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 established in 1975, with a mission to promote peace, stability, and democracy in Europe. The OSCE operates in 57 participating States across Europe, North America, and Asia, and has a comprehensive approach to security that encompasses politico-military, economic, environmental, and human aspects. The organization addresses a wide range of security-related concerns, including arms control, human rights, and counter-terrorism. 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.

Job Overview:
The Communications Officer position is integral to the OSCE's efforts in enhancing its visibility and recognition through effective communication strategies. The role primarily focuses on digital communications, requiring the officer to manage the organization's social media presence and engage with various stakeholders, including senior officials and external audiences. The officer will work closely with other communications staff to develop and implement communication plans that align with the OSCE's objectives. This position demands a proactive approach to creating compelling narratives and visuals that resonate with diverse audiences, ensuring that the OSCE's work is effectively communicated and understood.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Communications Officer will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including: engaging with senior OSCE officials and communications staff to provide advice and support; developing and distributing communication materials across multiple channels; managing the day-to-day operations of OSCE's social media accounts; coordinating content publishing with various stakeholders; creating communication plans and products in collaboration with OSCE programs and departments; ensuring streamlined communication across the organization; acting as a point of contact for media inquiries; and participating in a duty roster as required. The role requires a collaborative spirit and the ability to work effectively within a team, while also being adaptable to the dynamic nature of communications in an international context.

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 or NGOs. Candidates should demonstrate strong writing, editing, and production skills, along with the ability to present the organization's activities convincingly to external audiences. Additionally, candidates must exhibit gender awareness and sensitivity, and the ability to work with diverse teams while maintaining impartiality.

Educational Background:
The educational requirements for this position include a second-level university degree (Master's degree) in a relevant field such as journalism, communications, political science, or international affairs. In cases where a candidate holds a first-level university degree, they must also have at least two additional years of relevant professional experience to qualify for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in communications, with a preference for candidates who have worked in international organizations, NGOs, or as journalists. Candidates with a first-level university degree must have at least seven years of relevant experience. This experience should include media relations, public relations, and advocacy, as well as a demonstrated ability to produce high-quality communications materials.

Languages:
Professional fluency in English is mandatory, with excellent oral and written communication skills. Knowledge of another OSCE official language is considered desirable, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with a broader range of stakeholders and audiences.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as an international secondment, with a fixed-term contract. The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from qualified candidates of all backgrounds. The maximum period of service in this role is ten years, and candidates must conduct themselves in a manner befitting the status of an international civil servant. The OSCE does not charge any fees during the application process, and candidates should ensure timely processing of their applications through their respective authorities. Medical clearance is required for appointments.