Local Consultant, Digital Journalism and Media, and Digital Literacy (Consultancy Roster)

Background

This vacancy is open only for the applicants with the citizenship of or permanent residence in the Republic of Serbia.

The OSCE Mission to Serbia’s Media Department is looking to increase the Mission’s Consultancy Roster, who are highly qualified in digital journalism and media, and digital literacy. The consultants should be able to carry out research and analysis, and deliver workshops/seminars/lectures to journalists, media workers and citizens. Those chosen may be engaged in one or more of the Mission’s current or future projects.

The OSCE Mission to Serbia has been supporting the digital empowerment and media literacy since 2015, recognizing these competencies as fundamental to navigating today's interconnected world. In an era of rapid technological evolution, digital fluency and media literacy have become essential for full participation in both professional and civic life. The digital landscape continues to transform with the widespread adoption of AI-powered tools, immersive technologies, and automated systems, demanding continuous adaptation of digital competencies. The convergence of emerging technologies - from generative AI and extended reality to quantum computing and Web3 solutions - is reshaping how we interact with information and digital spaces. This technological acceleration, coupled with the rise of synthetic media, algorithmic content curation, and decentralized platforms, underscores the critical need for enhanced digital literacy skills that go beyond basic tech comprehension to include AI literacy, data privacy awareness, decreasing the negative impact of misinformation and algorithmic understanding The Serbian Government adopted the Media Development Strategy and Digital Skills Development Strategy in 2020. The OSCE Mission has been supporting the implementation of both strategies by enhancing media and digital skills of journalists, students, educators and citizens. The Mission will focus on the emerging technologies’ effects on media, but also will keep empowering citizens to obtain unbiased information. The initiative aims to empower journalists and citizens with the following comprehensive media and digital competencies essential for navigating today's technology-driven world: Information and Data Literacy; Digital Communication and Citizenship; Digital Content Creation and Innovation, Deconstructing Disinformation Mechanisms; Capacitating Citizens to Recognize Misinformation and Decrease its impact on Public Perception.

Tasks and Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the National Media Development Officer and National Legal Officers, the consultants may be responsible for carrying out research and providing expert lectures and counselling on use of digital media, including generative AI, and media literacy and digital skills of journalists, teachers and all citizens including children. The research and lectures/seminars should cover the following topics depending on the target audience: 

• Media literacy in the digital age
• Combating misinformation and disinformation including role of AI in content verification
• Ethical journalism in algorithmically driven information ecosystems
• Use of AI in newsrooms
• Emerging cyber threats
• The effects of digital content on citizens including on children
• Media representations of specific groups of people and media constructions
• Media influences on behaviours and attitudes
• Story-telling in digital journalism – how to use social networks and digital media to report content in digital format  
• Mobile journalism

The consultants will work in the Mission area. Travel and accommodation costs for activities outside of the place of residence will be covered through Official Travel Authorizations (OTAs). 

Necessary Qualifications

• Citizenship of or permanent residence in the Republic of Serbia; 
• University degree in communication, journalism, electronic communications, psychology, media studies, social sciences or related field; 
• Minimum 5 (five) years of specific experience in the fields of journalism, or in media and digital literacy, or in platform-based tech; 
• Experience in social research would be an asset;
• Knowledge of emerging technologies;
• Full computer literacy;
• Professional fluency in the English and Serbian, both oral and written;
• Ability and willingness to work with people of different cultural, national and religious backgrounds;
• Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, as well as the ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities.

Candidates are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the OSCE Competency Model available at:  https://jobs.osce.org/osce-competency-model.

The purpose of this recruitment is to increase the number of consultants/experts on the Mission’s Consultancy Roster, who are highly qualified experts for digital journalism and media, and digital literacy. Inclusion on the roster does not constitute an obligation or promise of engagement or employment.

Remuneration Package

The selected consultants would be put on the Mission’s consultancy roster and may be engaged on a Special Service Agreement, and would be remunerated in accordance with the Mission’s remuneration policy valid at the time of engagement, commensurate to individual qualifications and experience. The payment will be effected upon successful completion of all tasks. 

How to Apply

Please apply online through this website (https://jobs.osce.org) no later than 30 April 2025. Only applications received through this website will be considered; applications received by email, post etc. will not be accepted. 

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Candidates who have not been contacted by 15 June 2025 should consider there will be no follow up to their application.

The OSCE retains the discretion to re-advertise the vacancy, cancel the recruitment, or offer a consultancy at a different level or with modified terms of reference or for a different duration.