About Us
The OPCW’s 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
Responsibilities
Job Summary
Part of the Verification Division, the Declarations Branch (DEB) provides the OPCW with a means to assess compliance by States Parties with the declaration-related provisions of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC). The Declarations Branch handles all declarations and other verification-related information, as well as maintains and updates the Declarations Handbook, and the tools for identification of scheduled chemicals. In addition, the Declarations Branch maintains majority of software used by the Verification Division, including data analytics and secure communication tools. The branch also provides electronic declaration tools for States Parties.
Under the direct supervision of the Head, Declaration Validation and Evaluation, the Evaluation Officer evaluates declarations and other related information provided by States Parties and executes the follow up when necessary. In addition, the Evaluation Officer provides inputs to DEB reports on declarations and develops outreach materials.
This Vacancy Notice is published for two Evaluation Officer (P-3) positions.
Main Responsibilities
1) Declaration Evaluation and Follow-Up with States Parties:
- Evaluate declarations and other Article III, IV, V and VI related information and ensure accuracy, and consistency with the CWC’s requirements;
- Identify the issues to be clarified with State Parties and follow-up;
- Resolve ambiguities and/or inconsistencies arising from declaration-related submissions with respective States Parties;
- Report all inconsistencies in declarations, reports, and plans submitted by States Parties;
- Follow-up with States Parties on delayed or absent submissions;
- Participate in meetings with States Parties and draft appropriate correspondence to clarify ambiguities;
- Undertake duty travel when required.
2) Reporting and Verification Support:
- Provide accurate, complete and timely inputs to DEB reports on declarations and verification activities to the Director General and Policy Making Organs of the OPCW (the Executive Council and the Conference of the States Parties.);
- Develop databases containing up-to-date Article III, IV, V and VI declaration-related data;
- Maintain all relevant information for Challenge Inspections to be available within the given timelines;
- Develop the Section’s business processes and procedures and ensure that they are reflected in the relevant Quality Management System Documents (QDOCs);
- Perform work in compliance with the existing SOPs, WIs, QDOCs and Manual;
- Make proposals regarding improvement of current business processes and procedures and assist in the development of new QDOCs and/or Manuals.
3) Cross-Functional Collaboration:
- Provide assistance during technical briefings to the inspection teams on the declared facility to be inspected;
- Assist in the preparation of information material on declaration-related issues;
- Liaise with other units of the OPCW (such as ICA or INS) in the preparation and delivery of training;
- 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 (WCO).
4) Development of DEB Outreach Materials:
- Recommend support materials for State Parties;
- Ensure existing materials are kept up-to-date in line with Executive Council (EC) decisions, OPCW policy decisions, and other relevant decisions and developments;
- Participate in the revision of DEB declaration tools such as the Declaration Handbook, Handbook on Chemicals, and other tools (e.g. EDIS);
- Make appropriate presentations and report back on the proceedings of events such as States Parties’ meetings, conferences, trainings, etc.;
- Keep abreast of the latest developments in the field of chemical demilitarisation, chemical industry processes related to scheduled chemicals and assess possible
impact to the declaration/verification regime.
5) Perform other related duties as required.
Qualifications and Experience
Education
Essential:
- An advanced university level degree in chemistry, or chemical engineering, or other closely related subject. A first level university degree in combination with qualifying experience (Minimum 7 years) may be accepted in lieu of the 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.
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.
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 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’.
