Programme Officer

Principal Functions

Under the supervision of the Head, Assistance and Protection Branch, the incumbent is responsible for the following:

• Plan, coordinate, manage and report on assigned programmes for capacity-building, including training in chemical emergency response and national/regional exercises under Article X, paragraph 5, regarding the provision of expert advice on development or improvement of national protection programmes;
• Assess and interpret the political, social and economic environment of assigned regions and provide inputs to Branch programming.
• In collaboration with State Party institutions, divisions and other partners, design programmes/projects integrating best practice and innovative policies and strategies and applying quality management standards and a results-based approach;
• Develop and maintain networks and partnerships with national institutions, regional bodies and other stakeholders in order to contribute to increasing awareness of Assistance and Protection.
• Contribute to resource mobilization activities, proposing projects requiring additional funding and identifying funding options.
• Develop proposals and provide detailed information for donors;
• Coordinate and ensure successful project implementation, establishing collaborative relationships with State Party institutions and recommending innovative approaches to project execution and capacity building;
• Monitor programme/project budgets, ensure effective employment of resources, certify and approve project disbursements to ensure delivery in line with the Branch programme;
• Develop and strengthen of strategic partnerships with Member States, as well as relevant regional/international organisations;
• Receive, collate and analyse submissions by States Parties on national protection programmes under paragraph 4 and assistance offers under paragraph 7 of Article X.
• Liaise with delegations, National Authorities and other stakeholders to promote full implementation of Article X and to encourage broad support for Secretariat efforts in this regard;
• Develop draft policies for the OPCW activities in the area of providing assistance in the event of the use or threat of use of chemical weapons (Article X of the Chemical Weapons Convention);
• Coordination of activities related to preparedness of SPs and of the Technical Secretariat to mobilize international assistance under Article X of the CWC;
• Contribute to regular reports and inputs for the sessions of the Executive Council and the Conference of States Parties;
• Represent the Branch in inter-divisional task force groups and international meetings and conferences;
• Perform other duties as required.

Knowledge and Experience

Education

Essential

• An advanced university degree in management, social sciences, science and technology, international relations, or a related discipline. A first level university degree in combination with additional qualifying experience (minimum 9 years) may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience

Essential

• A minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience directly relevant to the Chemical Weapons Convention, preferably in capacity building related to emergency response (9 years with a first level degree);
• A minimum of 5 years of in the conduct of needs assessments, planning, conduct, monitoring and evaluation of capacity building programmes;
• Knowledge of multilateral disarmament issues and experience in dealing with national and international authorities in this field;
• Experience in formal programme management approaches, stakeholder engagement, results-based monitoring and evaluation is desirable;
• Experience in analysing issues, developing courses of action and implementing them in an international context is desirable;
• Experience in the assessment of needs and coordination of assistance delivery in emergency situations is desirable;
• Previous experience in an international organisation would be an asset.

Skills and Abilities (key competencies)

• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written) including ability to prepare reports and conduct presentations;
• Demonstrated ability to be proactive in developing strategies to accomplish organisation's objectives; problem solving skills;
• Flexibility and ability to work under pressure;
• Excellent interpersonal skills - ability to establish and maintain productive partnerships with clients;
• Tact, discretion, and the ability to work harmoniously in a multi-cultural environment;
• Computer literacy (MS Office packages).

Language Requirements

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.