Programme Assistant (G5)

Background:

Please note that this position is open to citizens and permanent residents of Montenegro only.

The position is located in the Media Programme of the OSCE Mission to Montenegro (Mission). The Mission provides assistance to the host country to institute reforms, and in further strengthening democratic development in line with the OSCE’s commitments and principles. In line with its mandate, the Mission works with the national and local authorities, civil society and the media in the following areas: election administration reform, parliamentary reform, combatting corruption and organized crime, law enforcement and security sector reform, building media professionalism, promoting economic development and environmental protection.

The Media Programme of the OSCE Mission to Montenegro works in support of freedom of information, strengthening media professionalism by enhancing capacities of journalists and media institutions to produce quality and reliable media content, in line with national and international standards. It provides support for the development of the public service broadcaster, Radio Television Montenegro (RTCG). Furthermore, it supports the Ministry of Culture and Media in implementing media legislation and strategies in line with international standards, to promote an environment that enables independent and pluralistic media. The Mission works with the Agency for Electronic Media to increase knowledge on media and digital literacy and, in partnership with the Protector of Human Rights and Freedoms, work against discriminatory speech. The Mission supported the adoption of the Codex of Montenegrin Journalists in April 2016 and continues its efforts towards strengthening media self-regulation in Montenegro.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

Under the overall supervision of the Media Programme Manager (S2) and second-level supervision of the Deputy Head of Mission/Programme Co-ordinator (DHoM), the successful candidate will apply organizational and administrative skills, along with theoretical and practical knowledge, in order to assist the Media Programme Manager, the Media Programme team members, as well as stakeholders in the smooth implementation of relevant project activities pertaining to Freedom of the Media, as well as other areas of focus of the Media Programme. Thus enhancing the Mission’s capacities  towards the objective to support the development of independent, professional and responsible media and its contribution to democratic dialogue and informed decision making in society, which results in improved professional, ethical and institutionalized media environment which guarantees freedom of speech and access to information.   

In addition, the incumbent shall provide technical assistance for the project planning, development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation. Furthermore, the Programme Assistant (G5) shall synthesize and analyse information in order to provide assistance to the Media Programme Manager and co-ordinate relevant Programme activities in line with the directions and guidelines received from the Media Programme Manager. The Programme Assistant (G5) shall also serve as the primary IRMA/ORACLE focal point for the Media Programme and support the team in projects co-ordination, administration, translation/interpretation and other duties as needed.

Internally, the Programme Assistant (G5) shall maintain regular contact with the Media Programme Mission Members, Office of Head of Mission, and Fund Administration Unit in order to provide or obtain information or status of project activities, project proposals, acceptance of pledges, management of projects and reporting on their implementation. Furthermore, the Programme Assistant (G5) shall maintain regular contact with the office of OSCE Representative on the Freedom of the Media (RFoM), and/or other relevant departments of the OSCE Secretariat in Vienna, as well as with the other OSCE field operations in South-Eastern Europe. Externally, the Programme Assistant (G5) shall maintain contact with relevant senior and mid-level government officials, Ministry of Culture and Media, Ministry of Education, Agency for Electronic Media, Protector for Human Rights and Freedoms, Office of the Supreme State Prosecutor, International Federation of Journalists, international and non-governmental organisations, implementing partners, relevant Experts/Consultants, for the purpose of the project development and implementation.

More specifically, the Programme Assistant (G5) will be tasked with the following:

1. Co-ordinating and supporting assigned projects, particularly by completing needs assessments in close communication with national partners and relevant stakeholders. Based on these assessments, developing and drafting project proposals and corresponding budgets, monitoring the implementation of activities, and assigned project budgets, producing implementation and expenditure reports, accurately maintaining relevant data management and document archives;
2. Assisting in the implementation of project tasks and activities by performing a wide range of administrative and logistic tasks required for organizing meetings, conferences, specialized trainings, donation events, etc., including travel arrangements for the Media team, respective Experts/Consultants as well as the non-OSCE participants;
3. Independently drafting and contributing to regular reports, including inputs for the weekly, monthly, activity and annual reports, meeting minutes and reports from attended events, as well as standard progress and final self-evaluation reports for the assigned projects. Additionally, drafting and contributing to talking points in the respective area of responsibility for high-level meetings of the Media Programme Manager as well as the Senior Management of the Mission;
4. Acting as the primary Media Programme IRMA/Oracle focal point. Specifically, preparing respective Purchase Requests (PRs) for goods and services to be submitted for the approval of the Media Programme Manager and the Chief of Fund Administration Unit. In timely manner following up on the procurement and Special Service Agreements (SSA) administration related activities and the required payments with the Fund Administration Unit colleagues;
5. Under the guidance of the Media Programme Manager, establishing and maintaining regular and efficient communication with senior and mid-level government officials, representatives of national authorities and institutions, international and non-governmental organizations, relevant international and regional partners, as well as consultants and experts operational in media reforms, to plan, deliver, and co-ordinate project activities effectively. Assisting the Media Programme Manager in identifying relevant Experts/Consultants for the projects as well as providing support in drafting SSA Terms of Reference;
6. Maintaining efficient official correspondence in both English and the local languages, providing accurate translation and interpretation of work-related documents from English to the local language and vice versa. Ensuring prompt and accurate preparation of all the administrative and logistic documents related to the entrusted activities, including scanning and archiving/filing as appropriate.

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

Necessary Qualifications:

• Completed secondary education supplemented by formal courses in administration, social sciences, project management or relevant fields;
• At least four years of relevant working experience preferably with another international organization or government agency;
• Professional fluency in English with excellent communication (both oral and written) skills;
• Thorough awareness of current challenges in media sector and freedom of the media in Montenegro;
  Proven knowledge of project management, including planning, implementation, and reporting and evaluation;
• Experience in analytical, problem-solving and organizational activities. Ability to conduct research and collect information from a variety of sources, using different methods;
• Demonstrated ability to organize meetings, training workshops and other learning transfer events;
• Experience with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems such as Oracle E-Business Suite (EBS), Integrated Resource Management Application System, or similar;
• 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:

Monthly remuneration, subject to social security deductions, is EUR 1,545.25. Social benefits will include participation in the Cigna medical insurance scheme and the OSCE Provident Fund.

Please note that appointments are normally made at step 1 of the applicable OSCE salary scale.

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.