Inspector (Analytical Chemist) (P-3)

Principal Functions

Under the Supervision of the Heads of Inspection Team Personnel (Industry and Technology Advancement Unit / Contingency and Chemical Demilitarisation Unit) or of a designated Inspection Team Leader (ITL), the main function of Analytical Chemist (AC) inspectors is to conduct inspections under Articles IV, V and VI of the CWC at a wide variety of declared facilities worldwide, as well as Non-Routine Missions (NRMs).

When not on missions, inspectors participate in intra-divisional activities and projects, as assigned by the Head(s) of Unit (s) and/or the Inspectorate Management Team (IMT), when required. Inspectors are expected to carry out additional tasks in accordance with the needs of the Division.

Under the supervision of ITLs and/or Head(s) of Unit(s), inspectors may be assigned to provide technical support to International Cooperation and Assistance activities as well as any other cross-divisional projects.

General

1. Demonstrate the core values of the OPCW in the execution of your duties.
2. Maintain confidentiality in accordance with the Manual of Confidentiality Procedure (MCP).
3. Act with due regard to health and safety (H&S) by taking all reasonable steps to prevent, reduce and eliminate harm, injury or illness in the work environment.
4. Conduct all phases of the mission (preparation, inspection and post-inspection activities) in an effective, efficient and consistent manner, by applying relevant INS Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and verification guidelines:
   
   1. Prepare for inspections by reviewing and analysing declarations, relevant technical information related to the inspection site and by conducting additional relevant research. Participate in and contribute to pre-inspection briefings site familiarisation;
   2. Assist the IT in meeting the requirements of the inspection mandate, in accordance with the CWC, Quality System Documentation and mission instructions;
   3. Participate in sub-teams work and perform roles/assigned tasks by the ITL. In exceptional circumstances, take on the role of Acting ITL;
   4. Raise any issue that may require further attention during inspections;
   5. Contribute to inspection reports, ensuring its accuracy;
   6. Participate in and contribute to mission debriefings.
5. Operate and use protective, detection and decontamination equipment as current OPCW procedures.
6. Assist the ITLs and Head(s) of Unit(s) in achieving ITP responsibilities and objective.
7. Maintain and develop professional competence: complete required training and ensure that relevant knowledge and expertise is current, at headquarters or in other locations around the world.
8. Support Knowledge Management activities:
   
   1. Participate in and contribute to trainings and to the development/review of Quality Systems Documentation;
   2. Support the capture of best practices and lessons learned. Maintain and share knowledge;
   3. Participate in mentoring activities as a mentor or mentee.

    

   1. Contribute to identify and promote advances in science/technology that are relevant to the Division, plan and implement technical activities related to developments in science and technology and actively support the Secretariat’s activities at the ChemTech Centre (CCT).
   2. Undergo any special duties and tasks as directed by the Inspectorate Management Team

    

Specific

1. Assume the role of Sub-team Leader (STL) during Article VI inspections when Sampling & Analysis (S&A) activities are planned.
2. Prepare a sampling plan and conduct S&A activities when applicable.
3. Review analysis results and report/ advise accordingly.
4. Performs area reconnaissance and use all equipment associated with such activity.
5. Support the assistance and protection against CW.
6. Support and participate in CI, IAU, as well as in other OPCW NRMs.
7. Provide support in missions where evidence of possible CW-related incidents needs to be gathered, with a focus on forensic sound exploitability.
8. Support internal capacity building efforts of the organisation to improve knowledge and skills of deployed personnel in evidence gathering, crime scene investigations as well as report writing and other investigative techniques and procedures.
9. All candidates will have to undergo a special fitness test when recruited, including a three phase employment physical test to ensure an adequate fitness level and heat tolerance in order to wear respirators, and Fully Encapsulated Protective Ensemble. Successful candidates will possibly be required to work in high-risk areas.

Knowledge and Experience

Education

Essential 

An advanced university degree or equivalent in Analytical Chemistry or Chemistry or Biochemistry, Bioanalytical, or relevant scientific discipline from a recognised institution; a first level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience

Essential

A minimum of five years of related experience with an advanced degree or seven years with a first level degree. Related experience could be in: Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) or Research and Development (R&D) operations in the chemical industry, chemical process scale-up, chemical process troubleshooting, working with (especially sample preparation or synthesis) with toxic or other high-hazard chemicals, forensic laboratory (especially related to security or law enforcement fields), research and development in either synthetic or analytical chemistry.

Desirable

1. Previous work experience in a forensics or criminal investigation as well as sensitive site exploitation.
2. Experience in chemical forensic sampling, analysis and evidence evaluation typically be gained in criminal investigation units or supporting agencies.
3. Experience in working with high-hazard materials; knowledge and understanding of chemical production plants or knowledge of analytical techniques such as NMR, IR, LC-MS and ICP are desirable.
4. Experience in interpreting mass spectra with understanding of ion formation, molecular ions, fragmentation, and isotope ratios.
5. Technical and practical knowledge in GC-MS analysis, including chemical identification and chemical profiling.
6. Experience in and knowledge of working with chemical warfare agents, especially sample preparation and synthesis.
7. Experience in and knowledge of sample collection for security or law-enforcement purposes (especially in contaminated areas or in military theatres).
8. Experience working with Artificial Intelligence (gen AI) and other relevant related technologies is an asset.

Skills and Abilities (key competencies)

1. Effective communication (especially factually orientated): speak and write clearly and effectively, listen to others, demonstrate openness in sharing information and in keeping people informed in respect of the sensitivity/confidentiality of the work, ability to interact effectively at all levels within and outside the Organisation.
2. Proactive and goal-oriented: demonstrate initiative, develop clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies, allocate appropriate amount of time and resources for completing the assigned work, monitor and adjust plans and actions as necessary, and persist to complete tasks respecting deadlines and having a pragmatic approach focused on realistic results.
3. Adaptability: adapt and develop to evolving circumstances and complex situations, able to work under pressure with multiple projects and in diverse environment, travel frequently and respect and appreciate diversity.
4. Teamwork: align work with a broader team/organisational goals, place team’s interest before one’s own, build consensus rather than make decisions alone, support and act according group decision, even when it might not totally reflects one’s position; value other’s ideas and expertise and learn from them, share credit for team accomplishments and accept joint responsibility for team shortcomings.
5. Demonstrate good computer skills.
6. Good situational awareness: able to swiftly capture and interpret information from the environment and integrate it with previous knowledge to assess, adapt and cope with a situation when required.
7. Judgement and decision making: identify key issues quickly, interpret and follow established procedures and guidelines to deal with complex issues or situations, gather relevant information before proposing or making a decision, consider positive and negative impacts of decisions on others and on the Organization, propose a course of action or make a recommendation based on all available information.

Desirable

1. Conflict management: identify conflicts early, facilitate their resolution by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions.
2. Negotiation: prepare thoroughly, question, listen and trade concessions effectively, show flexibility and patience; think creatively; remain open minded.

Language Requirements

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.