National Communications Officer (NP1)

Background:

OSCE field operations are the front line of the OSCE’s engagement on the ground, supporting host authorities in fulfilling OSCE commitments and implementing a comprehensive approach to security. The OSCE Mission to Skopje is the Organization's longest-serving field operation working on social cohesion, fundamental rights, gender equality, the rule of law, good governance, integrity and anticorruption, criminal justice and police reform. 

The position of National Communication Officer is located in the Political Affairs and Communications Unit (PACU) within the Office of the Head of Mission and is part of the Mission’s consolidated communications function. Its main purpose is to shape and implement the Mission’s communication strategy, including public information, media relations, and online outreach. The incumbent serves as the primary focal point for national and international media and manages the Mission’s presence across digital platforms.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

Under the direct supervision of the Senior Political and Communications Officer and overall guidance of the Chief of PACU, the successful candidate will be responsible for:

1. Strategic Communications and Advisory
- Advising the HoM and senior leadership on public messaging, media relations, and reputational risks;
- Contributing to the development and implementation of a strategic communication plan aligned with the Mission’s goals;
- Developing lines to take, talking points, press releases, and statements in coordination with PACU leadership and senior management.
2. Media Relations duties
- Developing and maintaining networks of media contacts, ensuring fair and objective reporting of Mission activities;
- Organizing and moderating press conferences, briefings, and media interviews, preparing background materials and coordinating messaging;
- Drafting and implementing crisis communication plans and leading response coordination in high sensitivity situations.
3. Social and Digital Media Management
- Managing the Mission’s social media channels, including content planning, creation, posting, and community management;
- Producing engaging multimedia content (text, photo, video) in collaboration with programmatic teams;
- Analyzing social media engagement data, producing regular reports, and making recommendations for improvement;
- Coordinating with the OSCE Secretariat to ensure consistent branding and messaging on digital platforms.
4. Content Development and Web Management
- Overseeing content planning and production for the Mission website, ensuring relevance, clarity, and alignment with strategic priorities;
- Identifying storytelling opportunities across the Mission and liaising with programmatic departments to showcase impact.
5. Monitoring and Analysis
- Monitoring media coverage and political developments relevant to the OSCE and the Mission mandate;
- Providing regular analysis and alerting the HoM and PACU on media trends, opportunities, and threats.
6. Support to Mission-wide Outreach and Public Events
- Assisting programmatic teams in the planning and execution of outreach events and communication campaigns;
- Ensuring consistency in the public image and branding of the Mission across all platforms and activities.
7. Performing other duties as assigned.

For more detailed information on the structure and work of the OSCE Mission to Skopje, please see: OSCE Mission to Skopje. 

Necessary Qualifications:

• Citizenship of or permanent residence in the Republic of North Macedonia;
• First-level university degree in communications, journalism, public relations, political science, or related field;
• Minimum two (2) years of relevant professional experience in communication, public relations, journalism, or digital media, preferably in an international or politically sensitive environment;
• Demonstrated experience in social media management, content creation (including photography and video), and public messaging;
• Strong understanding of the media landscape and political context in North Macedonia;
• Experience working with international organizations or diplomatic missions is an asset;
• Proven communication and interpersonal skills;
• Ability to analyze complex and sensitive information and produce clear, audience-appropriate messages;
• Competence with digital tools and social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X, YouTube, LinkedIn);
• Strong organizational skills, initiative, and ability to work under pressure and tight deadlines;
• Familiarity with crisis communication approaches and strategic planning;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and in the local languages; knowledge of more than one local language may be considered an advantage;
• 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 in Microsoft applications;

• Holding a valid driving license.

   

Remuneration Package:

Monthly remuneration, subject to social security deductions, is approximately EUR 2,337.

Social benefits will include participation in the Cigna medical insurance and the OSCE Provident Fund.

Appointments are normally made at Step 1 of the applicable OSCE salary scale. In exceptional cases, an initial appointment at up to Step 3 may be considered. This depends on factors such as relevant experience exceeding minimum requirements or higher previous remuneration. Any such request by a candidate must be reviewed and approved by the OSCE before the appointment.

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, to offer an appointment at a lower grade 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.

Candidates interviewed and found suitable in the recruitment process for this vacancy notice will be placed on a roster of suitable candidates (valid for three years) for fixed-term posts, should a suitable opportunity arise. The placement on a roster does not guarantee a future appointment or assignment.

Please note that vacancies in the OSCE are open for competition only amongst nationals of participating States, please see https://www.osce.org/participating-states.

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 note that for this position the OSCE does not reimburse expenses such as travel in connection with interviews, tests, visas and relocation.

Please be aware that OSCE appointments are subject to medical clearance. 

The mandatory retirement age at the OSCE is 65 years for contracted positions at the general service, professional and director level. The Organization shall apply an age limit of 62 years at the time of appointment as the incumbent selected is normally expected to carry out the contractual obligation of two years. 

Please be aware that the OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application and review process.