Senior Adviser (P4)

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, 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.

Free expression and free media are basic human rights. To ensure compliance with media-freedom commitments agreed upon by participating States, the Office of the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media (RFoM) was established in December 1997. The function of the Representative is to observe relevant media developments in OSCE participating States with a view to providing early warning on violations of freedom of expression. The Representative concentrates on rapid response to serious non-compliance with OSCE principles and commitments by participating States. In case of serious problems caused, for instance, by obstruction of media activities and unfavourable working conditions for journalists, the Representative seeks direct contacts with the participating State and other parties involved, assesses the facts and contributes to the resolution of the issue. Another task is to assist participating States by advocating and promoting full compliance with OSCE principles and commitments regarding freedom of expression and free media. Assistance is typically provided in the form of legal analyses of legislation, organizing conferences and roundtables during which best practices are shared and promoted, preparing topical publications and guidebooks on media freedom matters and providing training seminars for media and government officials.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

Under the supervision of the Head of Institution (HoI) and in close co-operation with the Director, the incumbent – as a senior staff member – will perform the following duties:

1. Supervising the monitoring of media developments in the member countries of designated area;
2. Preparing visits for the HoI or conducting visits independently, which includes co-ordination of preparation of background reports and of agenda items on country related matters.
3. Advising the OSCE Representative on media freedom matters, especially on legal/regulatory issues;
4. Conceptualizing and implementing all the Office's legal projects as well as analyzing developments in the legal sphere within the OSCE region;
5. Maintaining regular contacts with the NGO network in the designated geographical area, transmits relevant information to other members of the Office; commissioning additional research for information among the NGOs;
6. Developing the concept and supervising the implementation of projects by: identifying problems within the media sphere in the OSCE region, developing and formulating new project proposals to address these issues and devising strategies for the HoI with a view to improving freedom of the media;
7. Being the focal point for the Office's external cooperation activities, especially in connection with other international organisations;
8. Performing other duties as assigned.

For more detailed information on the structure and work of the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, please see https://www.osce.org/representative-on-freedom-of-media.

Necessary Qualifications:

• Second-level university degree in political science, international relations, law, journalism 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;
• Minimum eight years of relevant professional experience;
• Practical experience in the media freedom advocacy field, in the field of human rights and/or experience within the OSCE or other international organizations (especially field work) is highly desirable;
• Experience in handling modern information technologies is essential;
• Knowledge about the working methods of media professionals and media outlets;
• Professional fluency in the English language with excellent oral and written communication skills; working knowledge of the Russian language is an asset; 
• Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, and an ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective and constructive working relations with people of different national and cultural backgrounds;
• Computer literate with practical experience in Microsoft applications.

Remuneration Package:

Monthly remuneration is around EUR 7800, with the actual monthly salary 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 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.