Background:
This position is open for secondment only and participating States are kindly reminded that all costs in relation to an assignment at the High Commissioner on National Minorities 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 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 High Commissioner on National Minorities (HCNM) promotes conflict prevention and integration of diverse societies. HCNM was established to identify and seek early resolution of ethnic tensions that might endanger peace, stability or friendly relations between OSCE participating States.
The Office is staffed by the High Commissioner; a Director; area teams comprising political, legal and project advisers/officers; and an administrative and support team.
Strategic Communications Officer reports to the HCNM, Director, and is responsible for supporting outreach efforts within the HCNM community to promote awareness and to facilitate internal communication and information-sharing within the office.
Tasks and Responsibilities:
Under the overall supervision of the HCNM Director the successful candidate will be tasked with the following duties:
Develop and implement communications strategy of the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities (HCNM); Develop and plan the outreach and information strategies aimed at promoting awareness and understanding of the role and work of HCNM within the OSCE; Devise innovative approaches to increase the visibility and promote awareness of the HCNM among relevant stakeholders, focusing on the mandate's conflict prevention work; Manage production and development of information products, including but not limited to articles, brochures, booklets, audio-visual presentations, press releases, etc., relating to HCNM activities and work; Promote the work of the High Commissioner on National Minorities through communications materials and events using all relevant digital media platforms; Streamline the preparation of outgoing information, including press releases, news items, media messages, brochures, booklets as well as correspondence and other external communication materials as required; Assess incoming media inquiries and outreach-related requests and provide advice on response modalities in consultation with relevant advisers; Facilitate the process of publishing and updating materials on the HCNM official website; Evaluate the effectiveness of communication strategy and make practical recommendations for further improvements; Review relevant documents produced by the Communication and Editorial Assistant; Supervise the work of the Communication Unit and review other relevant materials of communication/editorial staff.
For more detailed information on the work of the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities, please see: https://www.osce.org/hcnm
Necessary Qualifications:
Second-level university degree (Master's or equivalent degree) in communications, journalism, international relations, marketing, public administration or related field is required; a first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree; A minimum of six years of progressively responsible experience in strategic communications, public relations, journalism or related field is required; Experience working with information technology tools is required; Experience in preparing and delivering internal communications within the organization is desirable; Experience in drafting and producing a variety of information products is desirable; Professional fluency in English with excellent communication (both oral and written) skills; knowledge of another official OSCE language is an advantage; 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.
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 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 the nomination of qualified female and male candidates from all religious, ethnic and social backgrounds.
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.
Please apply to your relevant authorities well in advance of the deadline expiration to ensure timely processing of your application. Delayed nominations will not be considered. The OSCE can only process Secondment applications that have been nominated by participating States. For queries relating to your application, please refer to the respective delegation as listed here: https://www.osce.org/contacts/delegations. Additional Information