Communications Officer

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Archived vacancy details

The following information is provided for archival purpose only.

Issued by: OSCE Secretariat
Vacancy number: VNSECP01610
Vacancy type: International Contracted
Field of expertise: Media Affairs
Grade: P3
Number of posts: 1
Duty station: Vienna
Date of issue: 2 March 2021
Deadline for application: 31 March 2021 - 23:59 Central European Time (CET/CEST)

Background

		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, 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 OSCE Secretariat in Vienna assists the Chairmanship in its activities, and provides operational and administrative support to the field operations, and, as appropriate, to other institutions. 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 OSG is led by a Director who also functions as the Head of Executive Management. 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

		Within COMMS, the Media Relations Unit provides expertise and support on a wide of tasks from preparing media engagements, drafting press releases, editing news items and drafting talking points, to understanding OSCE audiences and crafting digital content to better promote the OSCE. The Unit interacts on a daily basis with stakeholders from the entire organisation. Under the direct supervision of the Chief, Media Relations Unit, the successful candidate will be tasked with the following duties: Drafting and developing texts, stories and messages and distributing across a broad range of channels: traditional, multimedia, social media; Creating and delivering communication plans according to priorities; ensuring communications support for events and conferences; Acting as contact for media and public enquiries; Maintaining close contact with journalists and other target audiences; developing networks to spread OSCE messages to target audiences; Working closely with OSCE programmes, departments, Institutions, Field Operations and senior officials to ensure co-ordinated, streamlined and professional communication throughout the Organization; Promoting and explaining the work of the OSCE to the wider public; Providing quantitative and qualitative evaluation of projects to ensure continued improvement in OSCE communications practice; Performing other related duties as requested, 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 six years of progressively responsible professional experience in communications (including media relations, social media, public relations and advocacy), preferably in an international organization, non-governmental organization (NGO) or as a journalist, combined with several years of experience with writing, editing and production of communications material; Demonstrated experience using political judgement and analytical skills and established competence to convincingly present the activities and achievements of the Organization to media representatives; Experience in a deadline-driven environment; Ability to communicate clearly and concisely in English, including proven editing and writing skills; Professional fluency in the English language; knowledge of another OSCE official language is desirable; Computer literate with practical experience with Microsoft applications; 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 and cultural backgrounds whilst remaining impartial and objective.

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 6,488 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 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 qualified female and male candidates from all religious, ethnic and social backgrounds to apply to become a part of the Organization. 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. 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.