Senior Political Affairs Officer (P-4)

Principal Functions

Reporting to the Head, Political Affairs and Protocol and in accordance with the OPCW Core Values of Integrity, Professionalism and Respect for Diversity/Gender Equality, the Senior Political Affairs Officer performs the following duties;

RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Under the supervision of Head PPB, draft high-quality speeches for the Director-General and Deputy Director-General, which are attuned to the strategic objectives of the OPCW and to specific audiences, as well as statements for meetings of the Conference of States Parties and Executive Council;
2. Prepare tailored, outcomes-focused talking points and briefing material for the Director-General, Deputy Director-General and other senior officials for meetings with State Party representatives and other interlocutors, consulting where necessary with other OPCW operational units;
3. Provide incisive assessments of current and emerging international developments affecting the OPCW's mission and incorporate these assessments in either country backgrounders, concept papers for work plans or in talking points for Senior Management, in consultation with Head PPB;
4. Provide assessment and suggestions in relation to States not party to the Convention to promote for their accession/ratification and to monitor developments towards this objective, as well as to facilitate assistance to them to participate in OPCW-relevant events;
5. Provide policy advice on managing the OPCW's interaction with other international organisations, with a view to furthering the OPCW's mission and adding value to broader global efforts in relation to disarmament and non-proliferation;
6. Reporting to Director ERD and Head PPB, manage major OPCW-hosted events, conferences and workshops, including all organisational, logistic and budgetary aspects, assisted by GS staff;
7. Coordinate briefings for visiting officials, civil society representatives and students at OPCW Headquarters, as well as deliver presentations, as required, including at relevant international meetings, seminars, events and technical assistance visits aimed at raising awareness of the Convention;
8. Provide policy support to Head PPB on Host Country Relations, including the preparation of official communication, participation in meetings with the host country and other related host country activities;
9. Respond to requests from within and outside the OPCW for advice and information, including from diplomatic missions, national authorities and international organisations relating to adherence to and implementation of the Convention, and other information about the Convention, as well as from other OPCW organisational units for information, explanations, presentations etc;
10. Perform other duties as required.

Knowledge and Experience

Education

Essential 

Advanced University degree in International Relations, Political Science, Legal Studies or equivalent. A first level university degree in combination with qualifying experience (minimum nine years) may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience

Essential

A minimum of seven years of related experience in multilateral diplomacy or an international organisation, including drafting briefings and speeches/statements for senior officials with an advanced degree, or nine years with a first level degree. Experience in delivering presentations and organising seminars/workshops.

Skills and Abilities (key competencies):

Skills:

1. Excellent communication skills and strong ability to draft and edit speeches, as well as other presentational documents, including the ability to provide prompt responses upholding the integrity and values of the Organisation;
2. Proven analytical skills and the ability to shape strategic thinking;
3. Proven planning and organisational skills with regard to arranging conferences, seminars, workshops, etc., including in relation to managing human and financial resources;
4. Good computer skills (MS Office applications; especially MS PowerPoint).



Abilities:

1. Flexibility, tact and discretion;
2. Ability to work harmoniously with people in an international environment as well as maintain confidentiality;
3. Ability to work with varied programmes is desirable;
4. Knowledge of the Chemical Weapons Convention is highly desirable.



Language Requirements

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.