The External Relations Division advises the Director-General on external relations policies, promotes universal adherence to the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) and liaises with governments, international organisations, the media, and non-governmental organisations. The division manages relations with OPCW’s Host Country–the Netherlands–and provides support regarding engagement with States Parties, partners, the public, and other identified stakeholders, such as scientists, civil society, academia, and industry.
The External Relations Division advises the Director-General on external relations policies, promotes universal adherence to the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) and liaises with governments, international organisations, the media, and non-governmental organisations. The division manages relations with OPCW’s Host Country–the Netherlands–and provides support regarding engagement with States Parties, partners, the public, and other identified stakeholders, such as scientists, civil society, academia, and industry.
Responsibilities
Job Summary
The results-focused mission of the Public Affairs Branch (PAB) is to present the face, amplify the voice, extend the reach, and raise the profile of the OPCW. As a Senior Public Affairs Officer, you will use your excellent strategic communication skills to foster effective public engagement, build strong relationships with external stakeholders, and identify new opportunities to expand OPCW's reach and visibility. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in an international environment, a strong understanding of strategies and methods to build public support, and exceptional communications skills, including in digital media.
Main Responsibilities
Under the direct supervision of the Head of the Public Affairs Branch & OPCW Spokesperson, the post holder will be responsible for the following:
· Contribute to the development and implementation of OPCW's communications strategy to raise the profile of the Organisation and to ensure accurate, balanced, and objective reporting about the OPCW; craft strategic messages and media talking points for use by Senior Management and to be incorporated into public diplomacy products.
· Oversee the Organisation’s digital communications channels, including website and social media, and the implementation of a cohesive brand identity, including messaging and design; supervise relevant staff.
· Further develop a crisis communications strategy for the OPCW based on relevant standard operating procedures and work instructions.
· Participate in relevant OPCW working groups, including for the Centre for Chemistry and Technology (CCT), the Advisory Board on Education and Outreach (ABEO), and related to the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force.
Staff Management/Supervision
· Coordinate Branch submissions for periodic and annual reporting on Branch activities.
· Help with preparation of the Branch budget and serve as an alternate Certifying Officer.
· Supervise junior PAB staff members.
To view the complete job outline, please click here.
Qualifications and Experience
Education
Essential: Advanced university degree in communications, journalism, international relations, political or social science, marketing, design or related field; a first level university degree plus nine years' experience in a related field. In the absence of a university degree, a combination of a diploma of higher education in a relevant field, relevant specialist training, and 13 years' experience in a related field may be accepted as meeting this requirement.
Knowledge and Experience
Essential:
· At least seven years of experience in strategic communications, marketing, digital communications, journalism, or a related field. At least nine years' experience is required with a first level university degree.
· A minimum of seven years of practical working experience in international or multilateral organisations, or with diplomatic/intergovernmental processes.
Desirable:
· Experience with organizational/corporate websites and social media channels, as well as with data analysis tools is highly desirable.
· Experience with corporate identity, branding and design is desirable.
· Experience in managing a communications team and in providing advice to senior leadership is desirable.
Skills and Competencies
To succeed in this role you will need the following skills and competencies:
· Good knowledge of issues regarding international security, weapons of mass destruction, disarmament, and non-proliferation.
· Excellent communication skills and the ability to draft and edit media talking points, speeches, presentations, and public diplomacy materials are essential.
· Demonstrable experience in organising and managing media relations, including press conferences and media briefings.
· Proven planning, management, coordination, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
· Strong analytical and conceptual skills in identifying, analysing, and interpreting communication issues and proposing and implementing solutions.
· Demonstrated leadership and management skills, including the ability to think strategically and achieve results.
· Ability to develop new policies in the area of communications management and public diplomacy.
· Excellent inter-personal and communication skills to present information tactfully, clearly and logically, both in writing and orally.
· Solid information technology skills including proficiency in MS Office, desktop publishing and other relevant software packages; up-to-date knowledge of content management systems (CMS), social media tools, data analysis tools, and relevant design applications.
· Ability to ensure an effective workflow to maximise productivity and achieve goals.
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
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.
Fixed-term staff members participate in the OPCW provident fund. A monthly staff contribution is met with a doubled amount by the OPCW to ensure separating staff have the capital necessary to move on to new challenges.
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.
Applications from qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged.
OPCW General Terms and Conditions
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’.
