Location: The Hague, Netherlands
The Public Affairs Branch (PAB) is part of the External Relations Division (ERD) of the OPCW, which leads on external relations policy, promotes universal adherence to the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) and liaises with governments, international organisations, the media and NGOs. The Head, Strategic Communications reports to the Director, External Relations, leads the PAB and serves as the OPCW Spokesperson. The incumbent advises senior leadership on strategic internal and external communications, change-management messaging, media engagement and public outreach, and is responsible for developing, implementing and monitoring the impact of the OPCW's communications strategy.
Key responsibilities:
- Strategic Communications: lead the development and implementation of the communication strategy and campaigns; coordinate external communications across the Secretariat; serve as Spokesperson and primary media contact; advise on reputation management, crisis communications and resilience against disinformation; advise on internal communications and change management; monitor media trends; maintain and expand networks of media contacts; provide media coaching to the Director-General and Deputy Director-General.
- Leadership of the Public Affairs Branch: direct its human and financial resources; lead communication, public diplomacy and outreach initiatives; oversee website and social media content including the official digital channels of the DG and DDG; lead review of media and public affairs policies.
- Stakeholder Engagement: coordinate engagement of NGOs, youth groups, think tanks and associations; plan public events and outreach; serve as principal media liaison with the UN and other international organisations.
Qualifications: advanced university degree in International Relations, Public Relations, Journalism, Communications or a related field (or a first-level degree with 12 years of qualifying experience); at least 10 years of progressive experience in strategic communications, media relations and digital communication tools; demonstrated experience leading a team and managing sensitive communication issues and reputation. Desirable: experience as a spokesperson in an international organisation. Fluency in English is essential; a good working knowledge of another official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish) is desirable.
Fixed-term Professional post, grade P5, two-year appointment with a six-month probation. Estimated monthly remuneration USD 12,451.
Closing Date 20/11/2026
HOW TO APPLY:
Only fully completed applications submitted before the closing date and through OPCW CandidateSpace will be considered. Vacancies close at 22:00 The Netherlands local time on the closing day.
https://jobs.opcw.org/job/job-head-strategic-communications-p-5-_588.aspx