Senior Adviser (S)

Overview

The Senior Adviser advises the Representative on Freedom of the Media (RFoM) and his Office on all issues related to media freedom, including relevant international standards and laws. This role involves assessing media developments, identifying restrictions, and preparing statements and interventions.

Key Responsibilities

• Advising the RFoM and his Office on all issues related to media freedom.
• Regularly assessing developments affecting the media in a designated region.
• Bringing to the attention of the Representative undue restrictions on media freedom and attacks against journalists and news media.
• Preparing public statements, letters or other types of interventions.
• Monitoring compliance of participating States with OSCE and international commitments in the area of media freedom.
• Advising on strategies to promote and support compliance.
• Verifying incoming information and analysing the political and legal situation regarding freedom of the media.
• Initiating and supervising additional research on political background.
• Advising on whether action should be considered by the Head of Institution.
• Submitting recommendations for action to the HoI.
• Reviewing draft letters of intervention.
• Supervising the investigation of individual cases of persecuted journalists and media outlets.
• Recommending activities to alleviate or end harassment.
• Assessing whether media freedom and legislative developments align with OSCE and international standards.
• Contributing to regular reports by the RFoM for the OSCE Permanent Council.
• Contributing to reports on country visits conducted by the RFoM.
• Serving as editorial focal point for visits to designated regions.
• Compiling and editing special reports on specific topics related to freedom of the media.
• Establishing and maintaining contacts with relevant State officials, international organizations and institutions, NGOs, and OSCE field presences.
• Monitoring media freedom violations by reviewing networks, correspondents, and media freedom advocacy contacts.
• Maintaining regular contacts with journalists’ associations.
• Analyzing public policies, legislations, and state practices affecting freedom of the media.
• Following political and legal developments affecting freedom of expression.
• Preparing comprehensive analyses, notes, and reports.
• Representing the Office at seminars, conferences, and meetings.
• Delivering statements, papers, and speeches.
• Liaising with consultants and experts outside of RFOM.
• Supervising the production of commissioned reports or studies.
• Planning and organizing public relations activities.
• Maintaining close contacts with OSCE missions.
• Co-ordinating and managing relevant financial activities.
• Performing other duties as assigned.

Required Experience

• Minimum 7 years (9 years with a first-level university degree) of relevant professional experience.
• Practical experience in the defence and promotion of media freedom and international standards.
• Knowledge about the working methods of media professionals and media outlets.
• Experience in handling relevant information technologies (social media, etc.) is essential.

Qualifications

• Second-level university degree in international relations, law, political science, or another related field.
• A first-level university degree in a relevant field may be accepted with an additional two years of relevant experience.

Other Details