About Us
The Inspectorate Division (INS) is responsible for the efficient and effective deployment of inspection teams to both military and commercial facilities around the world, as required by the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC).
The Division maintains readiness to conduct Challenge Inspections (CI) and Investigations of Alleged Use (IAU), and to deploy the Rapid Response and Assistance Mission (RRAM) to Member States, as needed, in the event of a chemical incident.
General Information
Contract TypeFixed-term ProfessionalGrade
P5Total Estimated monthly remuneration depending on post adjustment and family status: USD
12,530Closing Date
19/09/2025
Responsibilities
Job Summary
The Mission of the Inspectorate Division (INS) is to implement Articles IV, V and VI of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), by efficient and effective deployment of Inspection Teams (IT) to Member States. The Division maintains readiness to conduct Challenge Inspections (CI) and Investigation of Alleged Use (IAU) and provides assistance to protect against the use of Chemical Weapons (CW), in accordance with Articles IX and X, as well as participation in Non-Routine Missions (NRMs), in accordance with decisions of the OPCW Policy Making Organs or the OPCW Director General (DG) instruction.
This post is located in the Inspection Team Personnel (ITP) and works under the direct supervision of the Director, Inspectorate Division (DOI).
Main Responsibilities
The Incumbent of the post will be responsible for the following:
1. Ensure the successful coordination and implementation of INS Programme Objective 1 (Articles IV and V), and actively support the implementation of INS Programme Objective 2:
Monitor and evaluate efforts to track progress of INS programme implementation and keep management updated through reports;Provide support, advice and implement actions for improvement of inspectionโs procedures and practices;Provide inputs to key INS and TS documents;Lead, when required, inspections under Articles VI of the CWC.2. Coordinate the implementation of INS Programme Objective 3, maintain preparedness to conduct CI, IAU, TAV and non-routine missions (NRM), and ability to provide assistance and protection support in accordance with Articles VIII, IX and X of the CWC:
Maintain the INS operational and technical capacity of conducting an IAU in accordance with Articles IX and X of the CWC, as well as other contingency operations, as set by operational requirements and the training policy and programmes;Ensure that required certifications of inspectors are valid and in accordance with Quality System Documents;Facilitate INS assistance in response to requests necessitating ITP expertise to support other TS areas, as applicable;Support the technical preparation and overall planning and deployment of NRMs;Represent the Division in the HQโs Mission Support Group (MSG) for NRMs.3. Manage and supervise Inspection Team Leaders (ITLs) and Inspectors:
Mentor, coach, and support development of technical and soft skills of staff, including the technical aspects of missions, projects, and training;Accountable for the duty of care of staff and keep track of progress and development;Conduct performance management and appraisal of the ITLs and inspectors.4. Lead, coordinate, and coach inspectors in intra-divisional activities and projects aligned with divisional focus areas:
Ensure that projects and activities are clearly defined and executed on-time;Ensure a balanced distribution of activities to all ITLs and inspectors, additionally to the work related to routine and non-routine deployments.5. Develop and maintain relevant technical capabilities, ensure continuous training of ITLs and inspectors, and keep abreast of technology advances and innovation:
Identify and promote best practices on inspectionโs processes and technologies to improve Articles IV and V inspectorโs training and the conduct of inspections;Propose, plan and conduct technical projects to address areas related to developments in science and technology, and actively support the Secretariatโs anticipated activities at the CCT.6. Ensure building capacities, and develop, support and foster Knowledge Management (KM) in INS that are relevant to current and future operations:
In coordination with the HITP/ITA, lead the preparation process to identify training needs for ITP staff, including initiatives to support the Advanced Training of Inspectors;Ensure the required certifications of ITP staff are valid and according to Quality System Documents;Contributes to INS efforts to support and enhance other Divisionsโ capacity building activities with States Parties;Facilitate INSโ assistance in response to requests necessitating inspector expertise to support programmes of other areas at the TS, as applicable;Ensure the development and preservation of core Chemical Demilitarisation knowledge relevant to efficient planning and execution of Articles IV and V inspections.7. INS ITP Training and distance learning programme:
Be accountable for the technical aspects of INS Training Plan (INSTP) for ITP Staff, and in coordination with Head ITP/ITA and the Head of Control and Monitoring Branch (H/CMB), carry out the planning, preparation and execution of the INSTP;Develop and foster a comprehensive process to identify training requirements, design learning and KPIs ensuring the most effective and efficient means to implement the INSTP;Conduct regular reviews and evaluations of the INSTP so that it consistently meets the strategic objectives of the INS and the TS, while supporting (on-site) the control and monitoring of INSTP budget and propose initiatives with a view to enhance cost-saving measures;Identify external best practices across CBRN and related fields with a view to implement them into the INSTP.8. Under the guidance of the DOI, provide technical advice and support to other units of the TS:
Brief the Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) on inspection related procedures and equipment;Direct and conduct lectures and/or practical exercises in support of the Technical Secretariat functions;Participate and advise the negotiating teams and working groups in discussions with the States Parties (SP) on Facility/Technical Agreements;Represent INS as focal point for other TS Divisions, units, and advisory boards.9. Under the supervision of the DOI, participate in HR-related processes within INS.
