Principal Functions
Working in the media and public information team, the Public Information Officer, under the direct supervision of the Head, Public Affairs Branch, will:
1.Draft and edit OPCW communications to the media and States Parties (through publications, press releases, digital platforms, etc.) in coordination with colleagues across the Technical Secretariat, States Parties and others as appropriate;
2.Coordinate and oversee social media engagement, including monitoring trends, providing analysis, and proposing any strategic adjustments;
3.Vet, coordinate and respond to queries from the media and other relevant stakeholders in accordance with publicly available information or lines approved by the Director-General;
4.Expand and maintain the Organisation’s contact database of media representatives and external stakeholders for sustained informational engagement;
5.Ensure consistent public diplomacy messaging across OPCW communication platforms and activities that is subject-relevant, substantial and tailored to specific stakeholder communities;
6.Collaborate with other PAB team members to ensure appropriate information and messaging for producing high-quality and accurate external communications (e.g., public diplomacy materials, social media posts, press releases, etc.):
7.Assist in the day-to-day co-ordination of public diplomacy activities involving key stakeholders such as the media, civil society, States Parties, chemical industry, and the public;
8.Coordinate participation in major outreach events (e.g., International Open Days) and serve as the day-to-day coordinator who facilitates the participation and accreditation of relevant stakeholders, including the media and civil society for key OPCW events (e.g., Conference of the States Parties);
9.Coordinate Branch submissions for periodic and annual reporting on Branch activities;
10.Perform other duties, as required.
Knowledge and Experience
Education
Essential
Advanced university degree in international relations, political or social science, security studies, journalism, mass communications or related fields. A first-level university degree in above mentioned fields with minimum seven years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Desirable
Qualification in Search Engine Optimization, data analysis, and/or writing for news sites and social media.
Experience
Essential
A minimum of five years of professional-level experience in communications, public relations and/or public diplomacy with international and private sector organisations, policy institutes or NGOs, preferably in the sphere of arms control and/or international peace and security.
Desirable
Experience in drafting public information texts (news items, social media posts etc); Experience in strategic messaging and media trend analysis.
Skills and Abilities (key competencies)
- Excellent inter-personal communication skills and proven ability to collaborate well with others and work in a team setting;
- Professional-level writing and editing skills with ability to produce engaging materials for a variety of audiences and stakeholders;Demonstrable knowledge and understanding of media monitoring and analysis, communication strategies and technologies;
- Sound political judgement and an in-depth understanding of levels of sensitivity and confidentiality;
- Experience in organising events and coordinating accreditation processes with the media and civil society is an advantage;
- Familiarity in the fields of international security, weapons of mass destruction, disarmament and non-proliferation issues, as well as of multilateral treaties and organisations is an advantage;
- Demonstrated sensitivity to topical issues and capability to apply analytical thinking;
- Computer and social media literacy (MS Office applications).
