Principal Adviser to the Head of Institution (S)

Background:

This position is open for secondment only and participating States are kindly reminded that all costs in relation to an assignment at the Office of the Representative on Freedom of the Media 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.  

Free expression and free media are basic human rights. To ensure compliance with media-freedom commitments agreed upon by participating States, the Office of the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media (RFoM) was established in December 1997. The function of the Representative is to observe relevant media developments in OSCE participating States with a view to providing early warning on violations of freedom of expression. The Representative concentrates on rapid response to serious non-compliance with OSCE principles and commitments by participating States. In case of serious problems caused, for instance, by obstruction of media activities and unfavourable working conditions for journalists, the Representative seeks direct contacts with the participating State and other parties involved, assesses the facts and contributes to the resolution of the issue. Another task is to assist participating States by advocating and promoting full compliance with OSCE principles and commitments regarding freedom of expression and free media. Assistance is typically provided in the form of legal analyses of legislation, organizing conferences and roundtables during which best practices are shared and promoted, preparing topical publications and guidebooks on media freedom matters and providing training seminars for media and government officials.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

Under the direct supervision of the Representative on Freedom of the Media (RFoM), the incumbent will advise the RFoM on political, inter-institutional and strategic issues related to freedom of the media and freedom of expression.

He/she will be the principal adviser and a key senior staff member to the RFoM and represents the Office vis-à-vis participating States and other international organizations. Specifically, the Principal Adviser to the Head of Institution will be:

1. Acting as executive representative of the RFoM on all work in the Office;
2. Supporting the RFoM with the implementation of the mandate and determining thematic issues that need to be addressed, including formulating reactions and responses to politically sensitive developments;
3. Utilizing political contacts and ensures professional exchange in this regard with governmental officials, international organizations, NGOs and OSCE structures;
4. Assessing and interpreting major media policy issues, procedures and practices and ensuring timely follow-up on the implementation of media freedom related decisions and policies; recommending office strategies and policy;
5. Examining political, technological and policy developments affecting the free flow of information and media pluralism and identifying problematic areas to be addressed by the RFoM; proposing politically appropriate action and reaction in cases of possible violations of OSCE media freedom commitments;
6. Supporting the Director in project implementation and ensuring that projects and programmes are in line with the mandate as well as with the political aim of the RFoM;
7. Supporting the fund-raising, development, implementation and financial administration of projects on media freedom and ensuring that they are in line with the mandate; including relevant financial activities related to project proposals and extra-budgetary contributions;
8. Commissioning comprehensive analyses, reports and assessment papers and developing new approaches to protect freedom of expression online and in traditional media from colleagues in the office and provides expert advice thereon;
9. Preparing policy papers on specific thematic, geographic or cross-dimensional media developments and background information and reports; preparing background information and reports;
10. Representing the RFoM at closed and public (international) conferences, meetings, workshops, roundtables; delivering statements, papers, speeches and public statements reflecting the RFoM's priorities and position with regard to freedom of expression and media pluralism in new media;
11. Liaising with OSCE field presences, other international organizations, media, NGOs and develops and maintaining contacts with high level government officials, OSCE delegations, etc.;
12. Acting as officer-in-charge when the RFoM or Director is out of the office;
13. Performing other related duties as required.

For more detailed information on the structure and work of the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, please see https://www.osce.org/representative-on-freedom-of-media
 

Necessary Qualifications:

• Second-level university degree in political science, international relations, law, media or social studies, or another related field;
• At least eight years of progressively responsible professional experience in the field of freedom of expression, media freedom advocacy, human rights, international relations or other related fields, including experience at the international level within the OSCE or another international organization;
• Experience in managing staff;
• Solid experience in multi-lateral diplomacy; experience in field presence is an asset;
• Excellent analytical and drafting skills;
• Sound knowledge of and experience with modern information technologies and the OSCE's history and institutional structure;
• Ability to work in a deadline-driven and within a multi-cultural environment;
• Ability to guide/lead staff and motivate teams;
• Professional fluency in the English language; working knowledge of other OSCE official languages desirable;
• Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, and an ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities;
• Computer literate with practical experience using Microsoft applications.

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 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.

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 the nomination of qualified female and male candidates from all religious, ethnic and social backgrounds.

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

Please apply to your relevant authorities well in advance of the deadline expiration to ensure timely processing of your application. Delayed nominations will not be considered. The OSCE can only process Secondment applications that have been nominated by participating States. For queries relating to your application, please refer to the respective delegation as listed here: https://www.osce.org/contacts/delegations.