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.
The Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) is the principal institution of the OSCE responsible for the human dimension. The ODIHR’s activities are implemented in 57 participating States in accordance with the ODIHR’s political mandate. Among the ODIHR’s main fields of activity are election observation and large number of assistance projects in the areas of democratic institution building, the rule of law and human rights.
The Public Affairs Unit promotes active support for human rights and democracy by increasing understanding and awareness among the public, the media, expert communities, and civil society of the OSCE human dimension commitments and the principles underlying the ODIHR’s mandate as well as the Office’s activities.
Tasks and Responsibilities:
Under the direct supervision of the Spokesperson/Senior Press and Public Information Officer the incumbent performs the following duties:
1. Assisting the ODIHR Editor in the preparation and production of ODIHR publications:
(a) Contacting printing houses, layouters and translators prior to and during the publication process;
(b) Working on solving any problems/delays in the publication process and ensuring that deadlines are kept;
(c) Preparing contracts for all external contractors involved in the production of ODIHR publications and other informational material; liaising between the Editor and the Finance Unit to ensure that contracts are fulfilled and payments made on a timely basis;
(d) Maintaining database for distribution of ODIHR publications;
(e) Maintaining files relating to the production of ODIHR publications;
(f) Assisting in preparing ODIHR publications for shipping.
2. Assisting the Spokesperson/Senior Press and Public Information Officer in liaising with media based in Poland:
(a) Translating OSCE/ODIHR press releases into Polish and disseminates to Polish media;
(b) Interpreting for the Spokesperson during media interviews whenever needed;
(c) Maintaining and regularly updating a database of media based in Poland;
(d) Monitoring the Polish media and briefing the Spokesperson on issues concerning the Office that are covered where relevant;
(e) Producing an English-language press digest following major events in which ODIHR is involved or on request;
3. Assisting in the updating of the ODIHR website on occasion:
(a) Supporting the work of the Public Affairs Unit by updating the ODIHR website in the absence of the web editor or when otherwise necessary;
(b) Taking photographs of events taking place on the ODIHR premises and uploads to the website;
4. Carrying out all administrative tasks of the Press and Public Affairs Unit:
(a) Making arrangements for duty travel (air tickets, insurance, visas);
(b) Making unofficial translations of correspondence to and from Polish;
(c) Preparing all procurement forms for the Unit.
5. Performing other tasks as required
Necessary qualifications:
• Completion of secondary education;
• At least five years of administrative experience;
• Established experience in simple or technical translation;
• Computer literate with practical experience with Microsoft applications;
• Excellent written and spoken communication skills in English and Polish;
• Working knowledge of Russian is desired, knowledge of other OSCE languages is an asset;
• Ability to work with people of different nationalities, religions and cultural backgrounds;
• Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, and an ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities.
Remuneration Package:
Monthly remuneration, subject to social security deductions, is approximately PLN 8,200. OSCE salaries are exempt from taxation in Poland. Social security will include participation in the Cigna medical insurance scheme (current approximate deduction for a staff member is 68 Euro) and OSCE Provident Fund. The Organization contributes an additional amount equivalent to 15% of the employee's salary to this pension-style fund while the employee contributes 7.5%. Other allowances and benefits are similar to those offered under the United Nations Common System for general services employees.
Appointments are normally made at Step 1 of the applicable OSCE salary scale. In exceptional cases, an initial appointment at up to Step 3 may be considered. This depends on factors such as relevant experience exceeding minimum requirements or higher previous remuneration. Any such request by a candidate must be reviewed and approved by the OSCE before the appointment.
How to apply:
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.
Candidates interviewed and found suitable in the recruitment process for this vacancy notice will be placed on a roster of suitable candidates (valid for three years) for fixed-term posts, should a suitable opportunity arise. The placement on a roster does not guarantee a future appointment or assignment.
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 OSCE appointments are subject to medical clearance.
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.
Please be aware that the OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application and review process.