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 employs a diverse workforce and is committed to addressing a wide range of security-related concerns, including arms control, human rights, and economic and environmental activities. The OSCE Secretariat, located in Vienna, provides operational and administrative support to field operations and assists the Chairpersonship in its activities. The Office of the Secretary General plays a crucial role in supporting the Secretary General in implementing his/her mandate and coordinating tasks across the Secretariat.

Job Overview:
The Communications Officer position is a newly created role within the OSCE Secretariat, focusing on enhancing the organization's visibility and recognition through effective communication strategies. The successful candidate will work closely with senior OSCE officials and various stakeholders to provide comprehensive communication support, particularly in digital communications. The role emphasizes the importance of engaging with both internal and external audiences, developing compelling narratives, and managing the organization's social media presence. The Communications Officer will collaborate with other communications staff to ensure a cohesive approach to communication across the organization, contributing to the overall mission of the OSCE.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Communications Officer will be responsible for a wide range of tasks, including: engaging with and advising senior OSCE officials and communications staff; developing visuals, stories, and messages for distribution across various communication channels; managing OSCE's social media accounts and coordinating content publishing; creating and delivering communication plans and products in collaboration with OSCE programs and departments; ensuring streamlined communication with OSCE Institutions and Field Operations; acting as a contact for media and public inquiries; and participating in a duty roster as required. The role requires a proactive approach to communication and the ability to adapt to the dynamic needs of the organization.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a second-level university degree in journalism, communications, political science, international affairs, or a related field. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of relevant experience will also be accepted. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional experience in communications, including social media, media relations, public relations, and advocacy, preferably within an international organization or as a journalist. Strong writing, editing, and production skills are essential, along with the ability to present the organization's activities convincingly to external audiences.

Educational Background:
The position requires a second-level university degree (Master's degree) in a relevant field such as journalism, communications, political science, or international affairs. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (Bachelor's degree) combined with two additional years of relevant experience will be accepted in lieu of the second-level degree. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of communication within an international context and for effectively engaging with diverse stakeholders.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least five years of progressively responsible professional experience in communications, with a preference for experience in international organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), or journalism. If the candidate holds a first-level university degree, a minimum of seven years of relevant experience is required. This experience should include a strong focus on digital communications, media relations, and public advocacy, demonstrating the ability to navigate complex political environments and effectively communicate organizational messages.

Languages:
Professional fluency in English is mandatory, with excellent oral and written communication skills. Knowledge of another OSCE official language is desirable, as it enhances the candidate's ability to engage with a broader range of stakeholders and contributes to the organization's multilingual communication efforts.

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 does not provide a Board and Lodging Allowance for seconded staff members. The maximum period of service in this post is 10 years, and candidates must conduct themselves in a manner befitting the status of an international civil servant. The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from qualified candidates of all backgrounds. The position is full-time and is expected to start as soon as possible.