Head, Strategic Communications; P

The OPCW’s mission is to implement the provisions of the Chemical Weapons Convention to achieve our vision of a world free of chemical weapons in which chemistry is used for peace, progress, and prosperity, and to contribute to international security and stability, general and complete disarmament, and global economic development.

The OPCW was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2013 for its extensive efforts to eliminate chemical weapons.

• Contract Type
  Fixed-term Professional
• Grade
  P5
• Total Estimated monthly remuneration depending on post adjustment and family status: USD
  12,451
• Closing Date
  20/11/2026

The Public Affairs Branch (PAB) is part of the External Relations Division (ERD). ERD leads on external relations policy; promotes universal adherence to the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) and liaises with governments, international organisations, the media, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in promoting the mission, activities and achievements of the Organisation. PAB provides support regarding engagement with States Parties, the public, and other identified stakeholders, such as scientists, civil society, academia, and industry.

The results-focused mission of the PAB is to present the face, amplify the voice, extend the reach and raise the profile of the OPCW with the aim of conveying the important work of the Organisation and the global endeavour for a world permanently free of chemical weapons.

The Head, Strategic Communications reports to the Director, External Relations, under the overall strategic direction of senior leadership, and provides leadership in advancing OPCW’s communications, public diplomacy and stakeholder engagement. The position leads the PAB and serves as the OPCW Spokesperson. In addition, the position provides advice to senior leadership on strategic internal and external communications, change-management messaging, media engagement and public outreach.

The incumbent is responsible for developing, implementing and monitoring the impact of the OPCW’s communications strategy.

Responsibilities

1) Strategic Communications

• Lead the development and implementation of the OPCW’s communication strategy and campaigns aimed at strengthening the Organisation’s visibility and raising public understanding of the CWC and OPCW activities;
• Coordinate external communications across the Secretariat, ensuring coherent, evidence-based messaging that reflects organisational priorities and expert advice;
• Serve as OPCW Spokesperson and primary point of contact for media and related stakeholders, leading media engagement, press briefings and official communications on behalf of the Director-General and the Organisation;
• Advise senior leadership on external communications, including reputation management, crisis communications, information integrity and resilience against disinformation and misinformation;
• Advise senior leadership on internal communications and change-management messaging to support major organisational initiatives and periods of organisational change;
• Monitor and assess media and other communication trends related to the OPCW, identifying emerging risks and opportunities and recommending strategic approaches to strengthen the OPCW's visibility and increase public engagement;
• Proactively maintain and expand OPCW’s network of media contacts, press, governmental agencies, international institutions, research institutes, non-governmental organisations, and other target groups;
• Provide strategic advice and media coaching to the Director-General (DG) and the Deputy Director-General (DDG) on media engagement.

2) Leadership and Management of the Public Affairs Branch

• Lead PAB and direct its human and financial resources, ensuring effective…