Spokesperson/Senior Press and Public Information Officer (S)

Overview

Serving as ODIHR's chief spokesperson, developing and implementing media strategies, conducting interviews, moderating press conferences, drafting press releases and public statements, and managing responses to media on sensitive political and human rights issues.

Key Responsibilities

• Serving as ODIHR's chief spokesperson, developing and implementing media strategies, conducting interviews, moderating press conferences (notably for election observation missions), drafting press releases and public statements, and managing responses to media on sensitive political and human rights issues to enhance visibility and public support for the Office's work;
• Advising the Director and senior management on media relations and public communication; proposing key messages and press lines; and coordinating with the OSCE Chairpersonship, Vienna OSCE Spokesperson and other OSCE executive structures and institutions to ensure consistent and harmonized public positioning;
• Conceptualizing and overseeing ODIHR's digital operations and social media outreach, including website content and social media strategy, feature stories and maintenance, to maximize reach, engagement and accessibility of information on ODIHR activities and events, results and impact;
• Leading the development and quality assurance of ODIHR's public information materials and publications programme, supervising production of factsheets, brochures, reports and other outreach products to effectively communicate ODIHR's mandate, activities and achievements;
• Supervising the Public Affairs Unit’s staff, providing direction, mentoring and editorial oversight while ensuring timely delivery of high-quality outputs in a collaborative and inclusive team setting;
• Monitoring international media coverage and public perception of ODIHR, analysing trends, and reporting to the Director news with relevance to ODIHR’s work; maintaining networks with key journalists across the OSCE area, and responding to public inquiries to support proactive outreach and informed stakeholder engagement with discretion in handling sensitive and high-profile issues in a multicultural and politically diverse environment;
• Performing other related duties as assigned.

Required Experience

• A minimum of seven years (nine years with a relevant first-level degree) of progressively responsible professional experience in strategic communications, media relations, public information, journalism, or related fields, preferably within an international organization, governmental institution, or non-governmental organization;
• Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing communication strategies, managing relations with international and national media, preparing key messages, speeches, press releases, and public statements, and advising senior leadership on communications and reputational matters;
• Proven ability to communicate complex policy issues clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences and to represent an organization effectively in public and media-facing settings;
• Excellent knowledge of the mandate, structures, and activities of the OSCE, particularly in the areas of democratization, human rights, rule of law, elections, and security is highly desirable;
• Strong drafting, editing, and analytical skills, with the ability to produce high-quality written materials under tight deadlines.
• Experience in crisis communications and strategic messaging is highly desirable;
• Proficiency in the use of information technology, digital communication tools, social media platforms, and standard office software applications.
• Sound understanding of online communications and emerging media trends and challenges;
• Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, and an ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities;
• Ability to work in a team and to establish and maintain effective working relationships with people of different national and cultural backgrounds.

Qualifications

Second-level university degree in Communications, Journalism, International Relations, Political Science, Law, History, Public Affairs, or another relevant field. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree;

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