Principal Functions
Under the general supervision of the Head, Chemical Demilitarisation Branch and in accordance with the OPCW Core Values of Integrity, Professionalism and Respect for Diversity/Gender Equality, the Principal Chemical Demilitarisation Assistant will:
1. Develop the chemical demilitarisation knowledge management within the CDB, in coordination first with the Verification knowledge officer and then with senior knowledge management officer:
a) Reconstruct and organise the existing repositories on all relevant information within the context of the chemical demilitarisation to record the history of the CW destruction programmes;
b) Gather and assess scientific and technical information related to the CW destruction processes, specific features of destruction technologies and operational parameters, design/configuration of chemical weapons to be destroyed, and monitoring devices installed to provide assurance that no chemical weapons are diverted and the destruction process has been completed;
c) Maintain and guide in the development of comprehensive CW related information databases, such as databases on the progress CW destruction, and Verification Implementation System (VIS).
2. Support the Chemical Demilitarisation Branch in the implementation of the verification regime at chemical weapons destruction facilities (CWDF):
a) Monitor and review any chemical demilitarisation documents submitted by States Parties;
b) Draft reports and give presentations on relevant topics;
c) Monitor the progress of on-site inspections and review daily situation report coming from Destruction Facility sites, with a focus on queries for the chemical demilitarisation branch;
d) Support the technical and verification related aspects of planning and preparation of inspections at CWDFs;
e) Guide the inspection teams with regard to the implementation of inspection mandates; advise the teams on inspection aims, detailed site information, policy requirements, particular operational instructions and specific verification regime and techniques to be used;
f) Review inspection reports, and give guidance to inspection teams on the preparation of final inspection reports;
g) Advise inspection teams on verification-related policy and technical issues and advise the Head of CDB on the results of verification activities with recommendations on those issues, which need further attention or action.
3. Provide input to internal and external reports of the Secretariat and assist in the resolution of outstanding issues by providing technical support to cluster groups and States Parties:
a) Provide technical input for development of special reports of the Secretariat, including annual and verification implementation reports;
b) Prepare information on the results of verification activities for the Director-General, Executive Council, and Conference of States Parties.
4. Provide technical and lecturing support for training activities:
a) Support training of inspectors, National Authorities and staff in matters related to Article IV & V and Parts IV & V of the Verification Annex;
b) Represent the Secretariat at international workshops, conferences and symposia.
5.Support the Chemical demilitarisation branch by providing information capabilities, such as:
a) Conduct analysis on open sources regarding potential new possessor State Party. Provide initial assessment of the scale of such chemical programmes;
b) Collection, in liaison with the Situation Centre, information about alleged uses of chemical weapons;
c) Develop implementation plans regarding contingency operations in response to chemical incidents, specifically including where chemicals may have been used by non-state actors.
6.Perform any other duties, as required.
Knowledge and Experience
Education
Essential:
High School Diploma or equivalent Diploma of higher Secondary Education with at least 9 years of progressive responsible relevant experience, including 4 years in the field of chemical demilitarisation.
Desirable:
Bachelor degree in chemistry.
Experience
Essential:
a)Experience in the field of chemical demilitarisation and/or chemical weapons technology;
b)Additional training and experience in gathering and analysing information for contingency operations/field missions highly desirable;
c)Additional executive secretary/professional administration training desirable.
Desirable:
a)Experience working in a toxic environment while wearing personal protective equipment (PPE);
b)Significant experience with using ICT (Information and Communication Technology) tools and carrying out ICT related activities in support of the primary business processes;
c)Experience with large-scale situations;
d)Experience working at an international level would be an asset.
Skills and Abilities
Key Competencies
- Excellent drafting skills and ability to prepare analytical reports;
- Advanced computer skills including ability to operate databases;
- Excellent ability to administrate and handle complex and voluminous sets of records and facts;
- Excellent presentation skills and ability to logically defend chosen positions;
- Analytical and conceptual skills;
- Problem-solving skills, including the ability to identify and participate in the resolution of issues/problems;
- Ability to plan and organise, and to work under pressure and subject to urgent deadlines;
- Ability to maintain both internal and external relationships in matters relevant to information collection;
- Tact, discretion and the ability to work harmoniously in a multi-cultural environment.
