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
Responsibilities
Job Summary
Are you willing to support the effective operation of the Inspectorate Division and support the global ban on Chemical Weapons?
In this role, as Head of the Demilitarisation Inspections Cell, you will ensure that Inspection Teams are adequate to the conduct of Chemical Weapons (Article IV) and Chemical Weapons Production Facilities (Article V) inspections.
To view the complete Job Outline, click here.
Main Responsibilities
In your role you will be responsible for:
- Implementing the Annual Demilitarisation Inspection/Verification Plan; ensuring that Inspection Teams are adequate to effectively conduct Article IV and V inspections;
- Providing leadership and management of inspectors within the Cell; working with relevant units across the Technical Secretariat (TS) to ensure the retention of critical knowledge related to the conduct of Art. IV and V inspections.
- Implementing a robust process for capturing lessons learned from all missions and ensuring lessons identified are addressed.
- Identifying best practices on CW inspections and on relevant processes and technologies with a view to improving Article IV and V inspector’s training
- Working with the Head of CBCP Cell on INS efforts to support and enhance the International Co-operation and Assistance (ICA) Division’s ability to develop and implement Capacity Building activities with States Parties;
- Guide and develop cell projects for the purpose of skill sets development/improvement, knowledge sharing and inspection quality control
- Leading the planning, preparation and implementation of the annual Article IV and V inspection budget;
- Preparing the costing sheet for Demilitarisation Inspection Cell sub-programme.
Qualifications and Experience
Education
You should have an advanced university degree in science or engineering from a recognised institution with background in the field of Chemical Weapons and/or munitions. A First level University degree in combination with relevant qualifying experience (minimum 12 years) may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree. High School Diploma degree with equivalent or specialized training and experience (minimum 16 years) may be accepted in lieu of an advanced and first level university degree.
Knowledge and Experience
Make sure you have:
- A minimum of 10 years relevant experience in the field of chemical weapons and/or munitions with an advanced degree, 12 years relevant experience with first level degree or 16 years relevant experience with high school diploma with equivalent or specialized training.
- Experience in international work on chemical defence/disarmament issues.
- Demonstrable experience in negotiating in a technical/diplomatic environment.
- Experience of a wide range of working environments (e.g. military sites, remote areas, hazardous areas, industrial installations).
- Knowledge and experience with military installation inspections/auditing, explosive safety, explosive ordnance and/or CW disposal, conventional and/or chemical munitions design and safety and NDE are considered advantages.
Skills and Competencies
To succeed in this role you must have strong leadership skills, with an ability to provide leadership and direction to a large team with a broad range of technical specialities and disciplines.
- An ability to ensure business results are achieved through, and with people
- Demonstrable strategic thinking and an ability to unite a diverse team behind common organizational goals and objectives.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and thoroughly while continually recognizing and adapting to changing conditions is critical
- The ability to stay focused on results and take quick decisions despite rapidly changing environmental conditions
- Innovative and creative problem solving skills
- The ability to influence, and stimulates others to action by effective delegation of work and responsibilities
- Able to work harmoniously in a multi-cultural environment, have excellent negotiating skills, conflict management skills, and an ability to enhance the effectiveness of a team.
- Able to deal with complex issues and interpret procedures and guidelines in order to adapt them to cover complex situations
- Able to deliver training courses for capacity building both internally and externally
- Able to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing reports
- Able to work in diverse environments and travel frequently
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 a duration of two years with a six-month probationary period, and is subject to the relevant OPCW Staff Regulations, Interim Staff Rules and other internal legislation as applicable, and is in accordance with the decision C-22/DEC.14 of the Conference of States Parties. This vacancy notice is also open to former OPCW staff who have served as an inspector in the Technical Secretariat and have had a break in service in accordance with the above mentioned decision of the Conference of States Parties.
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
