National Communications Officer (NP1)

The National Communications Officer is responsible for shaping and implementing the OSCE Mission to Skopje's communication strategy, including public information, media relations, and online outreach. The role serves as the primary focal point for national and international media and manages the Mission's presence across digital platforms.

Responsibilities

• Advising the HoM and senior leadership on public messaging, media relations, and reputational risks
• Contributing to the development and implementation of a strategic communication plan aligned with the Mission’s goals
• Developing lines to take, talking points, press releases, and statements in coordination with PACU leadership and senior management
• Developing and maintaining networks of media contacts, ensuring fair and objective reporting of Mission activities
• Organizing and moderating press conferences, briefings, and media interviews, preparing background materials and coordinating messaging
• Drafting and implementing crisis communication plans and leading response coordination in high sensitivity situations
• Managing the Mission’s social media channels, including content planning, creation, posting, and community management
• Producing engaging multimedia content (text, photo, video) in collaboration with programmatic teams
• Analyzing social media engagement data, producing regular reports, and making recommendations for improvement
• Coordinating with the OSCE Secretariat to ensure consistent branding and messaging on digital platforms
• Overseeing content planning and production for the Mission website, ensuring relevance, clarity, and alignment with strategic priorities
• Identifying storytelling opportunities across the Mission and liaising with programmatic departments to showcase impact
• Monitoring media coverage and political developments relevant to the OSCE and the Mission mandate
• Providing regular analysis and alerting the HoM and PACU on media trends, opportunities, and threats
• Assisting programmatic teams in the planning and execution of outreach events and communication campaigns
• Ensuring consistency in the public image and branding of the Mission across all platforms and activities
• Performing other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Citizenship of or permanent residence in the Republic of North Macedonia
• First-level university degree in communications, journalism, public relations, political science, or related field
• Minimum two (2) years of relevant professional experience in communication, public relations, journalism, or digital media, preferably in an international or politically sensitive environment
• Demonstrated experience in social media management, content creation (including photography and video), and public messaging
• Strong understanding of the media landscape and political context in North Macedonia
• Experience working with international organizations or diplomatic missions is an asset
• Proven communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to analyze complex and sensitive information and produce clear, audience-appropriate messages
• Competence with digital tools and social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X, YouTube, LinkedIn)
• Strong organizational skills, initiative, and ability to work under pressure and tight deadlines
• Familiarity with crisis communication approaches and strategic planning
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and in the local languages; knowledge of more than one local language may be considered an advantage
• 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 gender, and diverse political views, while maintaining impartiality and objectivity
• Computer literate with practical experience in Microsoft applications
• Holding a valid driving license

Skills

• Social Media Management
• Content Creation
• Photography
• Video Production
• Public Messaging
• Media Landscape Analysis
• Political Context Analysis
• Communication Strategy
• Digital Media
• Crisis Communication
• Strategic Planning
• Microsoft Applications
• Facebook
• Instagram
• Twitter
• YouTube
• LinkedIn
• Public Relations
• Journalism
• Communication Analysis
• Gender Awareness

Languages

English, Macedonian