Information 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.

Principal Functions

Under the direct supervision of the Senior Communication and Information Officer and in accordance with the OPCW Core Values of Integrity, Professionalism and Respect for Diversity/Gender Equality, the Information Officer performs the following duties:

Support the Information Cell by:

· Acting as the focal point for information research expertise to collect all source material relating to the use of chemicals as weapons, or other situations in accordance with the Director-General’s direction and guidance, including his Prioritised Information Requirements (PIRs);

· Gathering information and developing effective research plans to facilitate better decision-making regarding the launch and implementation of a contingency operation in response to chemical incidents, specifically including where chemicals may have been used by non-state actors;

· Providing initial assessments of all information with respect to its credibility;

· Providing initial assessments for requests for information addressed to the Sit CEN (RFI) from amongst others ODG, and other divisions;

· Drafting reports in a variety of formats concerning allegations of chemical weapon use and other issues of
interest as required;

· Drafting information briefings concerning allegations of chemical weapon use and the security situation in countries where OPCW inspectors are deployed;

· Leading the Information Cell team in emergency response operations;

· Performing link analysis and determine associations and relationships on all or any information received /produced by the Sit Cen;

· Conducting geographic information system research including geo-location to assist in planning for contingency operations;

· Maintaining information repositories on all relevant information within the context of the Sit cen;

· Advising management on information gathering issues and recommending options to improve information gathering;

· Participating in current and future systems development and new tools evaluation;

· Applying knowledge and quickly developing new knowledge of emerging technologies regarding open source;

· Developing and maintaining analytical procedures to meet changing requirements;

· Managing information research subscriptions and online databases;

· Any other duties as deemed appropriate for the post.

Knowledge and Skills

Education (Qualifications):
Essential:
· An advanced or first level university degree in International Relations, Regional Studies, Journalism, Security and Defence Studies, Political Science, Information and Knowledge Management, or Information Systems with qualifying experience in areas such as investigative journalism, research, military operations centre, or disarmament. High School Diploma degree with equivalent or specialized training and experience (minimum 11 years) may be accepted in lieu of an advanced and first level university degree.
Desirable:
· Additional training and experience in gathering and analysing information for contingency operations/field missions highly desirable;

Skills and Abilities (key competencies):
· A well-developed sense of judgment, an ability to work well in teams under time-sensitive conditions where innovative and imaginative planning/problem solving skills are necessary;
· Precise organisational skills which can capture, synthesise and interpret large amounts of information in order to problem solve or inform management decision making.
· Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal;
· Flexibility and ability to work under pressure;
· Tact, discretion, and the ability to work harmoniously in a multicultural environment

Experience

Essential:
With an advanced degree, a minimum of 5 years (or a first level degree with a minimum of 7 years) of progressively responsible and recent related exp. in the area of International Relations, Regional Studies, Journalism, Security & Defence Studies, Political Science, Information and Knowledge Mgmt, Information Systems, Investigative Journalism, Research, Military Operations Centres, or Disarmament, as well as:.
· Demonstrated exp. with information gathering and verification using Social Media & Open Source information.
· Strong communication skills & presentation ability
· Strong analytical skills with close attention to detail & strong critical thinking /logic skills;
· Demonstrable strong interpersonal skills;
· Ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences from senior mgmt to operational staff;
Desirable:
· Exp. in using GIS apps.
· Knowledge of social media and social networking sites, and Open Source research best practices.
· Supervisory exp.

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 July 2018 rate of 36.5%.