Senior Chemical Demilitarisation Officer (P-4)

About Us

The OPCW’s Verification Division works towards achieving chemical disarmament and preventing the re-emergence of chemical weapons through participation in the planning and oversight of inspections at both military and chemical industry facilities. The division also manages declarations while maintaining and strengthening the scientific capabilities of the Organisation, especially its laboratory component. The division also conducts Technical Assistance Visits at the request of States Parties.

The Division is responsible for the day-to-day operation of OPCW’s verification regime. It is a key element of the Secretariat, using trustworthy and science-based information to implement all aspects of the Convention including decisions from the Policy Making Organs.

General Information

• Contract Type
  Fixed-term Professional
• Grade
  P4
• 
  Total Salary (including post adjustment)
  USD 108,730
• Closing Date
  20/11/2020

Responsibilities

Job Summary

Would you like to be one of professional team members, who works toward world free of chemical weapons? Then you should apply for the vacating post of Senior Chemical Demilitarisation Officer.

OPCW is looking for a dedicated professional with a background in chemical demilitarisation and/or chemical weapons technology to join Chemical Demilitarisation Branch team.

Incumbent of this post will be responsible to plan and to manage inspections of Old and Abandoned Chemical Weapons sites (OACW sites) in relation to the Convention as well as to coordinate and to advise inspection team leaders with regard to policy requirements and specific verification approach and techniques to be used for the implementation of the inspection directives.

This post requires strong problem solving skills in order to study unresolved issues raised during the process of inspection and to seek possible solutions.

The individual will need strong analytical and conceptual skills. To be able to work under pressure and subject to urgent deadlines.

The ideal candidate can flourish within a multi-cultural environment, should show integrity, and demonstrate professional competences.

Main Responsibilities

Senior Chemical Demilitarisation Officer will have the following duties:

• To plan and to manage inspections of declared Old and Abandoned Chemical Weapons sites (OACW sites) with respect to the object and purpose of the Convention.


• To guide inspection team leaders on: relevant information, policy requirements, specific verification approach and techniques to be used for the implementation of the inspection mandate.


• To review the daily Situation Reports and the Preliminary Findings Reports.


• To advise and to support inspection team leaders for the finalisation and for the preparation of the Final Inspection Reports.


• To study verification related issues, to seek possible solutions, to develop technical assessments, guidelines or Standard Operation Procedures  (SOP) in relation to verification related issues.


• To liaise with the inspected State Parties (ISP).


• To develop and to update inspection plans of different terms for CW related facilities.


• To prepare correspondence and reports.


• To take part as inspector during inspections


• Represent OPCW at conferences and seminars

To view the complete job outline please click here:

Qualifications and Experience

Education

The educational qualifications required for this position:

Essential: 

Advanced university degree in science (preferably in chemistry or chemical engineering), a first level university degree in combination with qualifying experience (minimum 9 years) may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Equivalent or specialised training in combination with minimum 13 years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of a degree.

Knowledge and Experience

Experience: 

Essential: 

• Experience in the field of chemical demilitarisation and/or chemical weapons technology - minimum of 7 years relevant experience in combination with a Master Degree, or 9 years relevant experience with a first level degree, or 13 years with no degree


• Proven ammunition and explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) specialist experience


• Expert experience working with WW1 chemical ammunitions

Desirable: 

• Experience working at an international level would be an asset


• Working experience with Abandoned chemical weapons by Japan in China


• Experience on destruction operations of CW or OACW will be an added value

Knowledge:

Essential:

• Extensive knowledge in the area of CW destruction and CW munitions design is essential


•  Knowledge of EOD techniques as well as live agent training are essential

Desirable: 

• Knowledge on chemical defence is desirable

Skills and Competencies

Analytical and conceptual skills

• Conscientiousness and accuracy


•  Problem-solving skills, including the ability to identify and participate in the resolution of issues/problems, and quickly make sound decisions


• Ability to plan and organise, and to work under pressure and subject to urgent deadlines


• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written) including ability to prepare reports and conduct presentations, and the ability to provide clear guidance to others


• Tact, discretion and the ability to work harmoniously in a multi-cultural environment


• Expertise in the use of MS Office packages (databases, spreadsheet, and word processing

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 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

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’.