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
11,086 - Closing Date
04/04/2025Responsibilities
Job Summary
This position is situated in the Office of the Director-General (ODG), which is responsible for ensuring the Secretariat fulfils its mandates in a successful and cost-efficient manner. The ODG provides essential leadership and effective governance of the Secretariat.
The Special Advisor provides timely substantial analysis and advice to the Director-General on often highly complex, sensitive and confidential matters related to OPCW policies, operations and personnel, with a view to mitigating possible risks and maximising organisational effectiveness.
Main Responsibilities
Reporting to the Director-General through Chief of Cabinet, the incumbent executes the functions of Special Advisor to the Director-General and provides support to the Office of the Director-General by undertaking the following activities:
- Provides expert guidance and advice to the Director-General (DG) on critical administrative, legal, procedural and policy matters, including recommendations regarding engagements with States Parties, staff cases (internal appeal bodies and ILOAT) and special projects that have a broad impact on the Organisation and its workforce;
Qualifications and Experience
Education
Essential:
Advanced university degree in a relevant discipline for the implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention, such as Law, Political Science, International Relations or Public Administration;A first level university degree in combination with qualifying experience (minimum 12 years) may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.Desirable:
Studies in the Chemical, Biological, Radiological or Nuclear (CBRN) fields are an asset.Knowledge and Experience
Essential:
At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in roles related to legal affairs, administration, policy development or senior management support;Previous experience working in an executive office focused on the provision of legal and policy advisory services to the executive head of a multinational organisation, government agency or international body with an emphasis on CBRN-related matters;Previous managerial experience in setting up the framework for the destruction and verification of a chemical weapons programme is required;Experience in outreach and negotiation with States not party to CBRN treaties for their accession;Experience in advising PMO. In addition, experience handling UN Common System and ILOAT matters is essential.Desirable:
Proven experience in high-level correspondence management, including screening and analysing incoming communications, drafting politically sensitive responses for senior management;Experience in liaising with various and high-level stakeholders, ensuring alignment of objectives and smooth communication within the organisation;Experience serving as a manager of an international team would be an asset.Skills and Competencies
Deep understanding of policy-making processes, particularly in an international or governmental context;Expertise in legal and administrative frameworks that govern organisational operations, including drafting and reviewing legal documents and correspondence;Ability to advise on legal, procedural and policy issues and develop recommendations;Proven ability to assess situations, identify potential issues, and develop solutions in dynamic, high-pressure environments;Ability to build relationships and work collaboratively with senior management and all departments;Ability to handle sensitive information effectively and confidentiality, and to act at all times with integrity, discretion, calm and professionalism.Languages
Fluency in English is essential and, for this position, a good working knowledge of two of the other OPCW official languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) is also required. 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.