Chief, Media Relations Unit

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 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 Prague Office. 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 Communications and Media Relations Section (COMMS) supports and advises the Secretary General and the OSCE Chairmanship on their 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 from OSCE Institutions and Field Operations. COMMS produces and disseminates press releases, information materials and regular publications, maintains the public website and the Organization’s social media presence and promotes the OSCE’s values, principles and work.

Under the direct supervision of the Head, COMMS, or specifically deputising for the Head, COMMS, the Chief, Media Relations Unit will be tasked with the following duties:

1. Developing and implementing a media and social media strategy to promote a better understanding of the work of the OSCE by selecting target groups and initiating public information work or activities;

2. Co-ordinating the work of the media team including prioritising and dividing the workload, holding periodic meetings and conducting performance evaluation of the members of the team;

3. Carrying out media duties as required, including editing and issuing press releases, writing and editing media lines, organizing press conferences, assisting with major media events, responding to enquiries/requests from media, etc.

4. Planning and developing a programme to produce communications materials for dissemination; writing, editing or supervising the writing/editing of such information materials;

5. Supervising system of providing rapid and balanced responses to public information requests;

6. Providing advice and expertise to senior officers or communications staff in institutions and field activities on effective communications methods and approaches;

7. Performing other related duties as assigned.

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

- Second-level university degree in Communications, Journalism, Social or Political Science, Law, Economics, Public or Business Administration, International Relations, or another related field. A first-level university degree in combination with two years of additional qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the second-level university degree;

- A minimum of eight years of progressively responsible professional experience in public information work and/or public relations work, preferably in a large governmental, intergovernmental or international organization;

- Previous experience in supervising a team;

- Experience gained as a journalist, editor or researcher would be an asset;

- Proven experience exercising analytical and evaluating skills; ability to convincingly present communications proposals;

- The ability to communicate clearly both orally and in clear and concise written reports;

- Excellent presentation skills;

- Professional fluency in English including excellent oral and written communication skills; working knowledge of another language of the OSCE (preferably German or Russian) would be an asset;

- Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, and 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;

- Computer literate with practical experience with Microsoft applications.

Monthly remuneration is approximately EUR 7,883 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.

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.