Cheif, Communication and Media Relations Unit

The general minimum requirements for working with the OSCE are:

• Excellent physical condition
• Possession of a valid automobile driving license and ability to drive using manual transmission
• Ability to cope with physical hardship and willingness to work extra hours and in an environment with limited infrastructure

The general minimum requirements for working in this field of expertise are:

• Second-level university degree in journalism, international relations or related field, communications, public relations, media studies or professional certification in journalism, public relations or media technology
• Experience in working in or with the media or in public relations, particularly in gathering, organizing, editing and disseminating information
• Excellent oral and written English communication skills, including the ability to prepare news- related documents and public presentations in simple, clear language for a broad non-diplomatic audience
• Good analytical and interpersonal skills

Furthermore, this level of responsibility requires the following:

Education:

Second-level university degree/certified training course in a relevant field desirable

Experience:

Minimum 6 years of relevant, diversified and progressively responsible professional experience including at least 3 years at the management level relevant to the actual position

Additionally, this particular post has specific requirements:

Mandatory:

• Professional fluency in English with proven ability to prepare news-related documents, press releases, statements, speeches, feature stories, factsheets, and analytical reports in a clear, understandable and concise way; 
• Significant experience (4 years or more) in the fields of media and communications, preferably with a strong journalism background;
• Experience in managing media projects;
• Significant ability in preparation and dissemination of issue related messages, demonstrated experience in the development of public information campaigns, including public opinion surveys, television and radio public service announcements;
• Experience in managing and administrating social media channels;
• Background and experience in other international missions and/or foreign news assignments;
• Knowledge of key media policy issues relevant to media legislation, media markets, media regulation, professional standards for media and new media platforms;
• Experience in working with media freedom issues, media analysis or media development;
• Well-developed observations and analytical skills;
• Sound political judgement and ability to communicate professionally and diplomatically with high level officials and media personnel;
• Excellent management and social skills;
• Familiarity with information technology, including Internet, Intranet, digital photography and video;
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to work 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;
• Flexibility and ability to work under pressure and with limited time frames;
• Ability to remain calm in stressful situations.

Desirable:

• Previous experience in South East Europe;
• Previous experience working in post conflict environment;
• Ability to understand and speak at least one of the local languages.

Under the guidance and directions of the Head of Mission (HoM)  and  Deputy Head of Mission (DHoM), the incumbent will be performing the following tasks:

1. Advising the HoM and DHoM on all media-related issues, including overall media strategy, media lines and arrangement of press appearances, as well as any other issues related to the public and media profile of the Mission;
2. Communicating, in close co-ordination with international partners, with the relevant authorities regarding national policy, legislation related to the regulation of broadcasting, the public broadcasting service, regulations of print media and freedom of expression and information, as well the legislative framework for information society and the development of new media;
3. Managing media-related project development, implementation and evaluation;
4. Monitoring, analysing and reporting on the overall trends in the media, focusing particularly on non-majority representation and access, ethnic or political bias, freedom of the press, safety of journalists and professional standards;
5. Co-ordinating the distribution of news reports to the senior staff of the Mission and sends real time information on media issues that require immediate attention; Briefing regularly the HoM, senior staff and other members of the international community on press coverage of current events and issues;
6. Developing and/or updating regularly, with input from others in the Mission, comprehensive communication strategy, including social media strategy  for the Mission that reinforces its mandate and programmatic objectives and training incoming mission members in its application; Evaluating its effectiveness and making adjustments accordingly;
7. Developing and maintaining content for the web and the social media channels; Tailoring language, style and format to match target audience;
8. Approving all Mission publications or broadcast media products and any other instances in which the mission logo is used on products for public distribution; Providing guidance to all Mission departments on external communications, including public information campaigns and supporting materials;
9. Identifying media threats and proposing course of action; Identifying media opportunities and undertaking activities to promote media coverage including building and maintaining relations with media representatives covering the international community and/or subject related to the Missions work;
10. Ensuring consistency of Missions messages and adherence to the OSCE Visual Identity;
11. Serving as a focal point for Representative on Freedom of the Media; Liaising with counterparts in different international organizations and/or Embassies; Developing and maintaining contacts with representatives of associations, agencies, bodies, NGOs and CSOs working on media issues;
12. Serving as the Missions Spokesperson upon direct request and instruction by HoM and DHoM; Representing the Mission in important media-related meetings, conferences, workshops and events;
13. Directing, supervising and managing the work of three national staff;
14. Performing other duties as assigned.

For more detailed information on the work of OSCE Mission to Skopje, please see www.osce.org/skopje

The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages the nomination of qualified female and male candidates from all national, religious, ethnic and social backgrounds. Please note that nationals or permanent residents of the country of the duty station are not eligible to apply.

Candidates should, prior to applying, verify with their respective nominating authority to which extent financial remuneration and/or benefit packages will be offered.

Please apply to your relevant authorities several days prior to the deadline expiration to ensure timely processing of your application. Delayed nominations will not be considered.