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
The role of Verification Division (VER) is to provide the OPCW with means of verifying and assessing compliance with the CWC through the implementation of the verification regime under the relevant provisions of the CWC. The Verification Programme encompasses operational activities related to the implementation of the verification regime provided for by the Convention with a view to achieving disarmament and non-proliferation of chemical weapons.
As part of the Declarations Branch, the Data Analytics, Reporting and Quality Control (DARQ) section is responsible for enhancing the Branch's analytical capabilities and overseeing verification-related information and support activities.
DARQ manages key components of the Verification Information System (VIS), the primary technology platform supporting the Secretariat's verification activities. This includes facilitating various business processes, data collection, management, analysis, and secure communication with States Parties.
The VIS comprises several software applications, with some exclusively used by the Secretariat for data management and analysis, others by States Parties for preparing and submitting annual declarations, and a few by both for secure communication. The VIS and its components are regularly reviewed and updated or replaced as needed.
Our DARQ section is looking for an experienced professional to lead a diverse team of IT professionals. The role involves overseeing the implementation and optimization of Business Intelligence (BI) tools and web applications to support data-driven decision-making and improve efficiency across the Verification Division. The successful candidate will also manage vendor relationships, ensure compliance with IT standards, and align digital solutions with the needs of internal and external stakeholders.
Main Responsibilities
Under the supervision of the Head, Declarations Branch, the incumbent is responsible for:
- Lead and inspire a diverse team of IT professionals, fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment.
- Oversee the implementation, and optimization of Business Intelligence (BI) tools and web applications to drive data-driven decision-making and enhance user experience, functionality, and organizational efficiency for Verification Division (VER);
- Manage the VER Business Intelligence (BI) tool and reporting environment including relationships with vendors of IT tools, BI systems, and web applications, negotiating contracts, ensuring service delivery, and ensuring compliance with organizational policies and standards;
- Liaise with various stakeholders such as States Parties and other departments across the organization to identify business needs and ensure IT tools are aligned with business objectives and customer needs, improving overall productivity and decision-making processes;
- Manage and coordinate activities related to selection of plant sites for Article VI inspections;
- Initiate and manage projects to facilitate the collection and transmission of confidential information in the context of VER business processes, provide support in the implementation of systems for information management on the classified network;
- Articulate data governance strategies and policies for VER division, and oversee the testing of content to be published on the secure network in accordance with organisational requirements, quality in databases and related reporting;
- Manage and perform software architecture, design and development for VER’s Business Intelligence (BI) tools and web applications;
- Drive the integration of AI-driven solutions and innovation within IT tools, leveraging cutting-edge technologies to enhance business operations, predictive analytics, and automation across the department.
Qualifications and Experience
Education
Essential:
Advanced university degree which includes a major in information technology, statistics, mathematics, computer science, physical science or a related field; a first level university degree in combination with qualifying experience (minimum of 9 years) may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Desirable:
Post-graduate training or certification in Project Management from a recognized professional body.
Post-graduate training or certification in data modelling, data warehousing (preferably wherescape), business intelligence and reporting solutions (preferably Qlik).
Knowledge and Experience
Essential:
At least 7 years of experience (with an advanced university degree) in working with IT tools, experience with full-stack development.
- Experience in designing and developing applications with NET (C#), or VB.NET, MS SQL Server, Qlik Sense or similar BI platform.
- Solid technical experience in general software programming and managing software development projects as well as in planning, design, development, implementation, operation, and/or maintenance of complex integrated systems in web and client/server environment.
- Proven experience in implementing Business Intelligence solutions for a medium-large organisation.
- Proven experience as a team leader including management of change
Experience in business relationship management and alignment of IT and business objectives. - Experience in managing portfolio of projects.
- Proven experience of managing large budget expenditures and ability to deliver against a limited budget.
- Experience on real world projects or at least investigative projects leveraging modern AI technologies and their potential applications in software architecture.
Desirable:
Experience in statistical analysis, database systems, and programming. Experience in coordinating software quality management and worked with confidential data in secure environments. Experience in international and multicultural settings, with a focus on the chemical industry and information security.
Skills and Competencies
- Leadership and management skills:
- Ability to provide technical leadership in the relevant areas (in both front end and back end technology).
- Proven supervisory skills including demonstrated ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor his/her own work plan and those under his/her supervision.
- Ability to build trust within the team and be able to motivate the team members.
- Demonstrated skills in working with business partners, understanding business concepts, knowledge of business procedures and applying technical solutions based on standard industry practices.
- Strong interpersonal and proven communication (verbal and written) skills.
- Ability to understand user needs with a strong customer focus.
- Ability to analyse problems and react quickly in problematic situations.
- Excellent planning and organisational skills.
- Thorough understanding and knowledge of Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC).
- Tact, discretion, and the ability to work harmoniously in a multicultural environment.
- Appreciation of the need to observe confidentiality in a highly-sensitive work environment.
- Flexibility and ability to work under pressure.
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’.
