International Consultant – Mapping Experts in Media Freedom - Security Nexus (SSA)

  • Wien
  • Osce
Media Affairs SEC Requisition # Total Views Background:The OSCE has a comprehensive approach to security that encompasses politico-military, economic and environmental, and human aspects. It therefore addresses a wide range of security-related concerns, including arms control, confidence- and security-building measures, human rights, combating human trafficking, national minorities, democratization, policing strategies, counter-terrorism and economic and environmental activities. All 57 participating States enjoy equal status, and decisions are taken by consensus on a politically, but not legally binding basis.Free expression and free media are basic human rights. To ensure compliance with media freedom commitments agreed upon by participating States, a OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media (RFoM) was established in December . The function of the Representative is to observe relevant media developments in OSCE participating States with a view to providing early warning on violations of freedom of expression. The Representative concentrates on rapid response to serious noncompliance with OSCE principles and commitments by participating States. In case of serious problems caused, for instance, by obstruction of media activities and unfavorable working conditions for journalists, the Representative seeks direct contacts with the participating State and other parties involved, assesses the facts and contributes to the resolution of the issue. Another task is to assist participating States by advocating and promoting full compliance with OSCE principles and commitments regarding freedom of expression and free media. Assistance is typically provided in the form of legal analyses of legislation, communiques and statements on specific topics, organizing conferences and roundtables during which best practices are shared and promoted, preparing topical publications and guidebooks on media freedom matters and providing training seminars for media and government officials.For more detailed information on the structure and work of the RFOM, please see: Objective of Assignment: Within its project No Security Without Media Freedom: FoM Dialogues, the RFoM Office is looking to recruit Consultant/s to perform a stakeholder mapping, identifying relevant experts and existing initiatives in the media freedom security nexus, who can also contribute to building upon the outcome of RFoM report Can there be security without media freedom? (). The project aims to provide a Dialogue Platform as a mechanism for interaction between key stakeholders from the media freedom community and from the security community, including independent experts and decision-makers from academia, think tanks, security sector, media, regulators, civil society, and government actors with the aim to strengthen the nexus between media freedom, democracy, and security and, as a result, to shape the policy narrative on the importance of media freedom for democracy and comprehensive security. The project should also include a gender perspective on the impact of media freedom on comprehensive security, including on gender equality. Duration of Assignment: Tentative start of the contract: 15 April Tentative end of the contract: 31 May Tasks and Responsibilities: Under the overall supervision of the Adviser, in coordination with the RFoM Office, the successful candidate/s will be tasked with the following duties: Develop and prepare an in-depth mapping of experts, which prioritises candidates from thinks tanks and academic institutions dealing with security issues and gives consideration to: a) sound expertise in the field of media freedom security nexus; b) experience in policy discussions and policy-level recommendations; c) gender and geographical balance (OSCE region).Identify relevant initiatives that could inform the development of partnership and cooperation with the RFoM Office in the framework of the project No Security Without Media Freedom: FoM Dialogues;Attend all necessary preparatory and consultative meetings (online/offline) with the OSCE team;When applicable, join the events/discussions in the framework of the project as participant/moderator/speaker/rapporteur. Deliverables:Written report with detailed description and justification of identified experts (at least 25 people) and overview of relevant initiatives. Necessary Qualifications: First-level university degree in political science, security studies, journalism, law or other relevant fields;Advanced expert knowledge of the comprehensive security issues, including in the fields of human rights and fundamental freedoms and politico-military cooperation;At least 7 years of relevant work experience with good knowledge of recent developments in the media freedom and information security areas;Sound knowledge of international co-operation framework and human rights standards;Professional fluency in the English language;Excellent presentation and drafting skills. Remuneration Package:Remuneration will be based on the selected consultant's/expert's qualifications, experience, the tasks and deliverables for this position and in accordance with the OSCE established rates.If you wish to apply for this position, please use the OSCE's online application link found under . The OSCE retains the discretion to re-advertise/re-post the vacancy, to cancel the recruitment 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. 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 . Please be aware that the OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application and review process. Additional Information Issued by: OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Requisition ID: SEC Contract Type: Special Service Agreement (SSA) / Consultant Grade: No grade Job Level: Professional Job Type: Consultant Number of posts: 2 Location: SEC - OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Vienna Issue Date: Mar 19, Closing Date: Apr 3, Employee Status: Short-Term Schedule: Full-time Education Level: Bachelor's Degree (First-level university degree or equivalent) Job Field: Media Affairs Target Start Date: As soon as possible