Short-term Communications Assistant (G3) (Roster Call)

Background:

Please note that this is a temporary position for the duration of 5 months and 29 days with the possibility of an extension, subject to funding availability.

Roster of suitable candidates will be established as a result of this selection process.

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 Chairpersonship 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/her 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, Communication and Media Relations, Legal Services, External Co-operation, Security Management, Gender Issues, Conference and Language Services, Central Records Management, and oversees the OSCE Documentation Centre in Prague (DCiP). The OSG ensures effective co-ordination of policy advice provided to the Secretary General and the Chairpersonship, and management decisions taken by the Secretary General.

The Communications and Media Relations Section (COMMS), within the OSG, supports and advises the Secretary General, the OSCE Chairmanship and the Organization on strategic communications, media relations and public outreach. COMMS serves as the focal point for public communications across the OSCE, ensuring coherent and timely messaging while promoting the Organization’s values, mandate and activities.
 

COMMS produces and disseminates press releases, media advisories, publications and other communication products; manages the OSCE public website and social media channels; provides communications support to Secretariat departments, Institutions and Field Operations; and responds to media and public enquiries. Through its work, COMMS enhances the visibility, transparency and public understanding of the OSCE's activities across the Organization.
 

To support the increasing demand for communications services and digital content production, COMMS requires the temporary assistance of a Communications Assistant. Under the supervision of the Chief of Unit, the incumbent will contribute to media relations activities, digital communications, multimedia production and communications support for stakeholders across the Organization.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

Under the direct supervision of the Chief of Unit, the Communications Assistant will support the daily work of the Communications and Media Relations Section by carrying out the following tasks:

1. Producing communications materials to promote the activities of the OSCE and demonstrate their impact across a variety of communication channels;
2. Drafting, preparing and implementing social media content and campaigns for the OSCE's corporate social media platforms;
3. Assisting in maintaining and updating content on the OSCE public website and other digital communication platforms;
4. Supporting the Communications Helpdesk by providing first- and second-level communications support to OSCE Field Operations, Institutions and Secretariat departments;
5. Responding to media and public enquiries and assisting with media relations activities as required;
6. Providing photography and video support for the Secretary General, senior management and Secretariat programmes, including recording, editing and publishing multimedia content;
7. Supporting the preparation of communication products, including news articles, media advisories, press releases, newsletters and other public information materials;
8. Coordinating with Communications Officers and communication focal points across the Organization to support the implementation of communications activities;
9. Assisting with multimedia production, including basic graphic design, image editing and video editing where required;
10. 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

Necessary Qualifications:

• Completed secondary education. Training in communications, journalism, multimedia production or a related field is an asset;
• A minimum of three years of relevant professional experience in journalism, communications, public information, digital communications or multimedia production; a university degree in a relevant field may be considered as a substitute for up to two years of working experience only to determine eligibility;
• Demonstrated experience in writing, editing and preparing communications materials is a strong asset;
• Demonstrated experience with social media management and website content management is a strong asset;
• Demonstrated experience with photography, video production, visual design or multimedia production is an asset;
• Good communication, organizational and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment;
• Computer literacy, including proficiency in Microsoft Office applications. Experience with digital communications tools, content management systems and multimedia software is an asset;
• Demonstrated initiative, flexibility and the ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.

• Professional fluency in English with excellent communication (both oral and written) skills; working knowledge of at least one other language from the OSCE region is an asset;

• 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.

Remuneration Package:

Monthly remuneration, subject to social security deduction, is approximately EUR 3,600. OSCE salaries are exempt from taxation in Austria. Social benefits will include possibility of participation in the Cigna medical insurance scheme.

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 for short-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. 

Please be aware that the OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application and review process.