Senior Programme Officer (P-4)

Principal Functions

Reporting to the Head, International Cooperation Branch and in accordance with the OPCW Core Values of Integrity, Professionalism and Respect for Diversity/Gender Equality, the Senior Programme Officer performs the following duties:

1. Identifies and develops approaches and activities to facilitate international cooperation under the CWC in areas relating to the application of chemistry for purposes not prohibited under the Convention;
2. Analyses the suitability of proposed programmes and projects keeping in view the objectives laid down in the CWC, and develop specific proposals for acceptance;
3. Organises and participates in meetings of committees and other mechanisms for clearance of projects;
4. Plan, coordinate, manage and report on assigned programmes for capacity-building in cooperation with National Authorities, academic institutions, scientific organisations, analytical laboratories, research institutions, chemical industry, international organisations etc. The programmes include skills development, laboratory assistance/twinning, chemical safety and security, chemical knowledge promotion and outreach, fellowship, support for research projects etc.;
5. Initiates, develops and maintains contacts with scientific communities in the Member States and at the international level particularly in the area of chemistry;
6. Interacts with various internal and external units/institutions to arrange and coordinate the implementation of programmes and projects;
7. Guides and orients the efforts and contributions of consultants and other individuals who may be involved with the implementation of the programmes and projects;
8. Carries out post-implementation follow-up and evaluation with the participants/beneficiaries and their National Authorities;
9. Develops modalities and alternative methods of evaluation of projects and programmes as required;
10. Makes recommendations on the effectiveness of the programmes and projects and participates in relevant meetings;
11. Develops procedures for implementation and follow-up including standard operating procedures as required;
12. Ensures budgetary control and implementation of projects and programmes in a cost-effective manner;
13. Provides technical support and assistance to other branches and divisions, as required;
14. Prepare and contribute to regular reports and inputs for the sessions of the Executive Council and the Conference of States Parties;
15. Operates an information service for disseminating information to the Member States and their institutions on the properties and other aspects of chemicals relevant to the Convention;
16. Performs other duties, as required.

Knowledge and Experience

Education

Essential

An advanced degree in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering, preferably with PhD, is highly desirable. Alternatively, an advanced university degree in a relevant scientific discipline, or public administration, political science or international relations. A first level university degree in combination with qualifying experience (minimum 9 years) may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.

Experience

Essential 

1. At least 7 years of related experience in the field of chemistry, in public administration, industry and/or chemical defence/ disarmament, or in an academic/research institution in the field of chemistry or chemical engineering;
2. A minimum of 5 years of in the conduct of needs assessments, planning, conduct, monitoring and evaluation of capacity building programmes and budget control;
3. Knowledge of multilateral disarmament issues and experience in dealing with national and international authorities in this field.

Desirable 

1. Experience in developing strategies, analysing issues and implementing them in an international context;
2. Experience in international work on chemical safety and security issues, preferably in the area of process safety, safety and security risk assessment and developing mitigation plan etc.;
3. Experience in developing e-learning tools to promote safety and security practices could be an added advantage;
4. Experience in formal programme management approaches, stakeholder engagement, results-based monitoring and evaluation;
5. Knowledge of the methods and experience in use of analytical instruments in the field of chemistry in the international context;
6. Work experience in the UN Common System.

Skills and Abilities (key competencies)

1. Strong analytical and conceptual skills in analysing operational issues in a complex environment, formulate options, and propose and implement solutions;
2. Excellent communication skills (verbal and written) including ability to prepare reports and conduct presentations;
3. Demonstrated ability to be proactive in developing strategies to accomplish organisation’s objectives; problem solving skills;
4. Flexibility and ability to work under pressure;
5. Excellent interpersonal skills - ability to establish and maintain productive partnerships with clients;
6. Tact, discretion, and the ability to work harmoniously in a multi-cultural environment;
7. Computer literacy (MS Office packages).

Language Requirements