National Political and Reporting 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.

Please note that this position is currently listed as NP2 in the OSCE Post Table and has been proposed for downgrade to NP1. The vacancy notice reflects the job description at the NP1 level, and the successful candidate will be issued a letter of appointment at the same level (NP1).

Tasks and Responsibilities:

Under the direct supervision of the Deputy Head of OPAC, and overall guidance of the Head of OPAC, the core function of the role is to synthesize  information on key political developments and provide regular updates and advice to OPAC Management, and when required, to the DHoM and HOM, contribute to the drafting of OPAC’s main reporting outputs, and provide political input to the Mission’s programmatic and strategic documents.

 More specifically, the incumbent will be responsible for:

1. Monitoring and informing the OPAC Management on political developments relevant to the Mission’s mandate at both national and international levels, and providing key political insights and analysis. Proactively and independently reporting on the current political situation;
2. Under the guidance of the OPAC management, contributing to OPAC’s political analysis and regular reporting, including inputs to weekly political overviews, monthly activity reports, thematic briefings, and other internal and external reporting products;
3. Liaising and coordinating with other departments to gather relevant information, and ensuring coherence in political analysis and messaging; assisting in the consolidation of departmental inputs for internal planning documents and external reports, as directed by OPAC management;
4. Developing and maintaining working contact with state institutions, government representatives, political parties, political analysts, civil society organizations (CSOs) and international stakeholders in order to foster effective and meaningful relations, support political monitoring, informed reporting, the Mission’s advocacy efforts, and the implementation of strategic priorities;
5. Liaising and providing inputs to the Communications part of the Unit on the development of press releases, statements, speeches, interviews and regular publications for HoM, DHoM and other Senior Management staff;
6. Drafting and preparing briefing materials, talking points, background notes, and speeches for the Head of Mission, senior Mission staff, and visiting officials;
7. Contributing to the Mission’s external communications efforts, including content for the website and social media platforms, ensuring alignment and consistency of public messaging;
8. Accompanying HoM, DHoM and OPAC management to official meetings. Participating in internal and external meetings, conferences, political party congresses and other events as required; preparing meeting records or summaries as necessary;
9. Performing other duties as assigned.

Necessary Qualifications:

• Citizenship of or permanent residence in the Republic of North Macedonia;
• First-level university degree in political science, international relations, law, political affairs, international relations or a similar field;
• A minimum of two years of professional-level experience in political affairs, public information, media and communications field;
• Sound knowledge of the socio-political environment, political structures, institutions, and current affairs in North Macedonia and the wider regional context;
• Demonstrated ability to interact effectively with political actors, government officials, civil society, and international stakeholders;
• Proven experience in political analysis, research and reporting;
• Excellent drafting and analytical skills, with demonstrated ability to analyse and evaluate complete and sensitive issues, and to produce high-quality written materials under tight deadlines;
• Proven ability to establish and maintain effective working relations 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;
• Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, and an ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities;
• Demonstrable communication and problem-solving skills, as well as initiative;
• Flexibility and ability to work in a high-pressure environment with limited time frames;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and in the local languages. Knowledge of more than one local language would be considered an advantage;
• Computer literate with practical experience in Microsoft applications; 
• Valid driving license.

Remuneration Package:

Monthly remuneration, subject to social security deductions, is approximately EUR 2,087.58. 

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 be aware that OSCE appointments are subject to medical clearance. 

The mandatory retirement age at the OSCE is 65 years for contracted positions; the Organization shall apply an age limit of 62 years at the time of appointment. 

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