OSCE Public Information Consultant

Background
As mandated by the 2003 OSCE Roma and Sinti Action Plan (Chapter VII), ODIHR has been addressing the situation of Roma and related groups in crisis and post-crises situations in particular in the Western Balkans region, which has been affected by ethnic tensions and conflicts in 1990s. ODIHR pays particular attention to the situation of Roma, Ashkali and Egyptians, including the situation and reintegration of displaced persons from this community. Many countries in the region have developed Roma integration strategies and action plans, however, their implementation at local level and anticipated impact on the situation on the Roma people in the areas of education, employment, housing and access to services is a long-term process. Western Balkan governments have frequently expressed their willingness to enhance efforts in the implementation of action plans to ensure that Roma are truly benefitting from them. The international community can play a key role in supporting governments, nationally and locally, in this endeavour.

In 2011, ODIHR was awarded EU funding for a regional project in the Western Balkans to strengthen the capacity of national and local governments and mechanisms in dealing with Roma and related groups and enhance the integration of these communities into society. The regional project "Best Practices for Roma Integration" (BPRI) started on 1 January 2012 and will last 23 months. The specific objectives of the project are to: (i) enhance Roma participation in decision making of policies of their concern (ii) enhance access to civil registration and legal aid services for Roma groups, (iii) empower Roma to benefit from initiatives aiming to legalise or improve their housing situations, (iv) enhance Roma participation in public life and (v) foster cross border co-ordination and initiatives improving Roma participation.

In implementing the project, public information activities are expected to constitute a significant component. Furthermore, the visibility of the project and promotion of its critical milestones and outcomes is a high priority for ODIHR. The ODIHR thus requires services of a consultant with expertise in working with media in the region to support the implementation of the project’s public information and media strategy.

Tasks and Responsibilities
Under the direct guidance of the ODIHR Spokesperson, the consultant will work with the ODIHR Project Manager and press and public affairs units of the OSCE field operations in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Kosovo*, Montenegro and Serbia on the following tasks:

• Develop a public information strategy for the project. This includes the identification of target audiences, key public information opportunities and most appropriate communication tools. It will also include the development of a calendar of (internal and external) events with relevance to the project to be highlighted and other media activities foreseen during the project.
• On the basis of the strategy and the calendar of events, and in close co-operation with the project’s regional teams and the press offices of relevant OSCE field operations and EU delegations, co-ordinate and organise public information activities and media events, including but not limited to press briefings, press conferences and interviews to mark key project milestones and major events;
• Draft and co-ordinate the clearance of press material, including press releases, media advisories, brochures and leaflets;
• Facilitate the development and dissemination of project promotional material, including overseeing the production of short video clips;
• Contribute to the development and updating of the project’s website;
• Provide regular updates to media actors throughout the region while maintaining close contacts with the relevant media and journalists;
• Ensure at all times that the project’s public information activities comply with visibility guidelines of the European Union as a project donor;
• Monitor and compile relevant media reports on the project and prepare summaries for inclusion in project progress and donor reports;
• Maintain close co-operation and mutual exchange of information with the regional project teams, press offices of the OSCE field operations and the EU delegations, and other relevant actors to receive up-to-date information on the relevant developments.
• Documents as well as any other information gathered during the assignment are strictly confidential and are not allowed to be disclosed without prior written agreement of the ODIHR Project Manager. They are the exclusive property of ODIHR.

* All references to Kosovo refer to Kosovo under UNSG Resolution 1244. All references to Kosovo institutions refer to the Provisional Institutions of Self Government.

Deliverables:

• Public Information Strategy of the Best Practices for Roma Integration Project.
• Detailed proposal for implementing the Public Information Strategy.
• Calendar of project events, including major media and public events in the region of Western Balkans of relevance to the project.
• Portfolio of public information products and promotional material.
• Reports and summaries on public information activities, media events and held meetings.
• Regular quarterly reports on media coverage of the Best Practices for Roma Integration Project, including press clippings and recommendations for enhancing the visibility of the project in the ensuing quarter.
• Presentation(s) on the project’s media coverage at project quarterly meetings.

Location
The consultant will be required to carry out his/her work from the region of Western Balkans. S/he will be based in one of the locations where the project has regional presence. The assignment is expected to involve travel to Warsaw, Poland and in the region. All travel and accommodation will be at the expense of OSCE/ODIHR Best Practices for Roma Integration Project and administered in line with the OSCE official travel instructions.

Timeframe
The consultant will carry out his/her assignment part time within up to 240 half-working days during the period between 15 March 2012 and 31 December 2012.

Necessary Qualifications

• University degree in journalism, media, marketing, social sciences or related filed;
• Solid professional background in journalism and/or public information, with a minimum of five years of professional experience;
• Proven familiarity and contacts with the media scenes in the region of Western Balkans;
• Experience in conceptualising and implementing public information and outreach campaigns;
• Awareness of and versatility in using modern media technologies for communicating targeted public information and outreach messages;
• Knowledge and awareness of the situation of the Roma community in the region of Western Balkans;
• Prior experience of co-operation with international organizations, OSCE in particular, at the field and headquarters level and familiarity with the OSCE structures and procedures;
• Proven track record in dealing with public information activities for major donor-funded multi-million euro projects, prior experience in dealing with EU-funded projects will be an asset;
• Excellent oral and written communication and drafting skills in English are essential;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in the languages of the Western Balkans;
• Ability to work with minimal supervision and under pressure.

Remuneration Package
Remuneration will be competitive and commensurate with the level of skills and experience of the incumbent.

How To Apply
In order to apply for Consultancy please use OSCE's online application link found under http://www.osce.org/employment (ref. VNODIC00338).

Shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

Please note that vacancies in the OSCE are open for competition only amongst nationals of participating States, please see http://www.osce.org/who/83

The OSCE is committed to achieving a better balance of women and men within the Organization. Female candidates are particularly encouraged to apply.