Overview
The Senior Adviser advises the Representative on Freedom of the Media (RFoM) and his Office on all issues related to media freedom, including relevant international standards and laws. This includes assessing developments affecting the media, identifying restrictions, and preparing interventions.
Key Responsibilities
- Advises the RFoM and his Office on all issues related to media freedom.
- Assesses developments affecting the media in a designated region.
- Brings to the attention of the Representative undue restrictions on media freedom and attacks against journalists.
- Prepares public statements, letters, or other types of interventions.
- Monitors compliance of participating States with OSCE and international commitments in the area of media freedom.
- Advises on strategies to promote and support compliance.
- Verifies incoming information and analyses the political and legal situation regarding freedom of the media.
- Initiates and supervises additional research on political background.
- Advises whether action should be considered by the Head of Institution.
- Submits recommendations for action to the Head of Institution.
- Reviews draft letters of intervention.
- Supervises the investigation of individual cases of persecuted journalists and media outlets.
- Recommends activities to alleviate or end harassment.
- Assesses whether media freedom and legislative developments align with OSCE and international standards.
- Contributes to regular reports by the RFoM for the OSCE Permanent Council.
- Contributes to reports on country visits conducted by the RFoM.
- Serves as editorial focal point for visits to designated regions.
- Compiles and edits special reports on specific topics related to freedom of the media.
- Establishes and maintains contacts with relevant State officials, international organizations, institutions, NGOs, and OSCE field presences.
- Monitors media freedom violations by reviewing networks, analyzing public policies, legislations, and state practices, and following political and legal developments.
- Prepares comprehensive analyses, notes, and reports.
- Represents the Office at seminars, conferences, and meetings.
- Delivers statements, papers, and speeches reflecting the position of the RFoM.
- Liaises with consultants and experts outside of RFOM.
- Supervises the production of commissioned reports or studies.
- Plans and organizes public relations activities to promote understanding of the RFOM's aims and activities.
- Maintains close contacts with OSCE missions.
- Co-ordinates and manages relevant financial activities.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Required Experience
- Minimum 7 years of relevant professional experience (9 years with a first-level university degree).
- Practical experience in the defence and promotion of media freedom and international standards.
- Knowledge about the working methods of media professionals and media outlets.
- Experience in handling relevant information technologies (social media, etc.) is essential.
- 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 a team, with people of different cultural, and religious backgrounds, different gender, and diverse political views, while maintaining impartiality and objectivity.
Qualifications
- Second-level university degree in international relations, law, political science, or another related field.
- A first-level university degree in a relevant field may be accepted with an additional two years of relevant experience.
- Computer literate with practical experience using Microsoft applications.
