Communications Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Organization for security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) is an intergovernmental organization founded in 1975, with a mission to promote peace, stability, and democracy in Europe. The OSCE operates in 57 participating States across Europe, Central Asia, and North America. The organization focuses on a comprehensive approach to security that encompasses politico-military, economic, environmental, and human aspects. The OSCE Secretariat, located in Vienna, provides operational and administrative support to field operations and other institutions, ensuring effective coordination of policy advice and management decisions. The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, encouraging nominations from qualified candidates of all backgrounds.

Job Overview:
The Communications Officer position is a newly established role within the OSCE Secretariat, specifically within the Communication and Media Relations Section (COMMS). The primary focus of this role is to enhance the visibility and recognition of the OSCE through effective communication strategies, particularly in digital communications. The successful candidate will work closely with senior OSCE officials and various stakeholders to develop and implement communication plans that align with the organization's objectives. This role requires a proactive approach to managing the OSCE's social media presence and engaging with external audiences, including media representatives and the public. The Communications Officer will also collaborate with other departments and field operations to ensure a cohesive communication strategy across the organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Communications Officer will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including:

• Engaging with and advising senior OSCE officials and communications staff to ensure effective communication strategies are in place.
• Developing visuals, stories, and messages for distribution across various communication channels.
• Managing the day-to-day operations of OSCE's corporate social media accounts, including content scheduling and publishing.
• Collaborating with OSCE programs and departments to create communication plans that support events and conferences.
• Acting as a point of contact for media and public inquiries, ensuring timely and accurate responses.
• Participating in a duty roster and performing other related duties as required.
• Ensuring that all communication efforts align with the OSCE's values and principles, promoting transparency and accountability.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a second-level university degree in journalism, communications, political science, international affairs, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of relevant experience will be accepted. A minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional experience in communications is required, with a preference for experience in international organizations, NGOs, or journalism. Candidates should demonstrate strong writing, editing, and production skills, as well as the ability to present the organization's activities convincingly to external audiences. Professional fluency in English is mandatory, with excellent oral and written communication skills. Knowledge of another OSCE official language is desirable. Candidates should also exhibit gender awareness and sensitivity, and the ability to work collaboratively in a diverse team environment.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a second-level university degree (Master's degree) in a relevant field such as journalism, communications, political science, or international affairs. Candidates with a first-level university degree (Bachelor's degree) may be considered if they have two additional years of relevant experience, totaling a minimum of seven years of experience in communications-related roles.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional experience in communications, which includes social media management, media relations, public relations, and advocacy. Candidates with a first-level university degree must have at least seven years of relevant experience. Experience in an international organization or as a journalist is preferred, along with a proven track record of writing, editing, and producing communication materials.

Languages:
Professional fluency in English is mandatory for this position, with excellent communication skills in both oral and written forms. Knowledge of another OSCE official language is considered desirable and may enhance a candidate's application.

Additional Notes:
This position is open for secondment only, meaning that candidates must be nominated by their respective participating States. All costs related to the assignment must be borne by the nominating authorities. The OSCE Secretariat emphasizes the importance of timely application submissions, as delayed nominations will not be considered. The maximum period of service in this post is limited to 10 years, and candidates should be aware that OSCE officials are expected to conduct themselves in a manner befitting their status as international civil servants. The OSCE is committed to the highest ethical standards and does not request payment at any stage of the application process. The position is full-time and is expected to start as soon as possible.