Background:

1. The work of the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek (POiB) focuses on a range of security issues, from countering terrorism, border security and transnational threats such as human trafficking, to developing the country’s regions, strengthening efforts to combat corruption on all levels, as well as supporting the reform of the justice sector, implementation of election reform, gender equality and building open and resilient societies.

2. The post is located in the Press and Public Information Unit of the Office of the Head of Mission (OHoM). The Unit is responsible for ensuring effective public communication of the Mission’s mandate, activities, and impact, in line with organizational communication policies and strategies. The Press and Public Information Unit is responsible for enhancing the visibility of the Mission and fostering public understanding of its work and impact. The unit decides on the measures and steps to be recommended to the Programme Office’s management as the best way to ensure coherent messaging, effective outreach, and positive media relations.

Main Purpose:

1. To serve as the principal advisor on all operational aspects of press and public information for the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek (POiB). The incumbent advises the Head of Programme Office (HoPO) and Deputy Head of Programme Office (DHoPO) on public relations, media engagement, communications, social media, crisis communications, and other related issues relevant to the implementation of the POiB’s mandate. He/she monitors and analyses the regional media landscape, provides regular updates on relevant developments, and supports the HoPM during interactions with local and international media.

2. Working with substantial independence, the National Press and Public Information Officer ensures the delivery of effective communication activities across the POiB’s in-person and digital communications channels aimed at enhancing the visibility of the Mission. The incumbent acts as the primary media focal point for the POiB and plays a key role in promoting accurate, timely, and consistent public messaging. The incumbent spearheads implementation of the agreed communications strategy and is a representative of POiB to the public. The incumbent would be expected to exercise strong political judgment and decision-making skills and act in the best interest of OSCE and POiB when faced with unusual or unexpected communications situations, particularly those involving national or local media.

Work Relationships:

1. National Press and Public Information Officer reports directly to the Deputy Head of Programme Office, while the Head of Programme Office acts as second-level supervisor. The National Press and Public Information Officer directly supervises one Public Information Assistant (G5).

2. National Press and Public Information Officer maintains internal contacts across the Programme Office’s departments to facilitate visibility efforts around programmatic activities, offer strategic guidance, and ensure communications across in-person and digital channels. The incumbent works in close coordination with the OSCE Secretariat Communications and Media Relations Section, and maintains regular contact with national and international media to brief them on the work of the OSCE and the Programme Office in Bishkek (POiB), arrange interviews, and coordinate media coverage of events. Contacts also include universities, research institutes, libraries, civil society representatives, and the general public to provide information, organize meetings, and distribute OSCE materials across channels. As required, the incumbent liaises with state institutions such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Parliament, and other government bodies to coordinate statements and ensure accurate dissemination of OSCE information. The role also involves coordination and information exchange with international organizations, embassies, NGOs, and other partners to support joint communication efforts.
   

Tasks and Responsibilities:

1. Monitoring and reporting on daily media developments relevant to POiB’s mandate and target areas, including, when relevant, providing briefings and presentations; translating news articles, letters, and other written materials when required; providing periodic press and electronic media reviews and other relevant political analyses related to the POiB's mandate.

2. Overseeing content management and creation across POiB communication channels, including social media and the website; creating and advising on content, including drafting articles and posts and designing graphics; identifying and producing impact-focused long- and short-form content, such as feature stories and social media posts; handling website management, including uploading photos, event pages, publications, and news items; assigning professional photographers for events when required; overseeing analytics and reporting to strategically improve communications; keeping abreast of the latest developments in communications, media, and social media to continuously progress POiB’s visibility efforts.

3. Organizing and moderating press events, such as briefings, meetings, and roundtables; arranging and authorizing interviews for the HoPO, DHoPO, and other POiB staff; preparing and disseminating press releases, statements, briefing papers, and background materials on the POiB's activities; contributing to the POiB’s activity reports.
4. Establishing and maintaining close contacts with the press to promote the work of the OSCE and the POiB, including an up-to-date database of key media contacts; maintaining strong relations and frequent communication with local, national, and international journalists to ensure fair and objective media coverage, requiring a sound knowledge of all POiB activities.

5. Regularly briefing POiB staff and visitors on the work of the OSCE and the POiB; developing OSCE- and POiB-related publications in English, Russian, and Kyrgyz languages; advising and guiding on identifying relevant literature and information sources; ordering new publications from OSCE and other institutions.

6. Advising on and preparing targeted materials for strengthening visibility of the OSCE and POiB across the Kyrgyz Republic, particularly for the HoPO and DHoPO; preparing outreach and awareness raising materials, including publishing and distributing OSCE and POiB fact sheets, translating and publishing major OSCE documents, and handling production of and fund allocation for promotional items such as calendars, pens, mugs, and other memorabilia.

7. Establishing cooperation with and dissemination of information to universities and other relevant parties throughout the Kyrgyz Republic and organizing meetings with participation of the HoPO and DHoPO to promote OSCE principles, values, and commitments; hosting student and civil society groups at the POiB; preparing OSCE and POiB PowerPoint presentations; distributing OSCE-related materials and promotional items during events.

8. Proactively seeking out communications opportunities and coordinating with key internal and external stakeholders, including closely working with the Secretariat’s Communication and Media Relations Section and the Web Team in Vienna, to facilitate regular content creation, dissemination, and amplification of the POiB’s visibility, as well as address to relevant communications situations, such as crises, among others
   
   For more detailed information on the structure and work of the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek (POiB), please see: https://www.osce.org/programme-office-in-bishkek.

Necessary Qualifications:

Education

• First-level university degree in journalism, media studies, international relations or related fields, with a specific focus on international media standards and regulations.

Experience and knowledge/skills:

• A minimum of four (4) years of working experience (2 years with a second-level university degree) in media and/or communication fields, part of which should preferably have been in an international environment;
• A minimum of two (2) years of supervisory experience;
• Excellent knowledge of communications, social media, digital communications, and media relations;
• Advanced computer literacy with practical experience in Microsoft Office applications.
• Practical experience using multimedia tools such as Canva and in multimedia creation, such as graphic design, video production and editing, photography and photo editing, is desired.
• 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 genders, and diverse political views while maintaining impartiality and objectivity.
  

Languages:

• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English, Russian, and/or Kyrgyz, with a demonstrated willingness and ability to learn the other language(s).

Remuneration Package:

Monthly remuneration, subject to social security deductions is 1818.92 Euro/month. Social benefits will include OSCE participation in the Cigna medical insurance scheme and the OSCE Provident Fund. 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.

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.