Senior Adviser on Media Freedom

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media (RFoM) was established in December 1997 with the mission to promote and protect media freedom as a fundamental human right. The OSCE, which stands for the Organization for security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security and Co-operation in Europe, comprises 57 participating States and operates with a comprehensive approach to security that includes political, military, economic, environmental, and human aspects. The organization emphasizes the importance of free expression and free media, which are essential for democracy and the rule of law. The RFoM plays a crucial role in monitoring media developments, providing early warnings on violations of freedom of expression, and advocating for compliance with OSCE principles regarding media freedom. The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce and encourages the nomination of qualified candidates from various backgrounds.

Job Overview:
The Senior Adviser on Media Freedom will be responsible for advising the RFoM and his Office on all issues related to media freedom, including relevant international standards and laws. This position requires a proactive approach to monitoring compliance of participating States with OSCE commitments regarding media freedom. The Senior Adviser will assess developments affecting media freedom in designated regions, identify undue restrictions on media activities, and prepare public statements and interventions as necessary. The role involves close collaboration with various stakeholders, including state officials, international organizations, and NGOs, to promote and support compliance with media freedom standards. The Senior Adviser will also contribute to reports and analyses that inform the OSCE Permanent Council and other relevant bodies about the state of media freedom in participating States.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Adviser will perform a wide range of duties, including: monitoring compliance of participating States with OSCE media freedom commitments; verifying incoming information and analyzing the political and legal situation regarding media freedom; advising the Head of Institution on potential actions; submitting recommendations for action, including reviewing draft letters of intervention; supervising investigations of individual cases of persecuted journalists; assessing legislative developments related to media freedom; contributing to regular reports for the OSCE Permanent Council; compiling and editing special reports on media freedom topics; establishing contacts with relevant officials and organizations; monitoring media freedom violations; representing the Office at seminars and conferences; liaising with consultants and experts; planning public relations activities; coordinating financial activities related to projects; and performing other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a second-level university degree in international relations, law, political science, or a related field. A first-level university degree may be accepted with an additional two years of relevant experience. A minimum of 7 years of professional experience is required, with 9 years needed if holding a first-level degree. Practical experience in defending and promoting media freedom and knowledge of international standards is essential. Candidates should have excellent oral and written communication skills in English, with knowledge of other OSCE languages being desirable. Strong political judgment, experience with information technologies, and the ability to work in diverse teams are also required.

Educational Background:
The position requires a second-level university degree (Master's degree) in a relevant field such as international relations, law, or political science. A first-level university degree may be considered if accompanied by additional relevant experience, specifically two years for each missing level of education.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 7 years of relevant professional experience in the field of media freedom, with 9 years required if they only hold a first-level university degree. This experience should include practical involvement in the defense and promotion of media freedom and familiarity with international standards and practices.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, with excellent oral and written communication skills. Knowledge of other official OSCE languages is considered an asset and is desirable for the role.

Additional Notes:
This position is open for secondment only, and all costs related to the assignment must be borne by the nominating authorities. The OSCE emphasizes that seconded staff members are not entitled to a Board and Lodging Allowance. The contract type is international secondment, and the position is full-time. The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from qualified candidates of all backgrounds. The maximum period of service in this post is 10 years, and candidates must conduct themselves in a manner befitting international civil servants. The OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application process.