About Us
The OPCW’s mission is to implement the provisions of the Chemical Weapons Convention to achieve our vision of a world free of chemical weapons in which chemistry is used for peace, progress, and prosperity, and to contribute to international security and stability, general and complete disarmament, and global economic development.
The OPCW was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2013 for its extensive efforts to eliminate chemical weapons.
General Information
Responsibilities
Job Summary
The Public Affairs Branch (PAB) is a part of the External Relations Division (ERD).
The External Relations Division (ERD) 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 (NGOs). 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 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 with the aim of conveying the on-going relevance of the Organisation and the global endeavour for a world permanently free of chemical weapons.
Digital Communications Assistant (GS-5) will assist with the management of OPCW’s digital properties, including the OPCW website and social media channels to promote the positive image of the OPCW and increase the awareness and understanding of the CWC for an expanding digital audience.
This is a temporary appointment, and the duration of the contract will be four and a half months, from June to October 2025.
Main Responsibilities
Under the supervision of the Public Information Officer (P3), the incumbent shall perform the following duties:
Social Media
- Design compelling visual brand-consistent content for all OPCW social media platforms, including graphics and infographics;
- Select and format images, taking into consideration diversity, storytelling, and best practices; source stock images when necessary;
- Assist the Digital Communication Officer with crafting social media campaigns for flagship OPCW projects;
- Together with the Digital Communication Officer and under the supervision of the Public Information Officer, identify visual communication trends to introduce to the OPCW digital presence, liaise with suppliers for support as required;
- Compile public social media kits for distribution to various stakeholders for further amplification;
- Write copy for social media in accessible language;
- Select relevant hashtags and partner handles to amplify communications efforts;
- Plan, schedule and publish social media posts (using scheduling tools such as Hootsuite where necessary) on the Organisation’s social media platforms, including Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn;
- Manage audience engagement with OPCW’s social media channels, including filtering, responding to and moderating public comments;
- Prepare the social media analytics, including:
- tracking social media growth KPI;
- content performance analysis based on key metrics;
- daily social media monitoring of relevant keywords and hashtags using industry tools and native platforms;
- reports analysing the impact of social media campaigns;
- prepare demographics reports about OPCW’s social media followers.
Website
- Update and maintain the OPCW website using the Drupal content management system;
- Build or re-design sections of the website based on communications priorities and updates/developments; build new special sections when identified;
- Design compelling visual brand-consistent content for the OPCW website, including graphics and infographics;
- Work with external developers to build on website functionality and workflows, as well as for graphic design;
- Coordinate formatting and posting of news releases on the website and schedule e-newsletter distribution to mailing lists. Coordinate formatting and posting of speeches and statements, job vacancies, and procurement notices on the website;
- Coordinate publishing of Official-Series Documents and national statements on the website;
- Prepare the monthly analytics for the website traffic.
Editorial calendar
- Maintain the OPCW editorial calendar, coordinate with other departments on relevant content for both the website and social media as requested.
- Perform other duties as required.
Qualifications and Experience
Education
Essential:
- High School diploma or equivalent diploma of higher secondary education.
Desirable:
- Formal training and/or courses on digital communications, including website design and social media management;
- Formal training in graphic design.
Knowledge and Experience
Essential:
- At least 4 years of experience in graphic design, web design and social media;
- Highly proficiency in using Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator and InDesign;
- Excellent knowledge of the corporate use of social media;
- Excellent knowledge of web design, including UI and UX design, search engine optimisation;
- Experience using the Drupal Content Management System;
- Strong writing, copyediting and proofreading skills with the ability to make complex information accessible;
- Knowledge of HTML, CSS, and information architecture.
Desirable:
- Experience in video editing;
- Experience using collaborative platforms (e.g., SharePoint).
Skills and Competencies
- Personal qualities should include: tact, discretion, good organisational skills, accuracy and attention to detail;
- The ability to work harmoniously within a multi-cultural organisation;
- Customer service orientation;
- Basic project planning;
- Self-starter and innovative.
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
Appointment to this category of position at the OPCW will be in accordance with the relevant terms and conditions applicable to the post. This appointment will be for limited time only as stated.
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.
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’.
