National Communications Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Organization for security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) is a regional security organization established in 197

• It is the world's largest security-oriented intergovernmental organization, with 57 participating states from Europe, Central Asia, and North America. The OSCE's mission is to promote peace, stability, and democracy through various means, including conflict prevention, crisis management, and post-conflict rehabilitation. The OSCE Mission to Skopje is the longest-serving field operation of the organization, focusing on social cohesion, fundamental rights, gender equality, rule of law, good governance, integrity, anti-corruption, criminal justice, and police reform. The mission operates with a diverse team of professionals dedicated to fostering a secure and democratic environment in North Macedonia.

Job Overview:
The National Communications Officer position is situated within the Political Affairs and Communications Unit (PACU) of the OSCE Mission to Skopje. The primary responsibility of this role is to shape and implement the Mission's communication strategy, which encompasses public information, media relations, and online outreach. The officer will act as the main point of contact for both national and international media, managing the Mission's digital presence and ensuring effective communication of its objectives and activities. This role requires a strategic mindset to advise senior leadership on public messaging and media relations, as well as the ability to develop and execute communication plans that align with the Mission's goals. The officer will also be responsible for creating engaging content, analyzing media trends, and supporting outreach initiatives to enhance the Mission's visibility and impact.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The National Communications Officer will undertake a variety of tasks under the supervision of the Senior Political and Communications Officer, including:

• Strategic Communications and Advisory: Advising the Head of Mission (HoM) and senior leadership on public messaging, media relations, and reputational risks; contributing to the development and implementation of a strategic communication plan aligned with the Mission's goals; developing lines to take, talking points, press releases, and statements in coordination with PACU leadership and senior management.
• Media Relations: Developing and maintaining networks of media contacts to ensure fair and objective reporting of Mission activities; organizing and moderating press conferences, briefings, and media interviews; preparing background materials and coordinating messaging; drafting and implementing crisis communication plans and leading response coordination in high sensitivity situations.
• Social and Digital Media Management: Managing the Mission's social media channels, including content planning, creation, posting, and community management; producing engaging multimedia content in collaboration with programmatic teams; analyzing social media engagement data and producing regular reports with recommendations for improvement; coordinating with the OSCE Secretariat to ensure consistent branding and messaging on digital platforms.
• Content Development and Web Management: Overseeing content planning and production for the Mission website, ensuring relevance, clarity, and alignment with strategic priorities; identifying storytelling opportunities across the Mission and liaising with programmatic departments to showcase impact.
• Monitoring and Analysis: Monitoring media coverage and political developments relevant to the OSCE and the Mission mandate; providing regular analysis and alerting the HoM and PACU on media trends, opportunities, and threats.
• Support to Mission-wide Outreach and Public Events: Assisting programmatic teams in planning and executing outreach events and communication campaigns; ensuring consistency in the public image and branding of the Mission across all platforms and activities.
• Performing other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess citizenship or permanent residence in the Republic of North Macedonia. A first-level university degree in communications, journalism, public relations, political science, or a related field is required. Additionally, a minimum of two years of relevant professional experience in communication, public relations, journalism, or digital media is necessary, preferably in an international or politically sensitive environment. Candidates should demonstrate experience in social media management, content creation (including photography and video), and public messaging. A strong understanding of the media landscape and political context in North Macedonia is essential, along with proven communication and interpersonal skills. The ability to analyze complex and sensitive information and produce clear, audience-appropriate messages is crucial. Competence with digital tools and social media platforms (such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X, YouTube, and LinkedIn) is required, as well as strong organizational skills, initiative, and the ability to work under pressure and tight deadlines. Familiarity with crisis communication approaches and strategic planning is also important. Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and local languages are mandatory, with knowledge of more than one local language considered an advantage. Candidates should demonstrate gender awareness and sensitivity, and the ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities. A willingness to work as part of a diverse team while maintaining impartiality and objectivity is essential. Computer literacy with practical experience in Microsoft applications and a valid driving license are also required.

Educational Background:
The position requires a first-level university degree in communications, journalism, public relations, political science, or a related field. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate possesses the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to effectively perform the duties associated with the role of National Communications Officer.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of two years of relevant professional experience in communication, public relations, journalism, or digital media. This experience should preferably be in an international or politically sensitive environment, allowing the candidate to navigate complex communication challenges and engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.

Languages:
Proficiency in English and local languages is mandatory for this position. Candidates should possess excellent written and oral communication skills in these languages. Knowledge of more than one local language may be considered an advantage, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with a broader audience and effectively communicate the Mission's objectives.

Additional Notes:
The position is a fixed-term contract with a full-time schedule. The monthly remuneration is approximately EUR 2,337, subject to social security deductions. Social benefits include participation in Cigna medical insurance and the OSCE Provident Fund. Appointments are typically made at Step 1 of the applicable OSCE salary scale, with the possibility of an initial appointment at up to Step 3 in exceptional cases. Candidates should be aware that the OSCE does not reimburse expenses related to interviews, tests, visas, or relocation. Additionally, OSCE appointments are subject to medical clearance, and the mandatory retirement age for contracted positions is 65 years. The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce and encourages qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply.