Background:
This position is open for secondment only and participating States are kindly reminded that all costs in relation to an assignment at the Secretariat 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 of the Secretary General (OSG) plays a key role in supporting the Secretary General in the effective implementation of his/her mandate and specific tasks given to him/her by the OSCE participating States. This includes primarily assisting the Secretary General in his activities, serving as a focal point for liaison and support to the Chairperson-in-Office, and co-ordinating tasks across the Secretariat. It groups horizontal services such as Executive management, Communications and Media Relations, Legal Services, External Co-operation, Security Management, Gender Affairs, Conference and Language Services, Central Records Management, and oversees the OSCE Document Centre in Prague (DCiP). The OSG ensures effective co-ordination of policy advice provided to the Secretary General and the Chairmanship, and management decisions taken by the Secretary General.
The Communication and Media Relations Section (COMMS) supports and advises the Secretary General and the OSCE Chairmanship on media and public relations activities and informs the public about the work of the OSCE. COMMS also serves as the focal point for public statements and other communication material from OSCE Institutions and field operations. COMMS produces and disseminates press releases, information materials and regular publications, maintains the public website, the Organization’s social media presence and promotes the OSCE’s values, principles and work.
Tasks and Responsibilities:
Under the direct supervision of the Spokesperson/Head of COMMS, the incumbent performs the following functions:
- Initiating and developing internal messages/messaging, co-ordinating and advising on internal communication activities and products, developing campaigns towards staff and affiliate personnel (interns, junior professional officers and others) and considering other means to increase the flow of information in the OSCE Secretariat and the Organization as a whole;
- Planning, producing and distributing a regular internal newsletter to staff across the Organization;
- Setting up and driving an internal communication working group, consisting of colleagues from various departments, Institutions and field operations;
- Supporting the Organization in communicating major structural and organizational changes across a broad range of channels by devising appropriate messaging strategies and devices;
- Conducting quantitative and qualitative evaluations of projects and products, to ensure continued improvement in OSCE communications practice;
- Contributing to external communication activities, specifically by taking part in a media duty roster;
- Performing other duties as required, including participating in a duty roster.
For more detailed information on the structure and work of the OSCE Secretariat, please see https://www.osce.org/secretariat
Necessary Qualifications:
- First-level university degree in journalism, communications, political science, international affairs, or another related field;
- A minimum of six years of progressively responsible professional experience in communications (including social media, digital communications, media relations, public relations and advocacy), preferably in an international organisation or non-governmental organisation;
- Experience using political judgement and analytical skills and convincingly presenting the activities and achievements of the Organisation to media representatives;
- Experience drafting communications material, and editing material prepared by others, preparing and revising substantive content, and producing polished finished documents for disseminations;
- Experience providing presentations at meetings and workshops;
- Professional fluency in English, both written and oral; Knowledge of another OSCE official language is an asset;
- Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, and an ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities;
- Ability and willingness to work as a member of team, with people of different cultural, and religious backgrounds, different gender, and diverse political views, while maintaining impartiality and objectivity;
- Computer literate with practical experience using Microsoft applications.
If you wish to apply for this position, please use the OSCE’s online application link found under https://vacancies.osce.org/.
The 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.
Please note that vacancies in the OSCE are open for competition only amongst nationals of participating States, please see https://www.osce.org/participating-states.
The 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.
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 https://jobs.osce.org/resources/document/our-competency-model.
Please be aware that the OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application and review process.
Please 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: https://www.osce.org/contacts/delegations.
Additional Information
- Issued by: OSCE Secretariat
- Requisition ID: SEC000149
- Contract Type: International Secondment
- Grade: S
- Job Type: Seconded
- Number of posts: 1
- Location: SEC – OSCE Secretariat, Vienna
- Issue Date: Feb 16, 2023
- Closing Date: May 30, 2023
- Employee Status: Fixed Term
- Schedule: Full-time
- Education Level: Bachelor’s Degree (First-level university degree or equivalent)
- Target Start Date: 20 June 2023