Project Manager (P-5) ChemTech Centre

About Us

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. 

General Information

• Contract Type
  Fixed term P Staff
• Grade
  P5
• 
  Total Salary (including post adjustment)
  USD 117, 595
• Closing Date
  09/05/2019

Responsibilities

Job Summary

The ChemTech Centre Project aims at upgrading the OPCW Laboratory and Equipment Store by constructing a new Centre for Chemistry and Technology to keep pace with current threats as well as scientific and technological developments.

As a part of the Project Management Group, which is responsible for the daily operational activities of the Project and for implementing decisions taken by the Project Board regarding the planning and implementation of the Project, the Project Management Team provides essential project support functions, such as accounting, procurement, and quality management, and is also responsible for supervising and working with contractors to ensure successful delivery of design and construction deliverables.

If you enjoy taking the lead in a complex construction project, completing it from start to finish, and you thrive on getting this done? This is for you!

You will oversee the realization of the OPCW’s new Chemistry and Technology Centre. Your main job is to facilitate the project from start to finish, ensuring its completion on time and within budget. You will have the first-line responsibility for the entire design and building process. With that you will have to work closely with contractors and consultants on the project.

To succeed in this role you will need solid experience in the delivery of construction projects. You will have the ability to adjust overall strategy to changing delivery targets, and to develop clear goals by ensuring overall project delivery. You thrive on working with multiple international stakeholders, and you are keen to build and manage teams. Being a leader, a strong and a clear communicator, as well as an excellent project manager, is a key in this role.

Main Responsibilities

The Head of the Project Management Team:

• Ensures delivery, within established and agreed timelines, budgets, scope, and quality, of designs and the constructed facility;


• Ensures timely development and implementation of the project estimates, schedule, and budget, as well as change, risk, quality management, and acceptance plans;


• Leads planning and implementation of the Team’s resource requirements, programme, budget, and activities and establishes concrete objectives, milestones, and performance indicators in line with results-based management principles;


• Leads provision of essential project support functions such as accounting, procurement and contract management;


• Monitors the progress on agreed results framework and performance indicators and take action/decision as required;


• Manages the staff of the Team as well as contractors and consultants involved in the project to ensure the quality of their work and the delivery of the project.

To see the complete job outline, please click here.

Qualifications and Experience

Education

You should have an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in engineering management, construction management, facilities management, civil or mechanical engineering, or another relevant engineering discipline. A combination of a first-level university degree in a relevant field together with experience in the management of technical infrastructure and upgrade projects for buildings and facilities, or an appropriate level of demonstrated experience and success in project management and engineering in the delivery of complex scientific and technical facilities and infrastructure, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

You will need to be a licensed or registered engineer in civil or mechanical engineering.

Knowledge and Experience

Make sure you have at least 10 years of progressively responsible experience at a senior level in managing and coordinating projects for the construction of scientific and/or technical facilities and infrastructure.

Desirable: Experience managing construction projects in an international environment and/or for an international organisation.

Skills and Competencies

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

• Demonstrated ability to successfully deliver construction projects, including the ability to adjust strategy and implementation to meet new delivery targets;


• Proven and innovative project planning, coordination and management skills, including with regard to the preparation of budgets and cost estimates and the tracking and monitoring of project expenditures. Knowledge of Prince2 is desirable;


• Thorough knowledge of relevant engineering disciplines, construction techniques and technologies, and job site management, including with regard to health and safety. Good knowledge of Dutch legislations relevant to construction will be an asset;


• Proven ability to draft concise and high-quality written documents required for implementation of construction projects, e.g., tender documents for construction contracts and the outsourcing of technical services, work and resource plans, and project progress reports;


• Demonstrated ability in planning for, procuring, and managing external contractors and consultants;


• Demonstrated ability in negotiation and contracting methods and processes used in design, engineering, and construction. Knowledge and experience with FIDIC contract templates is an asset;


• Strong knowledge of Risk Management and Results-Based Management (RBM);


• Knowledge of International Public Sector Accounting standards (IPSAS) is desirable.

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 total length of service for this appointment is limited to the finalisation of the project. The incumbent will have no expectation of renewal. 

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 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 applications submitted before the closing date and through OPCW CandidateSpace will be considered. Only applicants under serious consideration for a post will be contacted.

Applications from qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged.

OPCW General Terms and Conditions