Senior Adviser (S)

Tasks and Responsibilities

• Contributing to the monitoring of compliance of participating States (pS) with OSCE freedom of media commitments;
• On a daily basis, verifying incoming information, analysing the political and legal situation in each country with regard to freedom of the media and initiating and supervising additional research on political background. Advising, on the basis of the RFoM Mandate, whether action should be considered by the Head of Institution (HoI);
• Submitting recommendations for action to the HoI in accordance with the Mandate of the Office, including reviewing draft letters of intervention, prepared by supervised staff members to presidents, foreign ministers, ambassadors or other high officials of the country concerned;
• Supervising the investigation of individual cases of persecuted journalists and media outlets and recommending activities to alleviate and/or end the harassment;
• Assessing whether media freedom and legislative developments are in line with OSCE and international standards on media freedom and freedom of expression;
• Contributing to regular reports by the RFoM for the OSCE Permanent Council;
• Contributing to reports on country visits conducted by the RFoM, including serving as editorial focal point for visits to designated region;
• 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, as well as with specialized NGOs and the OSCE field presences, on issues of relevance to the RFoM's mandate;
• Monitoring media freedom violations by: a) reviewing relevant networks, correspondents and media freedom advocacy contacts and maintaining regular contacts with journalists’ associations in the designated region; b) analyzing public policies, legislations and state practices affecting freedom of the media in the designated region; c) following political and legal developments affecting freedom of expression in the designated region and preparing comprehensive analyses, notes and reports;
• Representing the Office at seminars, conferences and meetings, including delivering statements, papers and speeches reflecting the position of the RFoM with regard to freedom of expression and free media;
• Liaising with consultants and experts outside of RFOM, especially when supervising the production of commissioned reports or studies;
• In close contact with the public outreach colleagues, planning and organizing public relations activities to promote better understanding of the RFOM's aims and activities, including maintaining close contacts with OSCE missions;
• Co-ordinating and managing relevant financial activities (project proposals, auditing of activities, budget contributions, evaluation, reporting);
• Performing other duties as assigned, also outside the designated region.

Necessary 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;
• 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;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English. Knowledge of other official OSCE languages is desirable;
• Good communication skills combined with sound political judgment;
• Experience in handling relevant information technologies (social media, etc.) is essential;
• Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, and an ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities;
• Ability and willingness to work as a member of a team, with people of different cultural, and religious backgrounds, different gender, and diverse political views, while maintaining impartiality and objectivity;
• Computer literate with practical experience using Microsoft applications.