Information Architect

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, 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 Chairmanship 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) provides general services to the Secretary General (SG), the Chairperson-in- Office and the participating States. It groups service-oriented offices (Office of Legal Affairs, Conference and Language Services, the OSCE Documentation Centre in Prague), and policy-oriented offices (Communication and Media Relations, External Co-operation, Gender Affairs) as well as Security Management and Executive Management. The OSG also ensures effective co-ordination of policy advice provided to the Secretary General and the Chairmanship, and management decisions taken by the Secretary General. The OSG is led by a Director, who also serves as Chief of Staff and the Head of Executive Management.

The Communication and Media Relations Section (COMMS) supports and advises the Secretary General and the OSCE Chairmanship on media and public relations activities and informs the public about the work of the OSCE. COMMS also serves as the focal point for public statements and other communication material from OSCE Institutions and field operations. COMMS produces and disseminates press releases, information materials and regular publications, maintains the public website, the Organization’s social media presence and promotes the OSCE’s values, principles and work.

Within COMMS, the Online Communication Unit provides expertise and support on a wide variety of topics ranging from corporate identity to social media, production of multimedia content and maintenance of the OSCE website, both at the technical level and regarding to the organisation of its content. The Unit interacts on a daily basis with stakeholders from the entire organisation.

Under the general supervision of the Online Communications Manager, should you be selected for the job, you will play a critically important role and be tasked with:

1. Planning and designing the information architecture of the OSCE public website;

• Designing the information architecture to ensure it gives visibility to the organisation’s activities and serves its communication needs, in consultations with internal stakeholders and in line with COMMS objectives;
• Designing and updating the layout of page templates for every section of the website, in coordination with external graphic designers and with COMMS Associate Web Developer;
• Identifying opportunities to use external services (ex: Cloud-based solutions, Social Media platforms, etc.) to enrich the way the information is presented to visitors;

2. Developing content for the OSCE public website, and maintaining its structure;

• Updating portions of the website content and structure, in co-ordination with stakeholders across the organisation and in close collaboration with COMMS Publications Editor and Outreach Officer;
• Proposing and implementing new content features for the website, with a focus on the OSCE activities and on individual stories;

3. Managing projects related to content, software and infrastructure for the OSCE public website;

• Proposing any necessary outsourcing and overseeing contractors’ work (designers, developers, content creators, etc.);

4. Providing quality assurance and participating in quality improvement activities;

5. Contributing to the planning and development of other OSCE Internet presences, such as websites,  portals or mini-sites for specific OSCE units;

6. Advising the Online Communications Manager on content management solutions for the OSCE  public website and contributing to the planning of the website by keeping up-to-date with the latest  technologies;

7. Overseeing the maintenance, operation and security of the OSCE public website, in coordination with COMMS Associate Web Developer;

8. Providing website-related training to OSCE staff involved in the maintenance of the OSCE public  website or in other activities related to online communications;

9. Acting as a central focal point, providing technical advice and guidance on information management to field operations,  institutions and Secretariat units;

10. Performing other related duties as requested.

For more detailed information on the structure and work of the OSCE Secretariat, please see https://www.osce.org/secretariat

• First-level university degree or equivalent diploma in information management, journalism, computer science, information technology or software engineering. Professional training and/or certification in project management would be an asset;
• A minimum of six years of professional experience in web management; progressively responsible experience starting with content editing or programming, and  developing towards information architecture and systems design;
• Thorough understanding of information architecture, software architecture and web design;
• Experience with managing major re-vamp/relaunch of a website is an asset;
• Excellent knowledge of web technologies, security and content management systems (CMS). Previous experience with the Drupal CMS is an asset;
• Professional fluency in English and at least one other OSCE working language, with excellent communication, drafting and editing skills;
• Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, and ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with people of different national and cultural backgrounds, whilst remaining impartial and objective;
• Ability to operate Windows applications including word processing, internet and other software applications.

• Commitment: Actively contributes to achieving organizational goals
• Diversity: Respects others and values their diverse perspectives and contributions
• Integrity: Acts in a manner consistent with the Organization’s core values and organizational principles
• Accountability: Takes responsibility for own action and delegated work

• Communication: Actively works to achieve clear and transparent communication with colleagues and with stakeholders of the Organization
• Collaboration: Works effectively with others on common goals and fosters a positive, trust-based working environment
• Planning: Works towards the achievement of goals in a structured and measured manner
• Analysis and decision-making: Analyses available information, draws well-founded conclusions and takes appropriate decisions
• Initiative-taking: Proposes and initiates new ideas, activities and projects
• Flexibility: Responds positively and effectively to changing circumstances

• Leadership: Provides a clear sense of direction, builds trust and creates an enabling environment
• Strategic thinking: Identifies goals that advance the organizational agenda and develops plans for achieving them
• Managing performance: Helps to maximize team performance by providing active feedback and skill development opportunities

Monthly remuneration is approximately EUR 6,381, depending on post adjustment and family status. OSCE salaries are exempt from taxation in Austria. Social benefits will include possibility of participation in the Cigna medical insurance scheme and the OSCE Provident Fund. Other allowances and benefits are similar to those offered under the United Nations Common System.

Please note that appointments are normally made at step 1 of the applicable OSCE salary scale.

If you wish to apply for this position, please use the OSCE's online application link found under https://jobs.osce.org/vacancies.

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 applicants who are selected to participate in the subsequent stages of recruitment will be contacted.

Recruitment shall be based on a transparent process, subject to open competition among nationals of participating States and without regard to gender, race, colour, religion and beliefs nor to ethnic or social origin or to nationality.

The OSCE is a non-career organization committed to the principle of staff rotation, therefore the maximum period of service in this post is 7 years.

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

Please note that vacancies in the OSCE are open for competition only amongst nationals of participating States, please see http://www.osce.org/states.