The International Secondments Team (IST) is responsible for the recruitment and secondment of civilian experts to European Union (EU), United Nations (UN) and Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) international peacekeeping and peace support missions. We second people to a wide variety of roles, from judges to logistics experts. We can only second British nationals to international missions.

How the secondment process works

• The Foreign Office considers whether it wants to nominate anyone for any of the vacancies.

• IST advertises the relevant positions on the vacancy page of the FCO website and by mailshotting the database (see below).

• IST sifts applications and decides who to nominate to the international organisation.

• The international organisation interviews candidates and selects the successful candidate.

• If a candidate nominated by IST is successful, IST offers them a fixed term contract for the duration of their secondment to the international mission. Appointments are subject to passing a medical and security checks.

• IST arranges pre-deployment training, briefing and medical, and if necessary provides protective clothing and kit.

• Secondee deploys.

Secondments to the OSCE

• The FCO seconds civilian experts to OSCE field missions, as well as to the OSCE institutions in Vienna and Warsaw.  

• OSCE vacancies are advertised on their website.

• To find out if we are interested in seconding anyone to a particular position, check the vacancy page of the FCO website.

• To apply, complete the OSCE’s online application form.

• Applications from UK nationals for seconded positions will automatically be routed to IST, as they must be supported by the FCO to proceed.  

• Do not send us applications for contracted positions, as they have nothing to do with us.

• Please note that we only support a small number of applications.  

• Do not expect a reply from us as we will only contact those who apply for positions which we are interested in supporting.
  
  

Database of deployable civilian experts

The FCO and the Stabilisation Unit (SU) maintain a joint database of civilian experts with the experience and qualifications needed for working in international peacekeeping missions and conflict zones. Relevant language skills, particularly Russian, are valued, as is previous experience of working in international missions and conflict zones. IST will only consider applications from British nationals, as we can only second Brits to international missions. If you are interested in applying for the database complete the attached form and return together with your CV to:

IST.Recruitment@fco.gov.uk