About Us

The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons is the implementing body for the Chemical Weapons Convention, which entered into force on 29 April 1997. The OPCW, with its 193 Member States, oversees the global endeavor to permanently and verifiably eliminate chemical weapons.

The ultimate aim of the OPCW is 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. Under the OPCW’s oversight 96% of the chemical weapons stockpiles declared by possessor States have been verifiably destroyed.

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

Our mission for a world free of chemical weapons makes people’s lives better. Apply to be a part of our team to make the world a better place for all.

General Information

• Contract Type
  Special Service agreement (SSA) Individual Contractor
• Grade
  GS6
• Estimated monthly salary including post adjustment
• Closing Date
  01/05/2023

Responsibilities

Job Summary

The Public Affairs Branch provides support to the Director-General and the Organisation by promoting the mission, activities, achievements, and continued relevance of the Organisation. The Branch monitors and liaises with news media, distributes public information, and manages OPCW’s official website and social media. The Branch oversees targeted education and outreach activities, both on and offline, and provides the Organisation with specified audio and video materials.

The Public Affairs Branch is seeking a Consultant to provide high quality design products to support OPCW events. The selected candidate will also be working on branding and design for OPCW public website and social media channels, as well as branding and design for publications, presentations, gift items, posters, exhibits. Additionally, the Consultant will be in charge of infographics and data visualisation treatments on technical OPCW topics.

This Special Service Agreement will be issued until 31 Dec 2023, with a possibility of further extension subject to availability of funds and satisfactory performance.

An estimated monthly fee is 3,787 EUR

Main Responsibilities

• Provide graphic design, layout, and typesetting for all types of communications materials (e.g., print publications, brochures, reports, PowerPoint slide decks, exhibitions, social media graphics, video graphic elements), according to OPCW brand guidelines;
• Select compelling photography and illustration elements to enhance OPCW communications products;
• Refine and expand the OPCW’s visual brand and corporate visual design treatments;
• Further develop and refine branding guidelines and provide instruction to junior staff, as required;
• Develop infographics, illustrated explainers, and other forms of data visualisation;
• Create corporate templates and style guides;
• See projects through from concept to launch with guidance from senior staff.

Qualifications and Experience

Education

High school diploma or equivalent of higher secondary education

Knowledge and Experience

• Minimum four years professional experience working as a graphic designer
• Strong design portfolio, with an attention to detail and an eye for quality
• Excellent written English language communication skills
• Experience writing compelling copy
• Experience working with video and animation is desirable
• Experience in producing designs for international organisations, UN, or governments is desirable

Skills and Competencies

• Strong graphic design skills, including command of software in the Adobe Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop);
• Ability to distil technical information into digestible creative products;
• Excellent typography skills;
• Formal training in visual communications, graphic design, or a related field, or equivalent experience
• Experience in developing infographics and data visualisation an advantage.

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.

Additional Information

Appointment to this category of position at the OPCW will be in accordance with the relevant terms and conditions applicable to the post. This appointment will be for limited time only as stated.

Only fully completed applications submitted before the closing date and through OPCW CandidateSpace will be considered. Only applicants under serious consideration for a post will be contacted.

Applications from qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged.

OPCW General Terms and Conditions

Important notice for applicants who are currently insured under the Dutch Social Security system

Although headquartered in the Netherlands, the OPCW is not a regular Dutch employer but a public international organisation with its own special status. Please be advised that if you are currently insured under the Dutch Social Security system, you will be excluded from this system as a staff member of the OPCW. You will consequently be insured under the organisation’s system. The above also applies to your dependents unless they are employed by a regular Dutch employer, they are self-employed in the Netherlands, or are receiving Dutch social security payments.

Please refer to the website of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment for more information about the possible consequences for you and your dependents, such as exclusion from ‘AWBZ’ and ‘Zorgverzekeringswet’ coverage: ‘Werken bij een internationale organisatie’.