Technical Support Officer (P-3)

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
  P3
• 
  Total Estimated monthly remuneration depending on post adjustment and family status: USD
  88, 272
• Closing Date
  23/12/2021

Responsibilities

Job Summary

The OPCW Laboratory (part of Verification Division) provides support, as well as scientific and technical advice to the Organisation on verification-related analytical issues and ensures the continued accuracy of the verification regime by maintaining state-of-the-art methods and technologies for sampling and analysis.

The Laboratory provides support to routine inspections and non-routine in-the-field missions. It assists in training and certifying inspectors on analytical equipment and procedures; and maintains the OPCW Central Analytical Database (OCAD).

The main objective of the post is to support the implementation of a credible verification regime by ensuring that the OPCW laboratory and equipment store operates in an efficient and effective manner.

Main Responsibilities

This role will involve coordination of the procurement of inspection, laboratory and facility equipment. The successful candidate will carry out evaluation of the performance of equipment and examine the requirements for new types of equipment changes to current equipment. Together with Head of the Laboratory, you will be responsible for relations with external bodies related to the operation of the Rijswijk facility.

You will also procure and ensure maintenance of safety equipment, perform internal safety audits as well as provide guidance on budget matters to the branch secretary.

To view the complete job outline, please click here.

Qualifications and Experience

Education

You should have an advanced university degree in Science (Chemistry, Physics), Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Finance, Logistics Management or equivalent from a recognised institution. A first level university degree in combination with qualifying experience (minimum of 7 years) may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Knowledge and Experience

Make sure you have at least 5 years of technical experience (handling, shipping, procurement, operation or maintenance) in analytical instrumentation (GC/MS, LC/MS, NMR).

• Recent hands-on experience in the procurement of goods and services as the executor of the task; 


• Recent and practical experience as the key person for evaluation of technical specifications;


• Experience in the administration and management of a functional area (e.g. facility management, budgeting, inventory management, management of personnel, etc.);


• Recent and practical experience in a stock/inventory management system.

Skills and Competencies

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

• Technical knowledge of chemistry equipment and consumables with an emphasis on analytical chemistry;


• Technical knowledge regarding the acquisition of scientific equipment;


• Knowledge regarding health and safety in a chemistry laboratory is a must;


• Attention to detail and ability to follow all applicable regulations is required;


• Practical experience in inventory/stores management would be an asset;


• Practical experience in hazardous materials handling and shipping would be an asset;


• Experience in logistics and shipping would be an asset;


• The ability to rapidly compile documents according to a rigid specification is a must;


• Knowledge of the Chemical Weapons Convention and the OPCW inspection activities would be an asset;


• Strong computer literacy in office software;


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

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 mandatory age of separation at the OPCW is 65 years.

Fixed-term staff members participate in the OPCW provident fund. A monthly staff contribution is met with a doubled amount by the OPCW to ensure separating staff have the capital necessary to move on to new challenges.

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’.