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
8 181 - Closing Date
27/03/2024Responsibilities
Job Summary
Looking for a global endeavour to work for a world free of chemical weapons? Do you want to be part of our noble mission where chemistry is used for peace and progress? We are looking for a seasoned pro with hands-on experience in the chemical industry. Join our Declarations Branch team!
You as the Evaluation Officer, under the direct supervision of the Head, Declaration Validation and Evaluation, will be responsible for evaluating declarations provided by the State Parties and ensuring accuracy and consistency with the CWC rules.Main Responsibilities
3.1 Evaluate the content of verification-related information provided by States Parties under Articles III, IV, V and VI and execute the follow-up with State Parties, if needed.
· Evaluate declarations and other Article III, IV, V and VI related information and ensure accuracy, and consistency with the CWC’s requirements.
· Identify the issues to be clarified with State Parties and follow-up.
· Resolve ambiguities/inconsistencies arising from declaration-related submissions with respective States Parties.
· Report all inconsistencies in declarations/reports/plans submitted by States Parties.
· Follow-up with States Parties on delayed/absent submissions.
· Participate in meetings with States Parties and draft appropriate correspondence to clarify ambiguities.
· Undertake duty travel when required.
3.2 Provide accurate, complete and timely inputs to DEB reports on declarations to the Director General and Policy Making Organs of the OPCW (the Executive Council and the Conference of the States Parties).
· Develop databases containing up-to-date Article III, IV, V and VI declaration-related data.
· Provide inputs to reports and documents on the status of verification activities for OPCW Management and for the Policy Making Organs of the OPCW.
· Maintain all relevant information for Challenge Inspections to be available within the given timelines.
3.3 Develop the Section’s business processes and procedures and ensure that they are reflected in the relevant Quality Management System Documents (QDOCs).
· Perform work in compliance with the existing SOPs, WIs, QDOCs and Manual.
· Make proposals regarding improvement of current business processes and procedures and assist in the development of new QDOCs and/or Manuals.
3.4 Contribute to the work of other Verification Division units.
· Provide assistance during technical briefings to the inspection teams on the declared facility to be inspected.
· Assist in the preparation of reports on declaration-related issues.
· Liaise with other units of the OPCW in the preparation and delivery of training.
· Participate in projects or collaborations with OPCW’s partnering organisations or entities associated with improved implementation of the CWC’s provisions, such as the World Customs Organisation (WCO).
3.5 Develop DEB outreach materials.
· Recommend support materials for State Parties.
· Ensure existing materials are kept up-to-date in line with Executive Council (EC) decisions and OPCW policy decisions, etc.
· Participate in the revision of DEB declaration tools such as the Declaration Handbook, Handbook on Chemicals, and other tools.
· Make appropriate presentations and report back on the proceedings of events such as States Parties’ meetings, conferences, trainings, etc.
· Keep abreast of the latest developments in the field of chemical demilitarisation, chemical industry processes related to scheduled chemicals and assess possible impact to the verification regime.Qualifications and Experience
Education
Make sure you have an advanced university degree in chemistry, or chemical engineering, or other closely-related subject. A first level university degree in combination with qualifying experience (minimum seven years) may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.
Knowledge and Experience
Make sure you have:
Essential:
At least five years of experience in chemical industry or in a governmental agency (such as a CWC National Authority, customs, or other relevant agencies covering chemistry related activities) or in an international organisation dealing with verification of States Parties reports.
Desirable:
Familiarity with the declaration regime of the CWC or other similar international treaties. Information handling and analysis in a governmental organisation or in the chemical industry. Knowledge of statistical methods and electronic data analysis tools. CWC-related experience and/or a background in data analytics would be an asset.
Skills and Competencies
To succeed in this role, you have to have the following skills and competencies:
- Good planning and organisational 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 exceed 7 years.
The mandatory age of separation at the OPCW is 65 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 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.
Fixed-term staff members participate in the OPCW Provident Fund. A monthly staff contribution is met with a doubled amount by the OPCW under the provisions for social security. As the OPCW is exploring membership of the United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund (UNJSPF), staff participation in the Provident Fund may be replaced by participation in the UNJSPF effective 1 January 2025.
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’.