EU Liaison Officer (P-3)

Position Remarks

This fixed-term appointment is for duration of two years with a six-month probationary period, and is subject to the OPCW Staff Regulations and Interim Staff Rules, as applicable. The OPCW is a non-career organisation with limited staff tenure. The total length of service for Professional staff shall not exceed 7 years. The Director-General retains the discretion not to make any appointment to this vacancy, to make an appointment at a lower grade, or to make an appointment with a modified job description. Several vacancies may be filled. Filling of this post is subject to the availability of funds.

Principal Functions

Under the direct supervision of the Chief of Cabinet and in accordance with the OPCW Core Values of Integrity, Professionalism and Respect for Diversity/Gender Equality the EU Liaison Officer will have the following responsibilities;

· To assist the Chief of Cabinet in developing and maintaining the cooperation between the European Union (EU) and the OPCW
· To act as an organisation-wide focal point for relations with the EU
· Manage and maintain oversight of EU voluntary contributions and provide holistic, cross-cutting advice to Programme Managers, programme staff and senior management on EU voluntary contribution issues, including funding options;
· To advise Programme Managers and Chief of Cabinet on communication related to the EU
· Advise and assist Programme Managers in the formulation of EU project proposals, including budgets;
· Conduct funding negotiations with the EU and prepare (standard) agreements with the donor, working closely with LAO and FIN;
· Working closely with FIN, monitor the receipt of EU voluntary contributions to ensure consistency with the donor agreements;
· Assure the timely and sufficient release of budgetary allotments related to EU voluntary contributions;
· Monitor the status of implementation of the projects and issue voluntary contribution (Trust Fund) financial status reports to Programme Managers and senior management for the purposes of management decision-making;
· To ensure OPCW compliance with the EU donor expectations
· Report on time any deviations from the
implementation plan to relevant Programme Managers and donor;
· Maintain the archive for project and budget related documents covering EU voluntary contributions including for audit purposes;
· Coordinating with relevant Programme Managers and staff, prepare project interim and final reports for dissemination to the donor, the Director-General and senior management, in accordance with reporting deadlines;
· Perform any other duties, as requested by the Chief of Cabinet, relating to the EU.

Knowledge and Skills

Education (Qualifications):
Essential:
· An advanced degree in Business Administration, International Relations, Public Administration, or equivalent. A first level university degree in Business Administration, International Relations, Public Administration, or equivalent in combination with qualifying experience (minimum 7 years) may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.
· Knowledge of EU project management and funding processes would be an asset
Desirable:
· Knowledge of financial management would be an asset.

Skills and Abilities (key competencies):
· Knowledge of international organizations, their practices (in particular the European Union)
· Proven knowledge of the project management (notably EU guidelines), results-based management and logical framework methodologies.
· Proven excellent communication skills (both verbal and written) and the ability to draft and edit presentational documents and reports (including financial reports)
· Proven analytical skills with regard to analysing developments and trends and the ability to conceive and apply original ideas.
· Flexibility, tact and discretion
· Knowledge of and familiarity with international treaties, specifically of the Chemical Weapons Convention, is desirable
· Ability to work harmoniously with people in an international environment as well as maintain confidentiality
· Good computer skills (proficiency with MS Office Excel in particular).

Experience

Essential:
· At least 5 years’ experience relating to project management, including the preparation of project budgets and the drafting/editing of project reports. 7years relevant experience including the above with first level degree.
Desirable: Experience working in a multilateral environment and cooperating with the EU is desirable.

Languages

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.

Salary Remarks

Total annual salary consists of a net annual salary (net of taxes and before medical insurance and provident fund deductions) in US$ and a post adjustment. The post adjustment (cost of living allowance) is variable and subject to change without notice in accordance with the rates as set within the UN Common System for salaries and allowances. The figure quoted on the right, is based on the March 2018 rate of 43.7%.