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 verifably 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.
This position is part of the Assistance and Protection Branch (APB) within the International Cooperation and Assistance Division. The objective of the Assistance and Protection Branch is to assist the States Parties in their endeavours to implement the provisions of Article X.
The main objective of the Project Assistant (GS-4) is to provide administrative assistance in the organisation of workshops and seminars, and provide other administrative and secretarial support.
Under the supervision of the Head, Assistance and Protection Branch, the incumbent provides administrative support for projects on the implementation of Article X for State Parties in various regions. Towards this, the follow functions will be undertaken:
1. Prepare documentation for administrative support for the preparation and conduct of courses, workshops and other events, such as:
2. Provide information and logistics regarding arrangements for courses:
3. Support tracking of budgets for APB events:
4. Prepare and maintain relevant internal and external correspondence.
5. Provide other office support tasks, such as:
6. Perform other duties as required.
Essential:
High school diploma or equivalent diploma of higher secondary education.
Essential:
Desirable:
Previous work experience within an international organisation would be an asset.
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.
Staff members in the General Services category are normally recruited and paid on a local basis.
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 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.
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.
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’.