Technical Laboratory Assistant (GS-5)

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 General Service
• Grade
  GS5
• 
  Net Salary
  42, 375
• Closing Date
  06/05/2021

Responsibilities

Job Summary

The OPCW Laboratory provides scientific and technical support to both the Verification and Inspectorate Divisions. It has primary responsibility to ensure that the Secretariat has the capability to perform sampling and analysis in support of inspections, investigations of alleged use and training missions. This includes the preparation and dispatch of analytical instruments used in on-site analysis missions. In addition, it manages the OPCW environmental and biomedical proficiency testing programmes, which are used to certify external laboratories in order to maintain a competent capacity for analysis of samples.

The objectives of the post are to perform technical and administrative activities related to the operation of the laboratory such as:

• Control of laboratory equipment;


• Maintenance of Laboratory Information Management System;


• Control and management of chemical spectrometric database.

Main Responsibilities

We are looking for a talented and highly-technical Laboratory Assistant to join our growing team. You will work with our senior analytical chemists to update inventory of equipment, process samples, perform tests, analyse and record results in the Laboratory Information Systems. The successful candidate will have in-depth knowledge of laboratory procedures and understand the importance of maintaining a clean workspace by following all laboratory regulations for health and safety. Furthermore, this role will involve assistance to the Head of Laboratory and other senior staff with administrative duties during trainings, meeting, demonstrations, exercises and tours.

In addition to having strong attention to detail, you must be responsible and demonstrate excellent communication skills. If you thrive in fast-paced working environments that require exceptional analytical skills, then you could be our ideal candidate. 

To view the complete job outline please click here.

Qualifications and Experience

Education

You should have a High School Diploma or equivalent Diploma of higher secondary education.

Highly Desirable: Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and related experience in Information Technology

Knowledge and Experience

Make sure you have at least four years of progressively responsible and relevant experience in:

• Practical experience in operating analytical instruments such as GC-MS, LC-MS, FTIR or NMR;


• Practical experience in routine instrument maintenance for analytical instrumentation;


• Practical knowledge in storage and inventory of chemicals including knowledge of safety rules for handling of hazardous chemicals and application of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals;


• Practical experience in an accredited system for routine maintenance and certification of analytical equipment;


• General chemical laboratory tasks;


• Laboratory Information Management Systems;


• Creation and maintenance of mass spectral databases and libraries.

Skills and Competencies

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

• Excellent inter-personal and communication skills;


• Excellent administrative skills, with the ability to meticulously document laboratory monitoring and control information;


• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with people of different backgrounds;


• Demonstrated ability to work safely and efficiently in a laboratory environment;


• High level of computer literacy including knowledge and experience of Windows-based word processing, spreadsheet programmes, laboratory inventory or LIMS systems and chemoinformatics;


• Personal qualities should include tact, accuracy and discretion.

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

Staff members in the General Services category are normally recruited and paid on a local basis.

This 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 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.

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’.