National Political/Liaison Officer (NP2)

Background:

OSCE field operations are the front line of the OSCE’s engagement on the ground, supporting host authorities in fulfilling OSCE commitments and implementing a comprehensive approach to security. The OSCE Mission to Skopje is the Organization's longest-serving field operation working on social cohesion, fundamental rights, gender equality, the rule of law, good governance, integrity and anticorruption, criminal justice and police reform.

The post of National Political Liaison Officer is located in the Political Affairs and Communications Unit (PACU), within the Office of the Head of Mission. Its main purpose is to contribute to political monitoring, analysis and reporting, with a particular focus on maintaining a network of contacts across the political spectrum and staying informed on key political developments. The role supports the provision of timely political insights, facilitates communication with relevant interlocutors, and contributes to informed decision-making by senior management.

      Tasks and Responsibilities:

Under the overall guidance and supervision of the Chief of Political Affairs and Communications Unit, the successful candidate will be responsible for:

1. Monitoring developments in the political landscape relevant to the Mission’s mandate at both national and international levels and providing analytical inputs, briefings and updates to Chief of PACU and Senior management, acting with initiative and independence; 
2. Advising on procedural, regulatory, and policy aspects of parliamentary proceedings, laws and political processes; 
3. Contributing to and consolidating inputs for PACU’s political analysis and regular reporting, including inputs to Weekly Political Overviews (WPO), Monthly Activity Reports (MARs), thematic briefings, and other internal and external reporting products;
4. Coordinating with other programmatic units to gather relevant information and ensure coherence in political analysis, reporting and messaging, and facilitating the consolidation of programmatic inputs for internal planning documents and external reports, as directed by Chief of PACU;
5. Developing and maintaining efficient network of political contacts with relevant interlocutors from state institutions, government representatives, political parties, political analysts, civil society organizations (CSOs) and international stakeholders; and liaising with them to ensure their engagement, for the purpose of political monitoring, information gathering and reporting, in line with the Mission’s strategic priorities;
6. Contributing to and supporting the development of Mission’s communication products, as directed by Chief of PACU; preparing and contributing to PACU’s review of briefing materials, talking points, background notes, and speeches for the Head of Mission, senior management, and visiting officials;
7. Representing the Mission at national, government/Parliament ceremonial and political parties’ activities, congresses, conventions or other events; participating in internal and external meetings, and preparing meeting notes as necessary;

8. Performing other duties as assigned. 

   
   Necessary Qualifications:

• Citizenship of or permanent residence in the Republic of North Macedonia;
• First-level university degree in political science/affairs, international relations/affairs, law, or a similar field;
• A minimum of four (4) years of relevant progressively responsible professional experience in political affairs, with established contacts with government officials, political actors, state administration and/or international organizations;
• Sound knowledge of the socio-political environment, political structures, institutions, and current affairs in North Macedonia and the wider regional context;
• Demonstrated ability to interact effectively with political actors, government officials, civil society, and international stakeholders
• Proven experience in political analysis, research and reporting;
• Excellent drafting and analytical skills, with demonstrated ability to analyse and evaluate complex and sensitive issues, and to produce high quality written materials under tight deadlines;
• Proven ability to establish and maintain effective working relations as a member of a team, with people of different cultural and religious backgrounds, different gender, and diverse political views, while maintaining impartiality and objectivity;
• Demonstrable communication and problem-solving skills, as well as initiative;
• Flexibility and ability to work in a high-pressure environment with limited time frames;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and in the local languages; Knowledge of more than one local language would be considered an advantage;
• 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;
• Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, and an ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities;
• Computer literate with practical experience in Microsoft applications;
• Holding a valid driving license.

Remuneration Package:

Monthly remuneration, subject to social security deductions, is approximately EUR 2,617.75.
Social benefits will include participation in the Cigna Medical Insurance and the OSCE Provident Fund. 

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.

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 62 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.