Background:
The OSCE has a comprehensive approach to security that encompasses politico-military, economic and environmental, and human aspects. It therefore addresses a wide range of security-related concerns, including arms control, confidence- and security-building measures, human rights, combating human trafficking, national minorities, democratization, policing strategies, counter-terrorism and economic and environmental activities. All 57 participating States enjoy equal status, and decisions are taken by consensus on a politically, but not legally binding basis.
Free expression and free media are basic human rights. To ensure compliance with media freedom commitments agreed upon by participating States, a OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media (RFoM) was established in December 1997.
The function of the Representative is to observe relevant media developments in OSCE participating States with a view to providing early warning on violations of freedom of expression. The Representative concentrates on rapid response to serious noncompliance with OSCE principles and commitments by participating States. In case of serious problems caused, for instance, by obstruction of media activities and unfavorable working conditions for journalists, the Representative seeks direct contacts with the participating State and other parties involved, assesses the facts and contributes to the resolution of the issue.
Another task is to assist participating States by advocating and promoting full compliance with OSCE principles and commitments regarding freedom of expression and free media. Assistance is typically provided in the form of legal analyses of legislation, communiques and statements on specific topics, organizing conferences and roundtables during which best practices are shared and promoted, preparing topical publications and guidebooks on media freedom matters and providing training seminars for media and government officials.
Objective of Assignment:
The Office of the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media is seeking to create a roster of qualified experts which may be called upon to provide advice and expertise to its projects and activities.
Duration of Assignment:
The duration of the consultancies will depend on specific project/activity.
Tasks and Responsibilities:
The Office of the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media seeks expressions of interest from qualified consultancy candidates specialized in media freedom, freedom of expression, journalist safety, information integrity and tackling disinformation, supporting independent journalism, media self-regulation, information and digital literacy, and protection of media pluralism in the digital information ecosystem. Experts should have in depth knowledge of the OSCE and its comprehensive security framework, be able to facilitate and/or participate in discussions on cross-cutting themes, and write comprehensive reports on media freedom and freedom of expression, including policy guidance for OSCE participating States.
Deliverables:
For more detailed information on the structure and work of the RFOM, please see: https://www.osce.org/representative-on-freedom-of-media
Necessary Qualifications:
Second-level university degree in a relevant field (e.g. International relations, International Law, Journalism and/or Political Studies) Minimum ten years of professional experience in the field of media freedom and comprehensive security; Understanding of the intersection between media freedom, democracy, and security. Extensive relevant knowledge in developing policy guidance for OSCE participating States, technical knowledge and skills for facilitating expert discussions on cross-cutting themes, and drafting comprehensive reports on media freedom and freedom of expression; Professional fluency in English with excellent communication (both oral and written) skills; professional fluency in Russian would be an asset; 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 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.
Remuneration Package:
Remuneration will be based on the selected consultant's/expert's qualifications, experience, the tasks and deliverables for this position and in accordance with the OSCE established rates.
If you wish to apply for this position, please use the OSCE's online application link found under https://vacancies.osce.org/.
The OSCE retains the discretion to re-advertise/re-post the vacancy, to cancel the recruitment or to offer an appointment with a modified job description or for a different duration.
Only those candidates who are selected to participate in the subsequent stages of recruitment will be contacted.
The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all religious, ethnic and social backgrounds to apply to become a part of the Organization.
Candidates should be aware that OSCE officials shall conduct themselves at all times in a manner befitting the status of an international civil servant. This includes avoiding any action which may adversely reflect on the integrity, independence and impartiality of their position and function as officials of the OSCE. The OSCE is committed to applying the highest ethical standards in carrying out its mandate. For more information on the values set out in OSCE Competency Model, please see https://jobs.osce.org/resources/document/our-competency-model.
Please be aware that the OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application and review process. Additional Information
Issued by: OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Requisition ID: SEC000750 Contract Type: Special Service Agreement (SSA) / Consultant Grade: No grade Job Level: Senior Professional Job Type: Consultant Number of posts: Roster Call Location: SEC - OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Vienna Issue Date: Mar 13, 2025 Closing Date: Mar 27, 2025 Employee Status: Short-Term Schedule: Full-time Education Level: Master's Degree (Second-level university degree or equivalent) Job Field: Media Affairs