Consultant for Communications Strategy

Job Posting Organization:
The Organization for security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) is an international organization that was established to promote peace, stability, and democracy in Europe. It adopts a comprehensive approach to security, addressing a wide array of concerns including arms control, confidence-building, human rights, economic and environmental issues, and counter-terrorism. The OSCE has 57 participating States, all of which have equal status, and decisions are made by consensus. The organization operates in various countries across Europe and beyond, focusing on politico-military, economic and environmental, and human dimensions of security. The Conflict Prevention Centre (CPC) within the OSCE plays a crucial role in supporting and coordinating the organization's activities, providing analysis and policy advice, and leading work on all aspects of the conflict cycle. The CPC also serves as the focal point for developing the OSCE's role in the politico-military dimension, particularly in the context of protracted conflicts. The Regional Trial Monitoring Project, which is embedded in the CPC, aims to enhance the administration of justice in the Western Balkans, particularly concerning serious corruption and organized crime cases, through trial monitoring and effective communication strategies.

Job Overview:
The Consultant for Communications Strategy will be responsible for reviewing and updating the overall communications strategy of the Regional Trial Monitoring (RTM) project. This role involves developing a communications crisis management plan, conducting a lesson learned exercise from the Phase I implementation of the RTM project, and providing strategic communication advice. The consultant will also support the review of technical legal documents and other products related to the project. The objective of the assignment is to enhance the independence, quality, and efficiency of judicial systems in tackling serious corruption and organized crime, in close partnership with the European Commission. The consultant will work under the direct supervision of the Programme Coordinator and will engage in regular consultations with the project team, ensuring that the communications strategy aligns with the project's goals and effectively reaches the intended audiences.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including:

• Reviewing and updating the overall communications strategy for the RTM project to ensure it meets the project's objectives.
• Developing a communications crisis management plan that outlines strategies for addressing potential communication challenges.
• Conducting a lesson learned exercise to evaluate the effectiveness of Phase I of the RTM project and identify areas for improvement.
• Creating a communication risk management plan for Phase II of the RTM project to mitigate potential risks.
• Providing strategic communication advice to enhance the project's visibility and impact.
• Supporting the language and structure review of technical legal documents, talking points, and other communication products.
• Engaging in regular consultations with the project team to ensure alignment and collaboration.
• Analyzing previous annual plans and overall strategies to inform the development of updated communications and visibility strategies for the RTM project for 2026.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a first-level university degree in journalism, communications, political science, international affairs, or a related field. A post-graduate degree in one of the aforementioned disciplines is preferred. The incumbent must demonstrate strong political judgment and analytical skills, with the ability to effectively present the organization's activities and achievements to media representatives and news agencies. Candidates should have excellent knowledge of the OSCE and its areas of concentration, along with at least six years of progressively responsible professional experience in media work, press/public relations, or digital strategy, preferably within an international organization or NGO. Strong media relations across the Western Balkans and familiarity with regional political, cultural, and social contexts are essential. Candidates must also possess the ability to identify and analyze problems, propose solutions, and contribute to impactful campaigns.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a first-level university degree in journalism, communications, political science, international affairs, or a related field. A post-graduate degree in one of these disciplines is preferred, as it demonstrates a higher level of expertise and understanding of the complexities involved in communications and public relations within an international context.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of six years of progressively responsible professional experience in media work, press/public relations, or digital strategy. This experience should preferably be within an international organization, non-governmental organization (NGO), or as a journalist. The role requires strong project management experience, including leading national or regional media and communication projects or initiatives, as well as a proven track record of writing, editing, and producing public information material.

Languages:
Excellent spoken and written competence in English is essential for this position, including the ability to revise and draft texts for public presentations. Working knowledge of some of the local languages in the Western Balkans is considered an advantage, as it enhances communication and engagement with local stakeholders and audiences.

Additional Notes:
The contract type for this position is a Special Service Agreement (SSA) or Consultant, with a professional job level. The position is part-time and is expected to last up to 180 working days in a calendar year. The target start date is as soon as possible, and the remuneration will be based on the selected consultant's qualifications, experience, and the tasks and deliverables outlined for this position. The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce and encourages qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply. Candidates should be aware that OSCE officials are expected to conduct themselves in a manner befitting the status of an international civil servant, maintaining integrity, independence, and impartiality.