religion or Belief
This work has been assisted by a Panel of Experts on Freedom of Religion or Belief, first established in 1997, whose importance has been confirmed in several OSCE Ministerial Council Decisions, including 4/03 (Maastricht), 10/05 (Ljubljana), and 13/06 (Brussels).
Call for Applications: New Term Starting June 2025
The new three-year term will commence in June 2025, and ODIHR hereby invites applications from suitably qualified experts from OSCE Participating States who wish to be considered for service on this body, known as the Panel.
Role and Responsibilities of Panel Members
The role of the Panel is to provide information, advice, guidance and recommendations to ODIHR, and through ODIHR to the participating States, on matters pertaining to the freedom of religion or belief to for all in the OSCE area. The panel is also expected to contribute to ODIHR’s efforts to mainstream gender in all of its activities pertaining to freedom of religion or belief by fulfilling its functions and tasks in a gender-sensitive manner.
Members will be expected to act with integrity and in a spirit of teamwork, among other things, by attending and contributing constructively to the Panel's meetings and other activities.
Panel Composition and Appointment
The Advisory Panel shall consist of no more than 16 members. For the second time, two of these seats will be reserved for candidates under the age of 30 who have demonstrated commitment to the promotion and protection of this human right.
The selection of candidates will ensure gender and geographical balance, as well as diversity of experience and expertise.
The Director of ODIHR will appoint members of the Panel for a renewable three-year term in consultation with ODIHR’s human rights department.
Terms of Service and Compensation
Members will serve on a part-time basis and will not receive remuneration for their services. Nonetheless, all travel, accommodation, and subsistence costs in connection with participation in meetings and other activities requested by ODIHR will be covered.
Requirements
• Expertise in the area of freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief
• Language skills: Professional working proficiency in English or Russian
• Place of residence: Candidates must have their long-term or permanent place of residence in an OSCE participating State
• Integrity
• Team work
How to Apply
Please submit a two-page CV and cover letter that outlines both your motivations for applying and what you could bring to the Panel by contacting ODIHR at forbpanel@odihr.pl by Monday, 5 May 2025, at 6:00 p.m. CEST.
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact ODIHR at forbpanel@odihr.pl.