SpokespersonSenior Press and Public Information Officer (S)

Background:

This position is open for secondment only and participating States are kindly reminded that all costs in relation to assignment at OSCE/ODIHR must be borne by their authorities.

Candidates should prior to applying verify with their respective nominating authority to which extent financial remuneration and/or benefit packages will be offered. Seconded staff members in the OSCE Secretariat and Institutions are not entitled to a Board and Lodging Allowance payable by the Organization.

The OSCE has a comprehensive approach to security that encompasses politico-military economic and environmental and human aspects. It therefore addresses a wide range of security-related concerns including arms control confidence- and security-building measures human rights combating human trafficking national minorities democratization policing strategies counter-terrorism and economic and environmental activities. All 57 participating States enjoy equal status and decisions are taken by consensus on a politically but not legally binding basis.

The Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) is the principal institution of the OSCE responsible for the human dimension. ODIHR is active throughout the OSCE area in the fields of election observation democratic development human rights tolerance and non-discrimination and the rule of law. ODIHRs assistance projects and other activities are implemented in participating States in accordance with ODIHRs mandate.

The Public Affairs Unit (PAU) forms part of the Direction and Policy Department within ODIHR. The Unit plays a central role in supporting the Director by leading strategic external communications to build understanding and support for ODIHRs mandate among OSCE participating States international media and the wider public.

Tasks and responsibilities:

Under the direct supervision of the Director the incumbent will perform the following duties:

as ODIHRs chief spokesperson developing and implementing media strategies conducting interviews moderating press conferences (notably for election observation missions) drafting press releases and public statements and managing responses to media on sensitive political and human rights issues to enhance visibility and public support for the Offices work;

the Director and senior management on media relations and public communication; proposing key messages and press lines; and coordinating with the OSCE Chairpersonship Vienna OSCE Spokesperson and other OSCE executive structures and institutions to ensure consistent and harmonized public positioning;

and overseeing ODIHRs digital operations and social media outreach including website content and social media strategy feature stories and maintenance to maximize reach engagement and accessibility of information on ODIHR activities and events results and impact;

the development and quality assurance of ODIHRs public information materials and publications programme supervising production of factsheets brochures reports and other outreach products to effectively communicate ODIHRs mandate activities and achievements;

the Public Affairs Units staff providing direction mentoring and editorial oversight while ensuring timely delivery of high-quality outputs in a collaborative and inclusive team setting;

international media coverage and public perception of ODIHR analysing trends and reporting to the Director news with relevance to ODIHRs work; maintaining networks with key journalists across the OSCE area and responding to public inquiries to support proactive outreach and informed stakeholder engagement with discretion in handling sensitive and high-profile issues in a multicultural and politically diverse environment;

other related duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:

• Second-level university degree in Communications Journalism International Relations Political Science Law History Public Affairs or another relevant field. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree;

• A minimum of seven years (nine years with a relevant first-level degree) of progressively responsible professional experience in strategic communications media relations public information journalism or related fields preferably within an international organization governmental institution or non-governmental organization;

• Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing communication strategies managing relations with international and national media preparing key messages speeches press releases and public statements and advising senior leadership on communications and reputational matters;

• Proven ability to communicate complex policy issues clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences and to represent an organization effectively in public and media-facing settings;

• Excellent knowledge of the mandate structures and activities of the OSCE particularly in the areas of democratization human rights rule of law elections and security is highly desirable;

• Strong drafting editing and analytical skills with the ability to produce high-quality written materials under tight deadlines. Experience in crisis communications and strategic messaging is highly desirable;

• Proficiency in the use of information technology digital communication tools social media platforms and standard office software applications. Sound understanding of online communications and emerging media trends and challenges;

• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English. Working knowledge of another OSCE language preferably Russian is considered an asset;

• Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity and an ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities;

• Ability to work in a team and to establish and maintain effective working relationships with people of different national and cultural backgrounds.
  

your participating State does not provide the option to apply online for seconded positions you are kindly requested to submit your offline application form available at to the respective OSCE delegation whose address can be found at OSCE retains the discretion to re-advertise/re-post the vacancy to cancel the recruitment to offer an appointment with a modified job description or for a different duration.

Only those candidates who are selected to participate in the subsequent stages of recruitment will be contacted.

Candidates interviewed and found suitable in the recruitment process for this vacancy notice will be placed on a roster of suitable candidates (valid for three years) for fixed-term posts open for secondment should a suitable opportunity arise.

The placement on a roster does not guarantee a future appointment or assignment.

Please note that vacancies in the OSCE are open for competition only amongst nationals of participating States please see OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce and encourages the nomination of qualified female and male candidates from all religious ethnic and social backgrounds.

The OSCE is a non-career organization committed to the principle of staff rotation; therefore the maximum period of service in this post is 10 years.

Candidates should be aware that OSCE officials shall conduct themselves at all times in a manner befitting the status of an international civil servant. This includes avoiding any action which may adversely reflect on the integrity independence and impartiality of their position and function as officials of the OSCE. The OSCE is committed to applying the highest ethical standards in carrying out its mandate. For more information on the values set out in OSCE Competency Model please see apply to your relevant authorities well in advance of the deadline expiration to ensure timely processing of your application. Delayed nominations will not be considered. The OSCE can only process Secondment applications that have been nominated by participating States. For queries relating to your application please refer to the respective delegation as listed here: be aware that OSCE appointments are subject to medical clearance.

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