Media Freedom Project Officer

This position is open for secondment only and participating States are kindly reminded that all costs in relation to 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 Representative on Freedom of the Media (RFoM) observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. He/she provides early warning on violations of freedom of expression and promotes full compliance with OSCE press freedom commitments.

Under the direct supervision of the Senior Adviser the incumbent performs the following functions:

1. Analyses and identifies urgent project requirements in the field of media self-regulation; formulates proposals for those strategic priorities in consultation with the Senior Adviser to the Representative;
2. Responsible for the implementation of FOM work related to the promotion of media quality and media accountability including project development, assessment and management, implementation of activities in support of the FOM mandate and reporting to donors for extra-budgetary projects;
3. Monitors the media developments in the domain of media self-regulation; proposal of follow-up activities. Supervises the work of consultants and implementing partners in the field of media self-regulation.
4. Monitors the media-freedom related developments in western European countries and Canada, including legal, judicial and technological issues. Provides advice, conducts research and prepares written analyses for the Representative;
5. Prepares the agenda and documents and organizes meetings on freedom of expression, media self-regulation (in and outside Vienna) as well as visits of the Representative and the Senior Advisers to participating States or conferences on these matters;
6. Maintains and develops contacts with media experts, NGOs, other standard setting institutions, such as the Council of Europe, EU and UN bodies and international associations and networks;
7. Prepares and compiles material for inclusion in the Yearbook issued by the Office and other publications;
8. Drafts contributions to the OSCE newsletter and feature stories;
9. Performs related duties as assigned.

• First level university degree in political science, media studies, history, law, journalism or another related field
• Six years of professional experience in the media field or related experience within the OSCE or another international organization
• Excellent communication skills, both written and spoken, resourcefulness, team spirit and initiative
• Management and supervisory skills
• Ability to operate windows applications including word processing, spreadsheets, presentation programmes (e.g.Power Point)
• Professional fluency in English and excellent drafting and writing skills in the English language; knowledge of another official OSCE language would be an asset
• Ability to work with people of different nationalities, religions and cultural backgrounds
• Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, and an ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities

This post is open for secondment. Candidates are requested to apply through the OSCE desk of the respective Ministry for Foreign Affairs. Delayed nominations will not be considered.

The OSCE retains the discretion to re-advertise 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.

Please note that vacancies in the OSCE are open for competition only amongst nationals of participating States, please see http://www.osce.org/who/83.

The OSCE is committed to achieving a better balance of women and men within the Organization. The nomination of female candidates is particularly encouraged.

The OSCE is a non-career organization committed to the principle of staff rotation.

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