About Us

The Inspectorate Division (INS) is responsible for the efficient and effective deployment of inspection teams to both military and commercial facilities around the world, as required by the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC).

The Division maintains readiness to conduct Challenge Inspections (CI) and Investigations of Alleged Use (IAU), and to deploy the Rapid Response and Assistance Mission (RRAM) to Member States, as needed, in the event of a chemical incident.

General Information

• Contract Type
  Fixed-term Professional
• Grade
  P5
• Total Estimated monthly remuneration depending on post adjustment and family status: USD
  11,908
• Closing Date
  01/03/2024

Responsibilities

Job Summary

The Vacancy Notice has been re-opened in order to expand the pool of candidates. Candidates who have already applied do not need to re-apply.

The Contingency and Chemical Demilitarisation Unit (CCD) is the unit within the Inspection Team Personnel sub-programme in the Inspectorate Division (INS) that is responsible for the Division’s technical activities related to the conduct of industry inspections under Articles IV and V of the CWC and maintenance of preparedness to conduct CI, IAU, TAV and non-routine missions.

Under the direct supervision of the Director of Inspectorate (DOI), the Head of Inspection Team Personnel (ITP) – Contingency and Chemical Demilitarisation Unit (HITP/CCD) is responsible for the INS’ technical activities related to the conduct of inspections under Articles IV and V of the CWC and maintenance of preparedness to conduct CI, IAU, TAV and non-routine missions. The HITP/CCD shall support additional projects and programmes at Headquarters (HQ), as assigned by the DOI and in accordance with the needs of the Technical Secretariat (TS).

Main Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Director of Inspectorate (DOI), the Head of Inspection Team Personnel (ITP) – Contingency and Chemical Demilitarisation Unit (HITP/CCD) is responsible for the INS’ technical activities related to the conduct of inspections under Articles IV and V of the CWC and maintenance of preparedness to conduct CI, IAU, TAV and non-routine missions. The HITP/CCD shall support additional projects and programmes at Headquarters (HQ), as assigned by the DOI and in accordance with the needs of the Technical Secretariat (TS).

• Ensure the successful coordination and implementation of INS Programme Objective 1 (Articles IV and V), and actively support the implementation of INS Programme Objective 2.
• Ensure the successful coordination and implementation of INS Programme Objective 3, maintain preparedness to conduct CI, IAU, TAV and non-routine missions (NRM), and ability to provide assistance and protection support in accordance with Articles VIII, IX and X of the CWC.
• Manage and supervise Inspection Team Leaders (ITLs) and Inspectors.
• Lead, coordinate, and coach inspectors in intra-divisional activities and projects aligned with divisional focus areas.
• Develop and maintain relevant technical capabilities, ensure continuous training of ITLs and inspectors, and keep abreast of technology advances and innovation.
• Ensure building capacities, and develop, support and foster Knowledge Management (KM) in INS that are relevant to current and future operations.
• INS ITP Training and distance learning programme.
• Under the guidance of the DOI, provide technical advice and support to other units of the TS.
• Under the supervision of the DOI, participate in HR-related processes within INS.
• Undertake any special duties and tasks as directed, via the DOI, by the DG.

To view the complete job outline please click here.

Qualifications and Experience

Education

Essential:

An advanced university degree in a STEM subject (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), in international relations, in public administration, including a solid background in the field of Chemical Weapons (CW) and/or munitions or in any other close related area from a recognised institution or in addition to proven relevant working experience (minimum 10 years). A first-level university degree in combination with relevant qualifying working experience (minimum 12 years) may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

• A minimum of 10 years relevant experience in the field of chemical weapons and/or munitions with an advanced degree, 12 years relevant experience with first-level degree.
• Experience in international work on chemical defence/disarmament issues in the field of chemistry is required.
• Demonstrable experience in negotiating in a technical/diplomatic environment.
• Experience working in a wide variety of industrial and military installations.

Desirable:

• Training in sustainable chemistry, responsible care, chemical safety and/or security, relevant related technologies and Artificial Intelligence, and/or other close related fields relevant to the CWC.
• Training in leadership, staff management, project management, quality management and assurance, business processes, results-based monitoring and evaluation system.

Knowledge and Experience

Essential:

• A proven track record of successfully leading, managing, and mentoring multi-disciplinary teams.
• Leadership experience gained in a managerial, government, scientific or technical area.
• Ability to communicate effectively to a diverse professional audience (both verbal and written).
• A proven experience in preparedness, contingency planning and resource management.

Desirable:

• International and diverse experience, especially in the context of chemical industry or military chemical facilities, or experience with disarmament issues in the field of chemistry.
• Demonstrable experience of high-level negotiation in technical, public administration, military, or diplomatic environments.
• Implementation of KM projects and awareness and contribution to KM activities. Experience with knowledge transfer and mentoring of staff.
• Experience in development of national or international policy related to the chemical industry or chemical security.
• Health and Safety: strong background, culture, and commitment.
• Experience in fields related to the CW regime under Articles IV and V of the CWC.

Skills and Competencies

To succeed in this role you will need the following skills and competencies:

• Vision and leadership
• Empowerment and trust building
• Effective communication
• Proactive and goal-oriented
• Adaptability and good situational awareness
• Judgement and decision making
• Conflict management
• Negotiation
• Computer skills

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

This fixed-term appointment is for the duration of two years with a six-month probationary period, and is subject to the OPCW Staff Regulations and Interim Staff Rules.

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 mandatory age of separation at the OPCW is 65 years.

The Director-General retains the discretion to not 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.

Applications from candidates who are eligible to be considered in accordance with the Organisation’s provisions regarding re-hiring of Inspectors will be accepted.

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.

Fixed-term staff members participate in the OPCW Provident Fund. A monthly staff contribution is met with a doubled amount by the OPCW under the provisions for social security. As the OPCW is exploring membership of the United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund (UNJSPF), staff participation in the Provident Fund may be replaced by participation in the UNJSPF effective 1 January 2025.

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’.