Communications Officer

This position is open for secondment only and participating States are kindly reminded that all costs in relation to this assignment at the HCNM must be borne by their authorities.

Candidates should, prior to applying, verify with their respective nominating authority to which extent financial remuneration and/or benefit packages will be offered. Seconded staff members in the OSCE Secretariat and Institutions are not entitled to a Board and Lodging Allowance payable by the Organization.

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 High Commissioner on National Minorities (HCNM) promotes conflict prevention and integration of diverse societies. HCNM was established to identify and seek early resolution of ethnic tensions that might endanger peace, stability or friendly relations between OSCE participating States.

The OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities is seeking a Communications Officer to take charge of the further development and implementation of projects in support of the HCNM's communications strategy. Under the supervision of the Director, as Communications Officer, you will be responsible for the following:

1. Drafting, developing and implementing HCNM's internal communications strategy aimed at promoting awareness and understanding of the institution's work on an ongoing basis; 
2. Developing and maintaining a rolling communications calendar, which is also used to monitor delivery;
3. Producing, developing and reviewing information products, such as press releases, broadcast messages, brochures, booklets, audio-visual presentations, opinion editorials, social media material; 
4. Devising and proposing communications-related opportunities for promoting the work of the High Commissioner on National Minorities; 
5. Developing a network of journalists and maintaining regular contacts with them;
6. Building on the development of a systematic communications archive appropriate to the institution and in accordance with OSCE record-keeping policy and practice; 
7. Reviewing and providing comments and suggestions for drafts of speeches, as assigned; 
8. Establishing and maintaining contacts, as necessary, with international organizations in order to keep abreast of communications practice and to share information related to the practice of the communications discipline;
9. Functioning as HCNM spokesperson, if the need arises and as directed; 
10. Liaising with OSCE Communication and Media Relations Section at the OSCE Secretariat in Vienna; 
11. Carrying out other related duties as required.

For more detailed information on the work of the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities, please see https://www.osce.org/hcnm

• First-level university degree in communications, journalism, information management, marketing, public administration, political science/international relations or related area;
• At least six years of progressively responsible experience in communications, journalism, information management, marketing, public administration, political science/international relations or related area;
• Experience in working with digital communication tools and web-based media;
• Experience in politically sensitive environments;
• Experience working with minority issues, human rights, conflict prevention, diverse societies or related sectors is desirable;
• Knowledge of the OSCE and the mandate and activities of the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities;
• Professional fluency in English; working knowledge of another OSCE language would be an asset;
• Excellent communication skills; resourcefulness; team spirit; initiative;
• Ability to work independently but also as part of a team;
• Computer literacy;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with people of different cultural and religious backgrounds, different gender, and diverse political views, while remaining impartial and objective.

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.

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

The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages the nomination of qualified female and male candidates from all religious, ethnic and social backgrounds.

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

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.