Category ERD/PAB

Post title Senior Public Affairs Officer

Grade P-4

Contract Type Fixed term

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.
• Support the Head of Public Affairs in the planning, development, production, and dissemination of public diplomacy materials and initiatives that promote an improved and accurate understanding of the OPCW and its work with key stakeholders.
• Assess the effectiveness of OPCW public diplomacy initiatives using data analysis tools and propose improvements, taking into consideration best practices and the most up-to-date methodologies.
• Support the coordination and planning of major communications campaigns and outreach activities (in-person and virtual) by developing and coordinating communications plans targeted at key stakeholders (internal and external).
• Monitor and analyse current events, public opinion and media to identify issues and trends and provide advice for consideration by Senior Management on appropriate action/responses.
• Assist the Head of Public Affairs with the day-to-day management of Branch operations.
• Provide training to improve OPCW staff awareness of the media landscape, relevant OPCW rules and regulations, and strategies for dealing with the media.

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.

Educational qualifications required for this post:

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.

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 Abilities (key 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.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and coordinate the work of others to meet tight deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent activities.
• Proven ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with people of different national and cultural backgrounds.

Language Requirements:

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