About Us
The OPCWโs mission is to implement the provisions of the Chemical Weapons Convention to achieve our vision of a world free of chemical weapons in which chemistry is used for peace, progress, and prosperity, and to contribute to international security and stability, general and complete disarmament, and global economic development.
The OPCW was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2013 for its extensive efforts to eliminate chemical weapons.
General Information
- Contract Type
Fixed-term Professional - Grade
P5 - Total Estimated monthly remuneration depending on post adjustment and family status: USD
11,134 - Closing Date
25/04/2025Responsibilities
Job Summary
This incumbent of this position reports to the Director of the Office of Special Missions. The Hague is the duty station, but the incumbent is expected to spend significant time in the field carrying out Special Mission deployments, starting with the ongoing OPCW Mission in Syria (OMS), as per evolving mission requirements.
Under the direct supervision of the Director of the Office of Special Missions (D/OSM), the Head of Investigations is responsible for leading the OPCWโs operational efforts in complex, high-profile environments. Head of Investigations will lead a multifunctional team of technical experts and support personnel and managing a wide range of operations, including inspections, technical assessments, investigations, and coordinating with international and local partners to ensure the effective implementation of OPCWโs mandate in the Syrian Arab Republic. This role will require advanced leadership skills, diplomacy, and technical expertise in chemical weapons disarmament and non-proliferation as well as prior experience in carrying out activities pertaining to the elimination of the Syrian Chemical Weapons Programme.
Responsibilities:
Reporting to the Director of the Office of Special Missions, the incumbent performs the following activities:
- Manages, leads and coordinates multidisciplinary teams of professionals for OPCW Special Missions, ensuring the efficient and effective implementation of specific projects and activities, including on activities in the Syrian Arab Republic.
Qualifications and Experience
Education
Essential:
Advanced university degree (such as PhD, Masters) in Chemistry, or related fields such as a STEM subject (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and Chemical, Biological, Radiological or Nuclear (CBRN).A first level university degree in a related field with qualifying minimum experience of 15 years may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Desirable:
Training in close related fields relevant to the Chemical Weapons Convention.Training in leadership, people management, conflict resolution and negotiation, diplomatic skills and Interactions.Knowledge and Experience
Essential:
At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience at the national or international level in a leadership role within a complex international or humanitarian mission environment.Proven experience in investigations, contingency planning and field operations.Proven experience of successfully leading, managing, and mentoring multi-disciplinary teams under high-pressure, including in conflict zones or politically sensitive environment.Leadership experience gained in a managerial, government, scientific or technical area.Ability to communicate effectively to a diverse professional audience (both verbal and written).Familiarity and experience with the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) including investigation and inspection activities under the CWC and verification related matter.
Desirable:
Experience in research and development in science, technology and innovation.Experience in liaising with various stakeholders, ensuring alignment of objectives and effective communication.Skills and Competencies
Competencies (required knowledge, skills, abilities, attitudes and behaviours):
Languages
Fluency in English and Arabic is essential for this position, and a good working knowledge of one of the other OPCW official languages (Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) is also desirable. Strong oral and written communication skills in English is essential.
Additional Information
This fixed-term appointment is for a duration of two years with a six-month probationary period, and is subject to the relevant OPCW Staff Regulations, Interim Staff Rules and other internal legislation as applicable, as well as the decision EC-108/DEC.4 of the Executive Council.
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.
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.