Senior adviser (s)

Senior Adviser – OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media

The Senior Adviser advises the Representative on Freedom of the Media (RFoM) and his office on all media‑freedom matters, monitors compliance with OSCE commitments, and promotes the implementation of international media standards throughout the designated region.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert advice on media‑freedom issues, including relevant international standards and legislation.
• Assess developments affecting media freedom in each country, identify restrictions or attacks against journalists, and recommend appropriate actions.
• Prepare public statements, letters or other interventions on behalf of the RFoM.
• Monitor compliance of participating states with OSCE and international media‑freedom commitments.
• Collect and analyze information on political and legal developments; supervise research on background context.
• Draft recommendations for action, including review of intervention letters addressed to heads of state, ministers, or ambassadors.
• Oversee investigations of individual cases involving persecuted journalists or media outlets and propose remedial measures.
• Prepare and edit regular reports for the OSCE Permanent Council and for country‑visit assessments.
• Maintain and expand contacts with state officials, international organisations, NGOs and journalists’ associations.
• Monitor media‑freedom violations through social‑media, advocacy networks, and legal analysis.
• Represent the Office at seminars, conferences and meetings; deliver statements and speeches.
• Coordinate and manage financial activities related to projects, auditing and reporting.

Qualifications

• Second‑level university degree in international relations, law, political science, or a related field (first‑level degree acceptable with additional two years of relevant experience).
• Minimum 7 years of relevant professional experience (9 years if a first‑level degree).
• Practical experience in defending and promoting media freedom and international standards.
• Knowledge of the work of media professionals and outlets.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English; knowledge of other OSCE official languages desirable.
• Strong communication skills and sound political judgment.
• Experience with information technologies (social media, etc.).
• Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity; ability to integrate a gender perspective.
• Capacity to work within a diverse, multicultural team and maintain impartiality.
• Computer literacy and practical experience with Microsoft applications.

Job Details

• Issued by: OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media
• Requisition ID: SEC001026
• Contract type: International Secondment
• Grade: S
• Job type: Seconded
• Number of posts: 3
• Location: Vienna, Austria (SEC – OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media)
• Closing date: Jul 3, 2026
• Employment status: Fixed Term
• Schedule: Full‑time
• Education level: Master's Degree (second‑level university degree or equivalent)
• Job field: Media Affairs

The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion and encourages the nomination of qualified candidates from all backgrounds. Please note that applications are subject to medical clearance and the OSCE will not request any payment during the recruitment process.