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
  8.228
• Closing Date
  05/08/2023

Responsibilities

Job Summary

This position is part of the Declarations Branch which focuses on assessing State Party compliance with the declarations-related provisions of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC). The Branch also manages all verification and inspection-related information, and maintains the Organisation’s Declarations Handbook. Other branch responsibilities lay in the development, maintainance and support of the majority of software used by the Verification Division, including data analytics and secure communications tools.

As an Evaluations Officer of the Declarations Branch , your main tasks include evaluating declarations, providing reports on verification activities and collaborating in projects aimed to improve the implementation of the CWC's provisions.

Main Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Head of Declaration Validation and Evaluation, the Evaluation Officer will perform the following duties:

• Evaluate declarations and other related information and ensure accuracy, and consistency with the CWC’s requirements;
• Provide inputs to reports and documents on the status of verification activities for OPCW Management and for the Policy Making Organs of the OPCW;
• 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;
• Participate in projects or collaborations with OPCW’s partnering organisations or entities associated with improved implementation of the CWC’s provision.

To view the complete job outline please click here.

Qualifications and Experience

Education

Essential:

• Advanced university degree in chemistry, or chemical engineering, or other closely-related subjects. 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

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

• Good planning and organisational skills.
• Strong client focus;
• Strong analytical and conceptual skills, and attention to detail;
• Knowledge of Windows-based databases and spreadsheet programmes;
• Personal qualities should include tact, accuracy, discretion, and the ability to work harmoniously in a multi-cultural environment and to create a positive and productive team environment;
• Appreciation of the need to observe confidentiality in a highly-sensitive work area;
• Flexibility and the ability to work independently using initiative to resolve problems;
• Good interpersonal and proven communication (oral and written) skills, including ability to summarise and present complex information clearly and logically both in writing and verbally;
• Commitment to continuous learning is essential.

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 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’.