Assistant Project Officer

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Archived vacancy details

The following information is provided for archival purpose only.

Issued by: OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media
Vacancy number: VNSECP01556
Vacancy type: International Contracted
Field of expertise: General Staff / Monitoring Functions
Grade: P1
Number of posts: 1
Duty station: Vienna
Date of issue: 12 August 2020
Deadline for application: 2 September 2020 - 23:59 Central European Time (CET/CEST)

Background

		Please note that this position is funded under an Extra-Budgetary (ExB) Project which runs until 31 December 2021. 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. Free expression and free media are basic human rights. To ensure compliance with media-freedom commitments agreed upon by participating States, the Office of the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media (RFoM) was established in December 1997. The function of the Representative is to observe relevant media developments in OSCE participating States with a view to providing early warning on violations of freedom of expression. The Representative concentrates on rapid response to serious non-compliance with OSCE principles and commitments by participating States. In case of serious problems caused, for instance, by obstruction of media activities and unfavourable working conditions for journalists, the Representative seeks direct contacts with the participating State and other parties involved, assesses the facts and contributes to the resolution of the issue. Another task is to assist participating States by advocating and promoting full compliance with OSCE principles and commitments regarding freedom of expression and free media. Assistance is typically provided in the form of legal analyses of legislation, organizing conferences and roundtables during which best practices are shared and promoted, preparing topical publications and guidebooks on media freedom matters and providing training seminars for media and government officials.

Tasks and Responsibilities

		The Assistant Project Officer will support the RFoM Office, inter alia, in the development and implementation of activities to advance the ExB project, “The impact of artificial intelligence on freedom of expression”. Specifically, the incumbent will be performing the following duties: Supporting the planning, advising on, co-ordination and implementation of project activities in the AI and SOFJO projects and other programme activities relating to media freedom; Collecting information, identifying, formulating and implementing project requirements; Liaising with consultants and other project partners, communicating with OSCE stakeholders, consultants and external partners; Researching and drafting materials, including in preparation and organization of agendas for meetings and background documents; Monitoring and analysing media governance and media developments by checking incoming information, identifying problems, keeping other members of the Office informed and submitting recommendations for action to the Representative in accordance with the early warning mandate of the Office; Maintaining an overview of a wide range of issues and understanding the legal, technical and political implications of developments; Conducting research, providing advice and preparing written analyses on relevant topics, in particular for the development of policy recommendations on AI and free speech; Contributing to, compiling, collecting and editing materials for publication; Supporting the maintaining of the budgetary and expenditure overview of the AI project, co-ordinating the project’s financial activities and ensuring timely payment of expenses; Collecting information and drafting reporting documents; Performing other duties as assigned. For more detailed information on the structure and work of the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, please see https://www.osce.org/representative-on-freedom-of-media.

Necessary Qualifications

		First level university degree in law, political science or related field(s); At least two years of professional experience in the areas of project management and international relations, the media field and/or with an international organization or a media-related NGO; At least one year of professional experience in the field of the thematic responsibilities; Demonstrated knowledge of thematic responsibilities as well as project management techniques; Excellent knowledge of OSCE modalities and mandate of RFoM; Excellent communication skills and previous experience in drafting and editing professional documents; Professional fluency in the English language; knowledge of another OSCE official language desirable; Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, and an ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities; Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with people of different national, cultural and professional backgrounds, whilst remaining impartial and objective; Computer/internet literate with practical experience in Microsoft applications.

Required competencies

		Core values Commitment: Actively contributes to achieving organizational goals Diversity: Respects others and values their diverse perspectives and contributions Integrity: Acts in a manner consistent with the Organization’s core values and organizational principles Accountability: Takes responsibility for own action and delegated work Core competencies Communication: Actively works to achieve clear and transparent communication with colleagues and with stakeholders of the Organization Collaboration: Works effectively with others on common goals and fosters a positive, trust-based working environment Planning: Works towards the achievement of goals in a structured and measured manner Analysis and decision-making: Analyses available information, draws well-founded conclusions and takes appropriate decisions Initiative-taking: Proposes and initiates new ideas, activities and projects Flexibility: Responds positively and effectively to changing circumstances Managerial competencies (for positions with managerial responsibilities) Leadership: Provides a clear sense of direction, builds trust and creates an enabling environment Strategic thinking: Identifies goals that advance the organizational agenda and develops plans for achieving them Managing performance: Helps to maximize team performance by providing active feedback and skill development opportunities

Remuneration Package

		Monthly remuneration is approximately EUR 3,993 depending on post adjustment and family status. OSCE salaries are exempt from taxation in Austria. Social benefits will include possibility of participation in the Cigna medical insurance scheme and the OSCE Provident Fund. Other allowances and benefits are similar to those offered under the United Nations Common System. Please note that appointments are normally made at step 1 of the applicable OSCE salary scale.

How To Apply

		If you wish to apply for this position, please use the OSCE's online application link found under https://jobs.osce.org/vacancies. The OSCE retains the discretion to re-advertise/re-post the vacancy, to cancel the recruitment, to offer an appointment at a lower grade or to offer an appointment with a modified job description or for a different duration. Only those applicants 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 http://www.osce.org/states. The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all religious, ethnic and social backgrounds to apply to become a part of the Organization. The OSCE is a non-career organization committed to the principle of staff rotation, therefore the maximum period of service in this post is 7 years. Please be aware that the OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application and review process.