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 Strategy and Policy develops the Technical Secretariat’s strategic planning and provides policy advice to the Director-General and senior management. The strategy and policy formulation and implementation relate to a range of cross-cutting topics, including incidents of chemical weapons use, engagement with chemical industry, chemical security, counterterrorism, and science and technology.
The Senior Science Policy Officer will focus on monitoring advances in science and technology relevant to the Chemical Weapons Convention, with particular emphasis on fields at the convergence of chemistry and biology. The incumbent of this post will keep pace with developments, analyse and understand their implications for implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention, and communicate this information to a range of internal and external stakeholders.
Main Responsibilities
Under the direct supervision of the Science Policy Adviser, the Senior Science Policy Officer (Biochemistry) will perform the following duties:
- Monitors advances in the convergence of chemistry and biology, and provides the first level supervisor with advice on strategic topics that relate to the work of OPCW. Contributes to and coordinates organisational reports as required;
- Provides scientific advice, guidance and oversight on cross-cutting scientific activities, in particular on the convergence of chemistry and biology;
- Supports and, where appropriate, coordinates and/or leads scientific activities across the Secretariat. Communicates with prospective external donors, builds and maintains relationships, and secures project-based funds for scientific activities;
- Serves as an internal resource to provide advice and technical information on issues related to the convergence of chemistry and biology, such as synthetic biology and biotoxins. Proactively engages staff across the OPCW on scientific topics;
- Coordinates internal and external meetings and keep records of those; Contributes, as appropriate, to the preparations of conferences and meetings, coordinate the Secretariat’s follow-up and provide advice on related issues to the Science Policy Advisor and the Director of OSP;
- Performs other duties as requested.
Qualifications and Experience
Education
Essential:
- Advanced degree in a life science discipline such as biochemistry, molecular biology, synthetic biology, chemical biology, bioengineering, or a closely related field;
- A first level university degree in combination with qualifying experience (at least 9 years) may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Desirable:
- PhD in a relevant technical or scientific field.
Knowledge and Experience
Essential:
- At least 7 years of professional experience in scientific or technical roles requiring deep expertise at the interface of chemistry and biology;
- Proven record of producing high-quality technical reports, briefings, or publications for diverse audiences.
Desirable:
- Experience formulating scientific policy or providing scientific advice to international, governmental, non-governmental, or industrial organisations;
- Knowledge of chemical and biological weapons;
- Understanding of biosecurity and bioethics;
- Demonstrated ability to evaluate scientific and technological developments for policy purposes;
- Experience in disarmament, arms control, and/or non-proliferation.
Knowledge:
- Deep understanding of the chemistry-biology interface;
- Familiarity with emerging scientific and technological developments, particularly in the life sciences, with potential dual-use or biosecurity implications.
Attitudes and behaviours:
- Demonstrates professionalism and integrity in all activities;
- Promotes scientific literacy to support evidence-based decision-making;
- Strong sense of initiative and the ability to work independently, taking ownership of tasks and projects;
- Works effectively, collaboratively, and with respect in an international, multicultural, and interdisciplinary environment;
- Commits to continuous learning and professional development;
- Approaches work with adaptability, flexibility, and a forward-looking mindset.
Skills and Competencies
- Synthesise complex scientific and technical information for analysis and decision-making;
- Evaluate scientific and technological developments for policy, regulatory, or security purposes;
- Demonstrate excellent communication skills with the ability to convey complex scientific concepts to non-specialist audiences, both orally and in writing;
- Produce high-quality technical reports, briefings, or publications for diverse audiences;
- Advise and influence decision-makers using scientific expertise;
- Apply analytical, critical thinking, and research skills;
- Possess strong interpersonal skills, capable of building and maintaining effective relationships across the Organisation and with relevant stakeholders;
- Able to understand the complexities of working in an international environment (including the diverse perspectives and approaches due to global membership).
Mental and physical requirements:
- Physical: Normal office environment requiring regular computer use;
- Mental: Headquarters-based with low level of duty travel.
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’.
