National Programme Officer, Freedom of Media (NP1)

Background:

The post is located within the Human Rights Section (HRS), which operates under the broader Human Dimension Department (HDD). The HRS consists of Head Office (HO) staff and staff located in eight Field Offices (FO) across the country. It comprises four distinct but nonetheless interconnected portfolios: enhancing fundamental freedoms, combating discrimination, advocating for economic and social rights, and supporting Roma and other minorities. Overall, the HRS aims to improve the human rights situation in the country by monitoring the state of human rights, advocating for improvements of the human rights situation and implementing project activities.

The main purpose of the role is day-to-day management of all issues related to freedom of media within the Mission’s broader human rights framework. The incumbent provides advice and support to the Human Rights Section (the Head of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms portfolio holder) in developing the overall strategy and policy for the Mission’s work on freedom of media, including drafting concept notes and documents, devising and implementing project activities, and providing support to field staff, as well as offering expert advice on freedom of media issues. The incumbent is also expected to identify emerging issues and human rights concerns and develop proposals for appropriate responses. Establishing and maintaining working-level contacts with government authorities at the state, entity and cantonal levels is integral to these responsibilities. Consequently, this position requires a high degree of personal responsibility, independent decision-making, policy analysis, and the ability to recommend effective courses of action.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

Under the direct supervision of the National Programme Officer, Fundamental Freedoms (NP2) and the overall supervision of the Head of Human Rights (S3), the successful candidate will be tasked with the following duties:

1. Monitoring systemic human rights concerns in the field of freedom of media and preparing advocacy responses/analyses/briefing notes and policy papers relating to media freedom to ensure a greater degree of compliance with international human rights standards and OSCE human dimension commitments;

2. Developing HRS policy and activities relating to freedom of media in close consultations with Head of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms portfolio holder; implementing agreed activities independently and in close co-ordination with the HRS human rights officers; providing guidance and substantial support to FO human rights staff regarding the implementation of agreed activities;

3. Closely co-ordinating any Mission activities with national partners (including state, entities and cantonal authorities), relevant media actors and institutions (media operators, Regulatory Communications Agency, Press and Online Media Council, other journalist associations), as well as with OSCE structures (RFoM, ODIHR, other OSCE field operations) with a view of advancing the freedom of media in the host country and in line with applicable international human rights standards and OSCE human dimension commitments;

4. In consultations with other parts of the Mission, providing legal and policy support to relevant authorities and professional associations regarding the drafting and implementation of laws, policies and regulations in the field of freedom of media;

5. Representing the Mission at national and regional meetings relating to freedom of media; acting as the Mission’s primary point of contact for any freedom of media-related matters, co-ordinating activities with other international organizations (the EU, UN, CoE and OHR) to avoid duplication of efforts.

For more detailed information on the structure and work of the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina, please see: https://www.osce.org/mission-to-bosnia-and-herzegovina.

Necessary Qualifications:

• First-level university degree in journalism, law, human rights, international relations or social sciences;
• Minimum two years of relevant professional-level work experience in human rights, with a particular focus on freedom of media, preferably in an international setting;
• Experience of working in and/or with the media and/or in public relations; solid knowledge of the media landscape, political and legal framework of BiH;
• Sound knowledge of freedom of media/freedom of expression principles and European and International standards pertaining to media;
• Experience in providing media education and/or media capacity building;
• Experience in drafting and implementation of media development projects;
• Work with civil society organizations and human rights defenders dealing with media freedom/freedom of expression matters;
• Strong analytical skills and demonstrable project management experience;
• Flexibility and ability to work under pressure and with limited time frames;
• Professional fluency in English and in the local languages with excellent communication (both oral and written) skills;
• Computer literate with practical experience using Microsoft applications.

Remuneration Package:

Monthly remuneration, subject to social security deductions is 3,379.75 BAM/month. Social benefits will include participation in the Cigna health insurance scheme and the OSCE Provident Fund.

Appointments are normally made at step 1 of the applicable OSCE salary scale. At the discretion of the appointing a higher step may be approved up to a maximum of step 3 subject to specific conditions.

This position is open to citizens and permanent residents of Bosnia and Herzegovina only.

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 the OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application and review process.

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 63 years at the time of appointment as the incumbent selected is normally expected to carry out the contractual obligation of two years.