Principal Functions
Under the direct
supervision of the Head of the Public Affairs Branch & OPCW Spokesperson, and
in accordance with the OPCW Core Values of Integrity, Professionalism and
Respect for Diversity/Gender Equality, the post holder is responsible for the
following duties:
1.
Contribute to the development and
implementation of the OPCW’s communications strategy with the goal of raising
the profile of the OPCW while ensuring accurate, balanced, and objective
reporting about the OPCW by crafting strategic messages and media talking
points for use by Senior Management or to be incorporated in public diplomacy
products;
2.
Further develop a crisis
communications strategy for the OPCW (develop relevant standard operating
procedures and work instructions);
3.
Participate in OPCW activities
related to the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force;
4.
Provide support to the Head of Public
Affairs in the planning, development, production and distribution of public
diplomacy materials and initiatives that promote an improved and accurate
understanding of the OPCW with key stakeholders;
5.
Help assess the effectiveness of OPCW
public diplomacy initiatives and propose improvements for recurring efforts;
6.
Help in the coordination and planning
of major outreach activities (in-person and virtual) in terms of developing and
coordinating communications plans targeted at key stakeholders with internal
and external stakeholders with the assistance of the Public Affairs Officer;
7.
Monitor and analyse current events,
public opinion and the press to identify issues and trends and contribute
advice for consideration by Senior Management on appropriate action/responses;
8.
Work with the Public Information
Officer to analyse media requests and propose responses for Head, Public
Affairs and Senior Management review and approval; Provide assistance in
organising media briefings and press conferences;
9.
Work with the Public Information
Officer and the Director of the External Relations Division (ERD) to facilitate
the process for NGO participation in major meetings of the OPCW (e.g.,
Conference of the States Parties, Review Conferences, commemorative events,
etc.); provide oversight for funds related to NGO participation in OPCW
activities;
10. Assist the Head of Public Affairs with the day-to-day management of
branch operations;
11. Provide training to improve OPCW staff awareness of the media landscape,
OPCW rules and regulations, and strategies for dealing with the media.
Staff Management/Supervision
12.
Coordinate Branch
submissions for periodic and annual reporting on Branch activities;
13.
Help with
preparation of the branch budget and serve as an alternate Certifying Officer;
14.
Supervise 1 staff
member (Public Affairs Officer).
Knowledge and Experience
Education
Essential
Advanced university
degree in international relations, political or social science, journalism,
communications, media, or other related field; A 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
communications, journalism, or international affairs related fields. At least
nine years’ experience is required with a first level university degree; At
least 13 years’ relevant professional experience is required with a diploma of
higher education.
• A minimum of seven years of practical
working experience in communications, journalism, the public affairs or press
office of an international organisation; experience providing support to a
government, international institution, or corporate spokesperson.
Desirable
• Experience with corporate social
media and other community-building communication tools.
• Experience as a government,
international institution, or corporate spokesperson and experience with
diplomatic processes.
Skills and
Abilities (key competencies)
- Good knowledge of
international security, weapons of mass destruction disarmament and non-proliferation
issues;
- Excellent communication
skills and 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;
- Excellent and 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 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 verbally;
- Solid information technology
skills including proficiency in MS Office, desktop and other media
packages; Up-to-date knowledge of Internet-based social media tools and
development trends relevant to international organisations;
- Ability to ensure an
effective work structure to maximise productivity and achieve goals;
- Demonstrated management ability
to coordinate the work of others to meet tight deadlines, and to handle
multiple concurrent activities;
- Proven ability in
establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with people
of different national and cultural backgrounds.
Language
Requirements
An excellent command of English is essential. A working
knowledge of one of the other official languages (Arabic, Chinese, French,
Russian, or Spanish) is desirable.