Director, Verification (D-2)

Position Remarks

This fixed-term appointment is for duration of three years with a six-month probationary period, and is subject to the OPCW Staff Regulations and Interim Staff Rules, as applicable. 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 Director-General retains the discretion not to 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.

Principal Functions

Under the direct supervision of the Deputy Director-General and in accordance with the OPCW Core Values of Integrity, Professionalism and Respect for Diversity/Gender Equality, the Director of Verification performs the following duties:

Directs the work of the Verification Division by establishing the policy and the appropriate framework and providing the guidance necessary to ensure that the following activities are appropriately carried out:
· proper receipt, handling and security of declarations and other verification related information from States Parties;
· analysis and assessment of declarations for completeness and consistency and, where appropriate, clarifications from States Parties sought;
· the planning and conduct of inspections to verify the accuracy of declarations;
· assessment of the results of inspections and the evaluation of the risk posed by the inspected facilities to the object and purpose of the Convention;
· determination of the frequency of re-inspection of sites and facilities based on the assessment of their risk to the Convention;
· review declarations and the results of inspections and the assessment of the overall effectiveness of the verification regime.

Manages the staff of the Verification Division to ensure:
· the division is correctly staffed to ensure that it is able to complete the planned Programme of Work
· that they receive the appropriate direction and guidance;
· work together as a cohesive team,
· receive the instruction and training necessary to carry out their assigned tasks; and
· develop their skills and experience.

Manages the Programme of Work and Budget for the Verification Division within a framework of Results-Based Management and Results-Based Budgeting to ensure proper delivery of activities.

Provides strategic planning, policy advice and support to Management (the Deputy Director-General, and Division Directors), the Executive Council, and staff at large regarding the verification regime, proposing modifications or improvements to the Director-General as appropriate. As member of the Management Board participates in the discussion and formulation of recommendations to the Director-General on policy and operational issues impacting on the administration of the Organisation. Liaises with Office of Internal Oversight and with External Auditors regarding all matters relating to Verification.

Represents the Division at meetings of the Executive Council, informal consultations with delegations, the Management Board, Management Committees and other internal committees.

Participates in official visits to Member States, meeting with Government Officials and representatives of the national chemical industries.

Represents the Secretariat at international seminars, conferences and meetings on verification issues.

Knowledge and Skills

Education (Qualifications):
Essential: Advanced university degree in relevant scientific discipline (e.g. chemistry, chemical engineering, or alternatively, international law combined with scientific/technical training) and extensive managerial background preferably in a multicultural environment.

Skills and Abilities (key competencies):

· Extensive knowledge of the Chemical Weapons Convention and a detailed knowledge of the OPCW;
· Well-developed diplomatic and policy skills, good judgement, and ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing;
· Proven record of building and managing teams and creating an enabling work environment, including ability to effectively supervise, mentor, train, develop and evaluate staff;
· Excellent and proven planning, organisational, coordination, negotiation and problem-solving skills;
· Strong analytical and conceptual skills in analysing and interpreting operational issues, formulating options, and proposing and implementing solutions;
· Demonstrated leadership and management skills, including ability to think strategically and achieve results;
· Excellent inter-personal and communication skills with demonstrated ability to apply tact and accuracy and to present information clearly and logically both in writing and verbally;
· Ability to coordinate the work of others, work to tight deadlines and handle multiple concurrent activities;
· Ability to ensure an effective work structure to maximise productivity and achieve division and branch level goals;
· Proven ability in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with people of different national and cultural backgrounds
· Solid information technology skills including proficiency in Microsoft Office packages;
· Knowledge of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) and Results-Based Management (RBM) is highly desirable.

Experience

Essential: Over 15 years of experience either in the field of chemical demilitarisation or the chemical industry, of which at least 10 years must be at the international level.

Desirable: Managerial experience preferably in a multicultural environment

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.

Salary Remarks

Total annual salary consists of a net annual salary (net of taxes and before medical insurance and provident fund deductions) in US$ and a post adjustment. The post adjustment (cost of living allowance) is variable and subject to change without notice in accordance with the rates as set within the UN Common System for salaries and allowances. The figure quoted on the right, is based on the August 2018 rate of 37.9%.