International Consultant - Communications Expert (SSAs)

Background:

Please note that this is a consultancy assignment of a temporary nature, with an expected duration of up to 144 working days per calendar year. 
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 Chairmanship in its activities, and provides operational and administrative support to the field operations, and, as appropriate, to other institutions.

The Conflict Prevention Centre (CPC) plays a key role in supporting and coordinating the OSCE's activities in the field, in leading work on all aspects of the conflict cycle, and in supporting various formats dealing with protracted conflicts. The CPC also serves as focal point in the Secretariat for coordinating and developing the OSCE's role in politico-military dimension.
The OSCE extra-budgetary project “In support of strengthening capacities of Ukrainian authorities in preventing and combating illicit trafficking in weapons, ammunition and explosives in all its aspects” -implemented the OSCE Conflict Prevention Centre / Forum for Security Co-operation Support Unit - aims to address challenges and risks related to illicit trafficking and misuse of weapons, ammunition, and explosives (WAE) in Ukraine. 

The project involves the State Border Guards Service, the State Customs Service, the National Police and the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine. A wide array of donors has supported the project, including through the European Union Council Decision (CSFP) 2019/2009; these are: the EU, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland and Slovakia; it also receives an in-kind support from Canada, Lithuania and Spain.

The services of a consultant are required to provide programmatic assistance to the FSC Support Unit, project no. 1102023 “In support of strengthening capacities of Ukrainian authorities in preventing and combating illicit trafficking in weapons, ammunition and explosives in all its aspects”. The assignment is aimed at improving the means of communicating, promotion and raising awareness about the risks related to illegal possession, misuse and trafficking in WAE in Ukraine.

Objective of Assignment: 

The primary objective of this consultancy is to develop and implement comprehensive communication strategies tailored to SALW control project in Ukraine. The Communications Expert will facilitate information dissemination, public engagement, and advocacy campaigns to raise awareness and mobilize support for SALW control measures.

Duration of Assignment:

144 working days in a calendar year.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

The OSCE is looking for a qualified candidate for a consultancy position of Communications Expert. More specifically, the Expert/Consultant will be tasked with:

1. Analyzing the existing communications and visibility approaches and tools, identify gaps and advise on the effective use of tools of communication in the area of SALW control in Ukraine;
2. Providing advice to SALW project team on effective use of tools of communication and ways to communicate project activities and results, and follow on planning implementation and monitoring of such activities/results;
3. Providing technical assistance and capacity building support to enhance the communication skills of local partners and stakeholders involved in SALW control in Ukraine;
4. Providing technical assistance and strategic guidance to support the implementation of the communication campaigns on SALW control in Ukraine; to execute communication activities, engage stakeholders, and maximize the campaign's impact.

Detailed terms of reference for the assignment will be provided to the selected candidate.

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

Necessary Qualifications:

• Second-level university degree in communications, journalism, political sciences, public relations and/or social sciences;
• Minimum of 8 years professional experience in communications;
• Proven expertise in developing and implementing communication strategies, preferably for international organizations;
• Previous experience working on communications and outreach that relate to the OSCE political-military dimension;
• Previous work experience or familiarity with the SALW control topic;
• Excellent analytical, communication, interpersonal and presentation skills;
• Professional fluency in the English language, both oral and written. and the ability to draft documents clearly and concisely; knowledge of Ukrainian language would be a strong advantage;
• Flexibility and ability to work under pressure in a challenging environment and within limited time frames;
• 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;
• Professional competence with MS Office and Windows applications, including word processing and e-mail;

Remuneration Package:

Remuneration will be based on the selected consultant's/expert's qualifications, experience, the tasks and deliverables for this position and in accordance with the OSCE established rates.

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 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.

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