Short-term Communications Assistant (G3)

Background:

Please note that this is a temporary position for the duration of 5 months and 29 days with the possibility of an extension, subject to funding availability. 

Roster of suitable candidates will be established as a result of this selection process.

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 OSCE Secretariat in Vienna assists the Chairpersonship 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 their 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 external audiences 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 overall supervision of the Chief, Online Communications Unit or the Chief, Media Relations Unit, the successful candidate will be tasked with the following duties:

1. Producing communication material to promote the activities of the OSCE and demonstrate their impact;
2. Drafting and implementing social media campaigns for the OSCE channels;
3. Participating in COMMS first and second level support to Field Operations, Institutions and Programmatic Departments (COMMS helpdesk);
4. Acting as contact for media and public enquiries;
5. Providing photo/video support to the Secretary General and to OSCE Secretariat programmes and departments;
6. Performing other duties as assigned.

For more detailed information on the structure and work of the OSCE Secretariat, please see: www.osce.org/secretariat

Necessary Qualifications:

• Completed secondary education, training in communications or similar is an asset;
• A minimum of two years of relevant work experience in journalism, communications or multimedia production; first degree in a related field or equivalent professional experience is an asset;
• For this vacant General Service position, a first-level university degree in a relevant field may be considered as a substitute for one year of working experience, an advanced university degree for two years working experience;
• Demonstrated experience in editing and writing experience is a strong asset;
• Demonstrated experience with social media and website management is a strong asset;
• Demonstrated experience with visual design and multimedia production is an asset;
• Professional fluency in English with excellent communication (both oral and written) skills; 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.

Remuneration Package:

Monthly remuneration, subject to social security deduction, is approximately EUR 3,290. OSCE salaries are exempt from taxation in Austria. Social benefits will include possibility of participation in the Cigna medical insurance scheme.

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 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.

Please note that for this position the OSCE does not reimburse expenses such as travel in connection with interviews, tests, visas and relocation.

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

The mandatory retirement age at the OSCE is 65 years for contracted positions at the general service, professional and director level. The Organization shall apply an age limit of 63 years at the time of appointment as the incumbent selected is normally expected to carry out the contractual obligation of two years.