Senior Adviser OSCE Vienna P4 NORDEM (NORWEGIANS ONLY)

NORCAP works to improve aid to better protect and empower people affected by crisis and climate change. We do this by providing expertise and solutions to humanitarian, development and peacebuilding partners, because we believe working together is the best way to reduce needs, risks and vulnerability over time. We seek and promote more effective ways of working at the global level and in the field. NORCAP’s aim is not only to reduce needs, but also to create choice and opportunity for vulnerable people. 

NORCAP works with and through our partners to improve aid in two complementary ways:

• We provide targeted expertise to strengthen our partners’ response.
• We collaborate with partners to develop solutions to un‑met gaps and challenges.

This role directly supports NORCAP’s mission by advancing international cooperation to protect media freedom and freedom of expression, key enablers of democratic resilience, human rights and human security.

The Organisation for Security and Co‑operation in Europe (OSCE) applies a comprehensive approach to security, addressing politico‑military, economic‑environmental and human dimensions across its 57 participating States. 

The Office of the Representative on Freedom of the Media (RFoM) promotes freedom of expression and free media across the OSCE region, monitors media developments in participating States, and supports efforts to uphold OSCE commitments on media freedom.

The Senior Adviser provides strategic policy advice and analysis on media freedom issues, supporting the Office's work to promote freedom of expression and advance OSCE commitments on media freedom.

Working under the supervision of the Principal Adviser, the Senior Adviser supports the Director of the Office and the Representative on key media freedom and freedom of expression issues across the OSCE region.

This is a 12‑month NORCAP secondment, based in Vienna.

The incumbent serves as a senior policy adviser to the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media (RFoM) and principal adviser on media freedom, freedom of expression and related OSCE commitments across participating States.

Core Tasks:

• Monitor and Report: Track how countries are upholding media freedom commitments. This includes daily analysis of political and legal situations, verifying incoming information, and overseeing research.
• Provide Strategic Advice: Advise the Head of Institution (HoI) on potential actions, recommend interventions, and review official communications like letters to government officials.
• Investigate and Advocate: Supervise investigations into cases of persecuted journalists and media outlets, recommending actions to stop harassment.
• Produce Key Content: Contribute to regular reports for the OSCE and prepare special reports on media freedom topics.
• Build and Maintain Networks: Establish and maintain contacts with government officials, international organizations, NGOs, and journalists' associations to support the RFoM's mandate.
• Represent the Office: Represent the RFoM at external events and deliver speeches that reflect the office's position.
• Manage Projects and Finances: Coordinate and manage project proposals, budgets, and public relations activities in collaboration with other teams.

To excel in this role, candidates should possess the following qualifications and skills:

• 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
• Minimum 7 years (9 years with a first-level university degree) of relevant professional experience 
• Practical experience in the defence and promotion of media freedom and international standards
• Knowledge about the working methods of media professionals and media outlets
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English. Knowledge of other official OSCE languages is desirable
• Good communication skills combined with sound political judgment
• 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
• Computer literate with practical experience using Microsoft applications.

• Please read the attached terms of reference for more details before applying.

Competencies

The main competencies of a NORCAP Expert are:

• Building working relationships
   
• Planning and organising
   
• Adaptability
   
• Resilience

What We Offer

In recognition of your expertise and contributions, we provide the following benefits and opportunities:

• Rewarding work for a renowned global organisation
   
• Access to a network of humanitarian, peace and development professionals
   
• A dedicated Staff Care Unit
   
• Eligible for consideration for NORCAP membership and future assignments, subject to a successful performance review

Our Values & Commitment (NRC / NORCAP)

NORCAP is part of the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC).

• All NRC employees are expected to act in accordance with the organisation’s values.
   
• Being dedicated, innovative, inclusive, and accountable are behaviours and beliefs that guide how we work and how we build relationships. We are committed to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, empowered, supported, and a genuine sense of belonging.
   
• NORCAP values diversity, equity, and inclusion and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates. We believe that a diverse workforce strengthens our ability to respond effectively to the needs of people affected by crisis.
   
• NRC has a zero‑tolerance stance toward any form of exploitation or abuse, including sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment (SEAH), and we do not tolerate inaction when concerns arise.
   
• All offers are subject to reference and background checks conducted in line with our safeguarding standards, and NORCAP reserves the right to conduct a full background check on shortlisted candidates.

How to Apply

Based on what you have read so far, do you think you could be a good fit? If so, please follow these steps and apply!

• When submitting your application, kindly register in English your full employment history and education. Please include your full name as written in your passport. Uploaded CVs alone will not be reviewed.
   
• NORCAP reserves the right to conduct a full background check on shortlisted candidates.
  An approved health certificate will be required prior to contract commencement and assignment.
   
• Feedback will be given to all applicants within four weeks after the closing of this advertisement.
   
• Apply before 28 October 2026, 11:59PM
   

We look forward to receiving your application!