General Minimum Requirements

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

Field of Expertise Requirements

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

• University education 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

Level of Professional Competence Requirements

Furthermore, this level of responsibility requires the following:

Education:

Advanced degree in a relevant field

Experience:

Minimum 6 years of relevant professional experience

Mission Specific Requirements

Additionally, this particular post has specific requirements:

Mandatory:

• Superior oral and communication skills in English with proven ability to prepare news-related documents, press releases, statements, speeches and analytical reports
• Significant experience in the fields of media and communications, preferably with a strong journalism background
• 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
• Knowledge of key media policy issues relevant to media markets, media regulation, and new media platforms
• Well developed observation and analytical skills
• Sound political judgement and ability to communicate professionally and diplomatically with high level officials and media personnel
• Excellent personnel, 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
• Cultural sensitivity and judgement
• Flexibility and ability to work under pressure and with limited time frames

Desirable:

• Previous experience in South East Europe
• Background and experience in other international missions and/or foreign news assignments
• Previous experience working in post conflict environment
• Knowledge of the local languages or most common lingua franca

Tasks and Responsibilities

Under the guidance and direction of the Head of Mission (HoM) and Deputy Head of Mission (D/HoM), the incumbent:

1. Communicates with the relevant authorities with respect to national policy and legislation related to the regulation of broadcasting, the public broadcasting service, any regulation of print media, and freedom of expression and information, as well the legislative framework for information society and the development of new media, in close coordination with international partners;
2. In co-ordination with the Political and Reporting Unit, engages at the political level to monitor and positively influence developments in the area of the media, particularly when the public broadcaster or minority media are concerned;
3. Monitors overall trends in the media, focusing particularly on non-majority representation and access, ethnic or political bias, freedom of the press, and professional standards;
4. Reports and provides analysis on these trends to colleagues within the OSCE, including to the office of the Representative on Freedom of the Media (serving as a Focal Point), and to other international partners;
5. Develops and/or update regularly, with input from others in the Mission comprehensive communication strategy for the Mission that reinforces its mandate and programmatic objectives and trains incoming mission members in its application;
6. Disseminates information regarding the OSCE activities to the local and international press and advises the Head of Mission and Senior Staff on the content, style, placement and dissemination of all Mission communications with the media;
7. Provides guidance to all Mission departments on external communications, including public information campaigns and supporting materials;
8. Approves all Mission publications or broadcast media products and any other instances in which the Mission logo is used on products for public distribution;
9. Prepares fact sheets for the Mission and each of the departments, and the content on the OSCE website related to the Skopje Mission;
10. Briefs the HoM, senior staff and other members of the international community regularly on press coverage of current events and issues;
11. Maintains contacts with media representatives and builds relationships with journalists covering the international community and/or subjects related to the Mission's work;
12. Serves as Mission's spokesperson upon direct request and instruction by HoM and DHoM;
13. Arranges the press appearances of the Senior Management as appropriate;
14. Supervises and manages the Media and Public Information staff;
15. Performs other duties as assigned.

* Please note that this post is subject to 2013 Unified Budget approval.

The OSCE is committed to achieving a better balance of women and men within the Organization. The nomination of female candidates is particularly encouraged.

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.