Associate Project Coordination Officer (P-2) – Short-Term Appointment

The OPCW’s mission is to implement the provisions of the Chemical Weapons Convention 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.

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

• Contract Type
  Short term Appointment (STA)
• Grade
  P2
• Estimated monthly salary including post adjustment
  
• Closing Date
  25/12/2025

Job Summary

The Inspectorate Division (INS) implements all the Technical Secretariat’s on-site verification activities, ensuring 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). INS maintains preparedness to respond to and investigate allegations of use of toxic chemicals as weapons and readiness to conduct Challenge Inspections (CI) and Investigations of Alleged Use (IAU) upon request from Member States in the event of a chemical incident.

The Operations and Technical Support Branch (OTSB) provides key support to all INS operations and technology initiatives. It involves in mission planning and coordinating, and provides administrative, technical and logistical support in accordance with the quality assurance regime while ensuring timely and efficient procurement and maintenance of inspection equipment. OTSB establishes and sustains communication with inspection teams and Member States during the conduct of inspections. OTSB’s Situation Centre provides 24-hour support, develops and maintains a comprehensive operating flow to ensure secure and reliable communications and provide information analysis to facilitate crisis management operations. 

The Technology Hub & Logistics deals with a myriad of tasks: our primary one is to provide the OPCW Inspection Teams and other staff of the Technical Secretariat (TS) with the equipment and material support required for their operations and to ensure the compliance of the inspection equipment with relevant provisions of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC).

The Project for Development of Test and Validation Capabilities for Technology (The Project) at the Technology and Training Hub (TTH) of the Centre for Chemistry and Technology (CCT), has matured into a core capability supporting the Organisation’s ability to monitor, test, and validate technologies relevant to the Convention. Building on the achievements of the initial phase, the Technology and Training Hub now serves as a structured and formalised platform contributing not only to the Inspectorate Division but also to the wider Technical Secretariat and, where appropriate, to the States Parties.

The Associate Project Coordination Officer (P2) will support the consolidation and expansion of these capabilities, ensuring effective coordination, financial and operational oversight, and the integration of technology validation outcomes into broader institutional processes.

The duration of this Short-Term Appointment will be for one year minus one day.

Main Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Head of Technology Hub and Logistics, the incumbent will be performing the following duties:

Programme Coordination and Institutional Integration

• Support coordination activities of the project, ensuring coherence with Inspectorate priorities and alignment with broader Technical Secretariat initiatives;
• Supports the Head of Technology Hub and Logistics with the institutionalisation of TTH functions by contributing to validation, monitoring, and technology-assessment outputs into relevant operational and capacity-building frameworks across the Organisation;
• Support with maintaining coordination mechanisms and information exchange with other divisions to ensure the TTH’s expertise is leveraged Organisation-wide;
• Contribute to developing documentation, procedures, and templates for standardising test and validation workflows.

Budget, Procurement, and Reporting

• Coordinate and monitor budget execution for The Project-related activities, ensuring accuracy and compliance with financial and procurement policies;
• Support resource planning and financial reporting, preparing narrative and financial updates for management and donors.

Technology Monitoring and Analytical Support

• Conduct targeted research and analysis on emerging technologies relevant to the work of the Technology Hub, makes recommendations on their applicability;
• Contribute to the preparation of analytical briefs, periodic technology monitoring reports, and validation summaries;
• Support the development and maintenance of databases and repositories that track tested and validated technologies.

Stakeholder Coordination and Communication

• Facilitate coordination between TTH, OTSB, and other branches/divisions on technology-related initiatives;
• Maintain liaison with external experts, institutions, and States Parties participating in testing, validation, or knowledge-sharing activities;
• Prepare and disseminate reports, updates, and communication materials highlighting progress, outcomes, and lessons learned.

Capacity Building and Support

• Provide coordination and administrative support to training, workshops, and capacity-building initiatives led by the TTH;
• Ensure logistical, contractual, and reporting aspects of training and technology validation events are effectively managed;
• Maintain training records, evaluation results, and documentation to inform future development.
  
  

Education

Essential

• Advanced university degree in Political Science, International Relations, Business Administration, Economics, Law or Public Administration;
• A first level university degree in combination with qualifying experience (minimum 4 years) may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Knowledge and Experience

Essential

• 2 years of experience in projects involving testing and validation of technologies at the national or international level.

Desirable 

• Experience in technology monitoring and analysis including assessing integration potentials is highly desirable;
• Experience in project coordination, including organising meetings, managing logistics, handling procurement, and supporting communication with stakeholders is desirable;
• Experience working in a UN related organisation.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong organisational, multitasking, and time-management skills;
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal;
• Proficiency in administrative tasks, including procurement, financial tracking, and document management;
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment and adapt to evolving project needs;
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and project management tools.

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.

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.

According to article 8 paragraph 44 of the Chemical Weapons Convention the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible.

OPCW is committed to maintaining a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. OPCW recruits and employs staff regardless of disability status, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, language, race, marital status, religious, ethnic, cultural and socio-economic backgrounds, or any other personal characteristics.

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’.