Head, Chemical Demilitarisation Branch

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 P5

Total Estimated monthly remuneration depending on post adjustment and family status: USD 15,050

Closing Date: 12/11/2023

Responsibilities

Job Summary: Would you like to be a leader, who works toward a world free of chemical weapons? Then you should apply for the vacating post of Head, Chemical Demilitarisation Branch. OPCW is looking for a seasoned professional with a background in chemical demilitarisation and/or chemical weapons technology to join the Chemical Demilitarisation Branch team. This role will allow you to develop, oversee and guide the section's staff to ensure that the CW verification activities are done in accordance with the short- and long-term objectives of the Chemical Demilitarisation Branch. You will also be responsible to manage, develop and implement a consistent verification regime and strategy at chemical weapons facilities. As the Head, Chemical Demilitarisation Branch you will be responsible to provide to the management, technical support on CW's related topics, coordinate and update the inspection plans for CW related facilities, participate in the technical assessment of inspection activities. 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 competence.

Main Responsibilities

• Delegate individual tasking and organise the different responsibilities within the Branch.
• Allocate adequate human and financial resources to carry out planned objectives within the Branch.
• Review and update the inspection plans for CW related facilities.
• Coordinate the execution of inspections with the Inspectorate Division.
• Report to the Director-General, Policy Making Organs and the Director VER on the results of verification activities related to CWs.
• Manage activities within the Verification Division.

Qualifications and Experience

Education

An advanced university degree in science (preferably in chemistry or chemical engineering) from an accredited college or university. A first level university degree in combination with qualifying experience (minimum ten years) may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Equivalent or specialised training in combination with at least 20 years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of a university degree.

Knowledge and Experience

Essential: Experience in the field of chemical demilitarisation or CBRN-related experience including on chemical weapons - minimum of 10 years relevant experience in combination with a Master Degree, 12 years relevant experience with a first level degree, or 20 years without a degree.

Desirable: Experience working at an international level; Knowledge of EOD techniques as well as live agent training; Extensive knowledge in the area of CW destruction and CW munitions design.

Skills and Competencies

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

• Analytical and conceptual skills;
• Problem-solving skills, including the ability to identify and participate in the resolution of issues/problems;
• 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, strong negotiating skills and ability to bring others to reach agreement on difficult issues;
• Tact, discretion and the ability to work harmoniously in a multi-cultural environment;
• Leadership and management: Strong managerial/leadership skills; demonstrated flexibility in leadership by performing and/or overseeing the analysis of complex human resources, financial and administrative management policy and programme issues; proven record of building and managing teams and creating an enabling environment, including the ability to effectively lead, supervise, mentor, develop and evaluate staff and design training/skills enhancement initiatives to ensure effective transfer of knowledge/skills; good judgement and decision making skills.

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 ordinarily exceed 7 years.

Applications from candidates who are eligible to be considered in accordance with the Organisation's provisions regarding re-hiring of Inspectors will be accepted. 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 fully completed 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'.