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.

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.

• Managerial - Vision and Strategic Insight
• Managerial - Leadership
• Managerial - Management of teams
• Operational - Creativity and innovation
• Interpersonal - Relationship building

• Professional and technical expertise:
  1. Political awareness and excellent grasp of international current affairs;
  2. Proven ability to manage media relations and work under pressure;
  3. Excellent writing, text editing and public speaking skills.

• Operational - Planning and work organisation
• Interpersonal - Influencing
• Interpersonal - Initiative

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. 

For more information on how we recruit, you can consult the page Our recruitment process. This recruitment is carried out in accordance with Article 490 of the Council of Europe Staff Rules. The deadline for applications is indicated in the General information section of this vacancy notice (see above) and is fixed at 23:59:59 (CET/CEST). When applying, make sure your motivation shows how your competencies make your profile the best for the role.

As an equal opportunity employer, the Council of Europe welcomes applications from all suitably qualified people, irrespective of sex, gender, sexual orientation, ethnic or social origin, disability, religion or belief. Under its equal opportunity policy, the Council of Europe is aiming to achieve gender parity in staff employed in each category and grade. At the time of appointment, preference between suitable people shall be given to the person of the gender which is under-represented in the relevant grades within the category to which the vacancy belongs.

Applicants with specific needs are encouraged to request reasonable accommodations at any stage during the recruitment process. Please contact us at [email protected], we will ensure that your request is handled.

The information published on the CoE’s careers website regarding working conditions is correct at the time of publication of the vacancy notice. Any changes to these conditions during the recruitment process will be updated on our Portal and will apply at the time of the job offer. Our career's website is not intended to be exhaustive and may not address all questions you would have. Should you have remaining questions, please contact us at [email protected].