The Head of Communication Section/Spokesperson will be responsible for the overall strategic conception and implementation of communication of the EUSR Office in Kosovo. S/he will ensure the visibility of the EU in Kosovo and coordinate the public communication strategy of the EU in Kosovo, including by working closely with the EUSR for the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue and EULEX Kosovo through a whole-of-EU approach. S/he will be in charge of strategic communication, media relations, public relations, digital communication, internal communication, crisis communication, and combating disinformation. 

S/he will also articulate EUSR political decisions into communication messages and mainstream them into the most appropriate channels, thus contributing to generating positive visibility in Kosovo media for the European Union. In order to do that, s/he will develop, with the input of all relevant colleagues, an annual communications strategy in line with EEAS global communications guidelines and according to the specific needs of the local and regional media scene. 

S/he will define and monitor media activities, including maintaining contacts with the media and providing information concerning the EU in general and EUSR activities in particular to national, regional, specialized and international media as well as rapid response to their inquiries. S/he will coordinate, guide and supervise the EUSR Communication Section. 

S/he will also coordinate the communication activities with other sections of the office in order to obtain necessary synergy between operational, political and communication activities. 

The Head of Communication Section/Spokesperson will have, under the guidance of the EUSR, the following tasks:

1. Main tasks and responsibilities:

• To prepare, lead and coordinate all communication activities of the EUSR and EU Office ensuring a coherent communication approach while respecting the different administrative procedures of each organization.
• To act as the EUSR/EUOK main spokesperson and communicate the work of both EUSR and EUOK to the public;
• To coordinate and align the communication activities of the EU MS, EUSR DWB and EULEX (EU Family).
• To advise EUSR on overall communication and on managing the EUSR reputation.
• To chair the Core Communication Group meetings with participation and input from EUSR and EUOK units.
• To help EUSR prepare for media opportunities and public events, develop messages to deliver to the different target audiences and make suggestions to keep the EUSR on the cutting edge of communication with the stakeholders.
• To draft speeches and other public appearances of the EUSR, if requested by the EUSR Section Heads.
• To establish and maintain contacts with local media, monitor replies to their enquiries and conceive press and public events.
• To manage the work of the EUSR Communication Section to ensure adequate response and adjustment to communication challenges the EUSR is faced with.
• To advice on the overall quality and accuracy of press releases, letters and background notes.
• To manage appropriate media contacts for the EUSR and for visiting representatives or officials of the EU institutions, including preparing briefings, profiles, reports on sensitive issues in the country, organizing interviews, press conferences etc.
• To ensure proper monitoring and follow-up of EU-related coverage in the local media.
• To advice on the possible media-presence of the EUSR in the international press.
• To conceive strategic approach regarding the online presence and social media communication of the EUSR Office.
• To establish and maintain close contacts with opinion-makers, universities, private and public cultural bodies and opinion forming groups.
• To monitor developments related to Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference and suggest courses of action, with the support of the EU Office in Kosovo.
• To monitor and report on developments related to media freedom issues.
• To identify and report on lessons learned and best practices within the respective area of responsibility;
• To contribute and ensure timely reporting on activities within the respective area of responsibility;
• To take account of gender equality and human rights aspects in the execution of tasks;
• To undertake any other related tasks as requested by the Line Manager(s).

2. Qualifications and experience

Essential:

• Advanced University degree in Journalism, Communication, Political Sciences, Law, International Relations, Social Sciences or related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of professional experience, including 5 years of management experience.
• Very good interpersonal skills.
• Excellent English communication skills, both written and oral, are required.
• Ability to exercise collaborative, sound and effective leadership;
• Ability to manage, mentor and motivate a professionally diversified and multicultural team;
• Ability to establish plan, and review priorities;
• Ability to communicate and engage with senior officials and governmental decision makers;
• Knowledge of formulating and implementing a communication strategy/plan;
• Experience and skills in digital communication;

• Be in possession of a valid - including Western Balkans/Kosovo area - civilian driver licence for motor vehicles (Category B or equivalent);

• For this position Personal Security Clearance at EU Secret level (see article III. Essential documents and requirements for the selected candidates of Annex 1).

Desirable:

• Deep understanding of the political situation in Kosovo and working experience in the Western Balkans.
• Experience from diplomacy, negotiations and field work in international organizations.
• Knowledge of EU Civilian Crisis Management and previous CFSP/CSDP experience.
• Previous experience in cultural diplomacy.
• Experience running media and outreach campaigns;
• Experience in planning and implementing projects;
• Knowledge of disinformation;
• International experience, particularly in crisis areas with multinational and international organisations.
• Knowledge about the local press and media environment;
• Knowledge of local languages will be an asset.

Annexes:

• More information in the Call for Contributions (Annex 1)
• Aplication form (Annex 2)