10. Undertake any special duties and tasks as directed, via the DOI, by the DG.
Qualifications and Experience
Education
Essential:
An advanced university degree in a relevant field in addition to proven relevant working experience (minimum 10 years);A first-level university degree in combination with relevant qualifying working experience (minimum 12 years) may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree;A minimum of 10 years relevant experience in the field of chemical weapons and/or munitions or in the CBRN field with an advanced degree, 12 years relevant experience with first-level degree;Experience in international work on disarmament issues is required;Demonstrable experience in negotiating in a technical/diplomatic environment.
Desirable:
An advanced University degree in a STEM subject (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), or in a CBRN field, international relations, public administration;A solid background in the field of Chemical Weapons (CW) and/or munitions or in any other close related area;Experience in international work disarmament issues in the field of chemistry is an asset;Experience working in military or industrial installations is an asset;Training in sustainable chemistry, responsible care, chemical safety and/or security, relevant related technologies and Artificial Intelligence, and/or other close related fields relevant to the CWC;Training in leadership, staff management, project management, quality management and assurance, business processes, results-based monitoring and evaluation system.Knowledge and Experience
Essential:
Desirable:
International and diverse experience, especially in the context of chemical industry or military chemical facilities, or experience with disarmament issues in the field of chemistry;A proven experience in preparedness, contingency planning and resource management;Demonstrable experience of high-level negotiation in technical, public administration, military, or diplomatic environments;Implementation of KM projects and awareness and contribution to KM activities. Experience with knowledge transfer and mentoring of staff;Experience in development of national or international policy related to the chemical industry or chemical security.
Skills and Competencies
Vision and leadership: serve as a role model, empower others to translate vision into results, proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives.Empowerment and trust building: inspire others toward a common vision and foster trust and ethical behaviour, manages in a deliberate and predictable way.Effective communication: communicate with impact (clear and direct where appropriate), speak and write clearly and effectively, listen to others, demonstrate openness in sharing information and in keeping people informed in respect of the sensitivity/confidentiality of the work.Proactive and goal-oriented: manage projects, develop clear and realistic goals that are consistent with agreed strategies and the vision of the Organization.Adaptability and good situational awareness: manage diverse and multi-cultural teams encouraging an inclusive work environment; travel frequently; able to learn quickly and thoroughly while continually recognizing and adapting to changing conditions.Judgement and decision making: identify key issues quickly, able to adapt / interpret and follow established procedures and guidelines to deal with complex issues or situations.Conflict management: handle conflicts sensitively and effectively. Anticipate conflicts, facilitate their resolution by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions.Negotiation: able to reach win-win situations, finding and accepting mutual concessions when appropriate.Computer skills: solid experience and knowledge.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.
Applications from candidates who are eligible to be considered in accordance with the Organisation's provisions regarding re-hiring of Inspectors will be accepted.
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.
According to article 8 paragraph 44 of the Chemical Weapons Convention the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible.
OPCW is committed to maintaining a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. OPCW recruits and employs staff regardless of disability status, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, language, race, marital status, religious, ethnic, cultural and socio-economic backgrounds, or any other personal characteristics.
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 organisationโs 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 โAWBZโ and โZorgverzekeringswetโ coverage: โWerken bij een internationale organisatieโ.