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 Office of Internal Oversight (OIO) assists the Director-General in the management of the OPCW's resources, through Internal Audits (including Confidentiality Audits) and Evaluations in order to add value to the efficiency and effectiveness of the operations of the OPCW. In addition, the OIO conducts investigations and provides assistance to the Secretariat for its Quality Management System.
Main Responsibilities
Under the general supervision and reporting to the Director, Office of Internal Oversight (Director, OIO), the Senior Investigator, Evaluator and Quality Assurance Officer will:
1) In relation to Evaluations & Quality Management processes:
The incumbent will lead and manage evaluations and quality management processes across the OPCW, including:
Evaluation Responsibilities
a) Develop and propose an annual evaluation work programme using a risk-based methodology, considering input from OPCW Management and Member States.
b) Lead and oversee evaluation assignments, setting objectives, scope, and methodologies in line with the OIO Annual Work Programme.
c) Draft and review evaluation reports, engage with Division Directors and programme managers to discuss findings, and finalise reports for inclusion in the OIO Annual Report and other executive documents.
d) Monitor and report on the implementation of recommendations from evaluation reports on a quarterly basis.
e) Provide advice to internal stakeholders on evaluation methodologies, guidelines, and performance indicators, supporting OPCW’s monitoring and evaluation initiatives.
Quality Management Responsibilities
f) Lead the implementation and enhancement of the Secretariat's quality management systems (QMS) for accredited processes within the OPCW Laboratory and OIO, ensuring compliance with ISO standards (e.g., 17025:2017, 17043:2023).
g) Develop, update, and maintain relevant QMS policies, procedures, and documentation, ensuring effective control, accuracy, and versioning in line with relevant documentation.
h) Act as Secretary and advisor to the QMS Technical Committee, providing expert guidance on QMS-related matters.
i) Plan and execute internal QMS audits, ensuring compliance with standards, identifying areas for improvement, and promoting corrective actions where needed.
j) Drive continuous improvement initiatives by analysing audit findings, stakeholder feedback, and process performance data to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the QMS.
k) Facilitate staff capacity building in QMS by identifying training needs and designing and delivering internal and external training programmes.
l) Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure alignment with evolving ISO standards and best practices, supporting successful accreditation and re-accreditation processes.
2) In relation to Internal Investigations:
The incumbent will lead and conduct investigations into potential breaches of the Code of Conduct and related policies, as assigned by the Director-General including:
a) Develop terms of reference and establish investigative plans for internal investigations.
b) Lead investigation teams (including contracted specialists) or participate as a team member as required.
To view the complete job outline, please click here.
Qualifications and Experience
Education
Essential:
- An advanced university degree in Law, Auditing, Forensic Accounting, Finance, Economics or Business Administration or another relevant field. A first level university degree in similar specialities as noted above, in combination with qualifying experience (minimum 9 years) may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
- Demonstrated experience and ability in conducting and coordinating a wide range of advanced, complex and multifaceted investigation activities, quickly and accurately, including witness and suspect interviews, evidence collection, search and seizure, briefings, report writing and recommendations, tactical operation planning and complex investigation planning. Demonstrated experience in investigating fraud and misuse of funds.
Desirable:
- Certification as Lead Auditor for ISO 9001:2015 and more specific for ISO/IEC 17025:2017 or ISO/IEC 17043:2023.
- Formal Training or Certification in Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E).
- Formal training and/or certification in law enforcement methodologies, an asset.
- Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), highly desirable.
Knowledge and Experience
Essential:
- Minimum seven years (with an advanced degree) or nine years (with a first-level degree) of relevant experience in internal audit, investigations, or evaluations preferably within national or international organisations.
- Proven expertise in quality management systems, including implementing and maintaining ISO standards.
- Demonstrated experience in leading and supervising teams in auditing, evaluation, or investigative environments.
Skills and Competencies
Key competencies:
- Upholds OPCW’s values of integrity, professionalism, and respect for diversity.
- Demonstrates strong leadership, analytical skills, and the ability to manage complex tasks.
- Displays cultural sensitivity, adaptability, and the ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment.
- Leadership of all tasks assigned.
Functional competencies:
- Excellent organisational, time management and problem-solving skills, showing capacity to work under pressure of high volume and under tight deadlines.
- Strong leadership skills, interpersonal skills and negotiation skills, with the ability to build collaborative working relationships.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, capable of presenting complex matters in a clear and concise manner.
- Proficiency in IT tools such as MS Office, analytics software, data mining tools, and technology to support audits, evaluations, and investigations.
Other Skills: Keep abreast of developments in the fields of Investigations, Quality and Evaluation. Innovation mindset.
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’.
