Head of Media Department

The Media Department is the central hub for all media relations — from high-stakes interviews and press briefings to real-time engagement across digital platforms. The Head of the Media Department will be responsible for shaping how the Council of Europe speaks to a world where truth, trust, and democratic values are increasingly under attack. We, the Council of Europe, are an organisation that exists to protect the foundations of democratic life in Europe: that’s the thread connecting everyone of us. Across 46 member states, we uphold human rights, democracy and the rule of law as daily, lived guarantees. As the world order unravels — and populism, democratic backsliding and disinformation spread — our role is to hold the line, set the standard, and strengthen the systems that safeguard freedom. This is the context in which you will lead a dynamic department of 30-40 professionals responsible for crafting and executing media strategies that enhance the Organisation’s visibility, authority and impact. Your Role As Head of the Media Department, you will play a pivotal role in influencing the voice and message of the Council of Europe's leadership, working directly with the Secretary General and Deputy Secretary General's Private Office. You will lead the Department and be responsible for: - developing and implementing the Organisation's overall media strategy that advances its agenda through targeted media outreach and narrative-building that promote its strategic objectives; - advising the Organisation's leadership and spearheading proposals on all matters concerning media relations, public messaging and crisis communication; - leading, motivating and managing a multicultural team of media professionals; - co-ordinating media engagement, including during key high-level political events to elevate the Organisation’s influence; - building, maintaining and strengthening partnerships with international, regional and local media outlets; - developing and managing public outreach initiatives, including press releases, public statements and posting on social media; - supervising the production and dissemination of communication content across multiple platforms; - overseeing the management of the Organisation's digital presence, including its website and social media, facilitating engagement with key stakeholders; - further developing and ensuring the consistency of the "Council of Europe" brand, thereby enhancing its image and visibility both among the general public and political decision-makers. - have at least eight years of professional experience acquired in public communications, journalism, or media relations, including significant managerial experience; preference will be given to high-level experience in political communication and strategic media engagement, particularly in a governmental, international or intergovernmental context; - demonstrate fluency in one of the two official languages of the Council of Europe (English or French) and preferably a good knowledge of the other. You must also: - be a citizen of one of the member states of the Council of Europe and fulfil the conditions for appointment to the civil service of that state; - have discharged any obligation concerning national service (military, civil or comparable); - not be the parent, child, stepchild or grandchild of a serving staff member of the Council of Europe; - be under the age of 65 years. - Managerial - Vision and Strategic Insight - Managerial - Management of teams - Operational - Creativity and innovation - Interpersonal - Relationship building - Professional and technical expertise: - Political awareness and excellent grasp of international current affairs; - Proven ability to manage media relations and work under pressure; - Excellent writing, text editing and public speaking skills. - Operational - Planning and work organisation - Interpersonal - Initiative What we offer This job vacancy is for an international external recruitment. You can consult the conditions of employment (salaries, allowances, pension scheme, social insurance, etc.) on the webpage What we offer. Applications and selection procedure J-18808-Ljbffr