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
  P4
• Total Estimated monthly remuneration depending on post adjustment and family status: USD
  9 530
• Closing Date
  13/04/2023

Responsibilities

Job Summary

This position is part of the OPCW Laboratory that is responsible to provide efficient and effective support, and technical as well as scientific advice, to the Organisation on the verification related activities. The OPCW Laboratory provides trainings and certifications on equipment and procedures, handles authentic samples taken during inspections, performs research, develops and implements methods for analysis and testing programs; and maintains the OPCW Central Analytical Database (OCAD).

The primary responsibility of the Senior Analytical Chemist is to support the implementation of a credible verification regime by ensuring that the OPCW Laboratory continues to develop its capabilities for analysis of chemicals relevant to the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) while operating in an efficient manner in accordance with quality assurance standards. For this particular position an analytical chemist is required to support the OPCW Laboratory with analytical chemistry and chemical knowledge for their proficiency test programs and their envisaged research programs at OPCW’s Centre for Chemistry and Technology (CCT).

Main Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Head of Laboratory, the Senior Analytical Chemist performs the following duties:

1. Take care of planning and organising Biomedical Proficiency Tests under ISO/IEC 17043 accreditation, including assistance with preparation of Technical and Secrecy Agreements, oversee sample preparation and dispatch and evaluation of the participants’ reports

2.  Maintain and update the quality system ISO 17043 related to the proficiency test activity

3. Take the lead with respect to internal and external audits for proficiency testing

4. Translate knowledge on analytical chemistry into knowledge relevant for the CWC.

5. Provide technical advice, training and support on inspection and verification related issues

6. Coordinates research projects at the new Centre for Chemistry and Technology.

7.  Collaborate with other divisions within OPCW, in particular the Inspectorate division.

To view the complete Job Description, please click the link here.

Qualifications and Experience

Education

Essential: An advanced degree in Analytical Chemistry, with a focus on mass spectrometry, from a recognized university.

Desirable: PhD degree in analytical chemistry.

Knowledge and Experience

Essential:

Analytical chemistry experience, in particular mass spectrometric analysis of  organophosphorus, organosulfur and organonitrogen-containing compounds, and preferably work experience at a Designated Laboratory for Biomedical sample analysis, as can be derived from publication records
Experience in handling of biomedical samples, such as blood and plasma
Experience with safe handling of toxic materials
Hands-on experience with GC-MS and LC-MS analysis
 

Desirable:

Experience in additional, non-mass spectrometry based analytical techniques relevant to bioanalytical chemistry.

Skills and Competencies

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

• Proven analytical chemistry skills, preferably in the field of toxic chemicals; experience working in a Designated Laboratory for biomedical samples is highly desirable.
• 
  Proven skills in analysis of biomedical samples.
• 
  Knowledge of the chemistry of Scheduled chemicals, their nomenclature, precursors and degradation products that are listed in the ‘Annex on Chemicals’ in the CWC.
• 
  Practical skills in analysis of organic chemicals (e.g., NMR and mass spectrometry-based methods).
• 
  Basic project management skills.
• 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 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’.