Head, Strategic Communications (P-5)

The Public Affairs Branch (PAB) is part of the External Relations Division (ERD). ERD leads on external relations policy; promotes universal adherence to the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) and liaises with governments, international organisations, the media, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in promoting the mission, activities and achievements of the Organisation. PAB provides support regarding engagement with States Parties, the public, and other identified stakeholders, such as scientists, civil society, academia, and industry. The results-focused mission of the PAB is to present the face, amplify the voice, extend the reach and raise the profile of the OPCW with the aim of conveying the important work of the Organisation and the global endeavour for a world permanently free of chemical weapons.

The Head, Strategic Communications reports to the Director, External Relations, under the overall strategic direction of senior leadership, and provides leadership in advancing OPCW’s communications, public diplomacy and stakeholder engagement. The position leads the PAB and serves as the OPCW Spokesperson. In addition, the position provides advice to senior leadership on strategic internal and external communications, change-management messaging, media engagement and public outreach. The incumbent is responsible for developing, implementing and monitoring the impact of the OPCW’s communications strategy.

Responsibilities

1)    Strategic Communications

• Lead the development and implementation of the OPCW’s communication strategy and campaigns aimed at strengthening the Organisation’s visibility and raising public understanding of the CWC and OPCW activities;
• Coordinate external communications across the Secretariat, ensuring coherent, evidence-based messaging that reflects organisational priorities and expert advice;
• Serve as OPCW Spokesperson and primary point of contact for media and related stakeholders, leading media engagement, press briefings and official communications on behalf of the Director-General and the Organisation;
• Advise senior leadership on external communications, including reputation management, crisis communications, information integrity and resilience against disinformation and misinformation;
• Advise senior leadership on internal communications and change-management messaging to support major organisational initiatives and periods of organisational change;
• Monitor and assess media and other communication trends related to the OPCW, identifying emerging risks and opportunities and recommending strategic approaches to strengthen the OPCW's visibility and increase public engagement;
• Proactively maintain and expand OPCW’s network of media contacts, press, governmental agencies, international institutions, research institutes, non-governmental organisations, and other target groups;

• Provide strategic advice and media coaching to the Director-General (DG) and the Deputy Director-General (DDG) on media engagement.

2) Leadership and Management of the Public Affairs Branch

• Lead PAB and direct its human and financial resources, ensuring effective workforce planning, performance management and staff development in support of organisational objectives;
• Lead the development and delivery of communication, public diplomacy and outreach initiatives, campaigns and products, ensuring coherent messaging and effective public engagement in support of the OPCW's mandate and the CWC;
• Develop and oversee content on the OPCW website and social media platforms, including the official digital channels of the DG and DDG, ensuring their relevance, accuracy, accessibility and effectiveness as part of the digital communications strategy and operations;
• Lead the review and implementation of policies and directives on media and public affairs;
• Ensure regular and timely media reporting and analysis in coordination with other OPCW divisions.

3) Stakeholder Engagement

• Coordinate engagement of external OPCW related stakeholders in a strategic way, including NGOs, youth groups, think tanks and associations. Provide strategic direction for the participation of civil society organisations and other stakeholders in relevant activities of the Organisation, including the Conference of the States Parties;
• Lead the strategic communication planning, message design and overall organisational preparation of public events, including OPCW special days, in-person and virtual Group Visits programme and other OPCW outreach activities, special projects or exhibitions;
• Serve as the OPCW's principal media liaison point with the United Nations, other international organisations, and external partners, fostering strategic partnerships and participating in inter-agency networks and initiatives to expand outreach and enhance the Organisation's visibility and impact;
• Advocate for adherence to OPCW policies on Media and Public Affairs and OPCW branding guidelines, quality content, and high-impact strategies.

4) Perform other duties as required.

Education

• Essential: 
  • Advanced university degree in International Relations, Public Relations, Journalism, Communications or a related field;
  • A first level university degree in combination with qualifying experience (minimum 12 years) may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• Desirable: 
  • Certifications in strategic communications or digital communication channels.

Knowledge and Experience

• Essential: 
  • At least 10 years of progressive experience in strategic communications, media relations, and organisational digital communication tools;
• Demonstrated experience in leading a team, resolving complex and sensitive communication issues and reputation management.
• Desirable: 
  • Experience in strategic communications or as a spokesperson in an international organisation and in a multilateral context.

Skills and Competencies

• Excellent knowledge of international relations, disarmament and non-proliferation;

• Excellent interpersonal, representational and communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and persuasively in writing and orally;

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to draft and edit a range of external communications products for a variety of audiences are essential;

• Proven leadership, management, planning, organisation, coordination, negotiation and problem-solving skills;

• Strong conceptual skills in analysing and interpreting communication challenges and proposing and implementing solutions;

• Up-to-date knowledge of social media platforms and communication trends relevant to international organisations;

• Proven ability to lead diverse professional teams, establish effective structures, manage competing priorities and deliver results aligned with institutional priorities;

• Proven ability to foster an inclusive and enabling work environment and build and sustain effect relationships with senior leaders, technical experts and colleagues from diverse national and cultural backgrounds.

Languages

Fluency in English is essential and a good working knowledge of one of the other official languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish) is desirable.

Additional Information

Please note that all vacancies will close at 22:00 The Netherlands local time on their respective closing day. Thereafter, the vacancy announcements will no longer appear in the Candidate Portal and you will no longer be able to submit your application. We recommend that you apply well in advance of the deadline.

This fixed-term appointment is for the duration of two years with a six-month probationary period, and is subject to the OPCW Staff Regulations and Interim Staff Rules.

The OPCW is a non-career organisation with limited staff tenure. The total length of service for Professional staff shall not exceed 7 years.

The mandatory age of separation at the OPCW is 65 years. 

The Director-General retains the discretion to not make any appointment to this vacancy, to make an appointment at a lower grade, or to make an appointment with a modified job description. Several vacancies may be filled.

Only fully completed applications submitted before the closing date and through OPCW CandidateSpace will be considered. Only applicants under serious consideration for a post will be contacted. 

According to article 8 paragraph 44 of the Chemical Weapons Convention the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. 

OPCW is committed to maintaining a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. OPCW recruits and employs staff regardless of disability status, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, language, race, marital status, religious, ethnic, cultural and socio-economic backgrounds, or any other personal characteristics.

Important notice for applicants who are currently insured under the Dutch Social Security system

Although headquartered in the Netherlands, the OPCW is not a regular Dutch employer but a public international organisation with its own special status. Please be advised that if you are currently insured under the Dutch Social Security system, you will be excluded from this system as a staff member of the OPCW. You will consequently be insured under the organisation’s system. The above also applies to your dependents unless they are employed by a regular Dutch employer, they are self-employed in the Netherlands, or are receiving Dutch social security payments.

Please refer to the website of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment for more information about the possible consequences for you and your dependents, such as exclusion from ‘AWBZ’ and ‘Zorgverzekeringswet’ coverage: ‘Werken bij een internationale organisatie’.