P5 Senior Officer – Inspectorate Division (INS), OPCW

Organization: Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW)
Division: Inspectorate Division (INS) – Inspection Team Personnel (ITP)
Contract Type: Fixed-term Professional
Grade: P5
Estimated Monthly Remuneration: USD 12,530 (depending on post adjustment and family status)
Closing Date: 19/09/2025

Organizational Context

• The Inspectorate Division (INS) implements Articles IV, V, and VI of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC).

• Maintains readiness to conduct:

  • Challenge Inspections (CI)

  • Investigations of Alleged Use (IAU)

  • Rapid Response and Assistance Missions (RRAM)

  • Non-Routine Missions (NRM)

• Supports Member States in chemical weapons protection and capacity building.

Reporting Lines

• Direct supervision: Director, Inspectorate Division (DOI)

• Works within Inspection Team Personnel (ITP)

Key Responsibilities

1. Programme Implementation & Inspection Leadership

• Coordinate INS objectives under Articles IV, V, VI, IX, and X of the CWC

• Lead inspections, monitor programme progress, propose improvements

• Contribute to key INS and Technical Secretariat documents

2. Operational Readiness & Non-Routine Missions

• Maintain readiness for CI, IAU, TAV, and NRM deployments

• Ensure inspectors’ certifications are valid and aligned with Quality System Documents

• Support planning and deployment of missions, and participate in the Mission Support Group (MSG)

3. Staff Management & Mentoring

• Supervise and mentor Inspection Team Leaders (ITLs) and inspectors

• Conduct performance appraisals and facilitate professional development

• Ensure balanced allocation of work across teams

4. Technical Capability & Knowledge Management

• Develop and maintain inspection-related technical skills

• Identify best practices in inspections and training

• Lead training needs assessments and knowledge transfer initiatives

5. Training & Distance Learning

• Oversee the INS Training Plan (INSTP) for ITP staff

• Design, implement, and monitor training programmes and KPIs

• Integrate external best practices from CBRN and related fields

6. Advisory & Technical Support

• Advise the Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) on inspection procedures and equipment

• Provide lectures, practical exercises, and technical guidance

• Support negotiation and discussion with States Parties on facility/technical agreements

7. HR & Special Duties

• Participate in HR processes under DOI supervision

• Undertake special tasks as directed by the DOI or Director-General

Education & Qualifications

Essential:

• Advanced university degree in relevant field + 10+ years experience, or first-level degree + 12+ years experience

• Proven experience in chemical weapons, munitions, or CBRN field

• Experience in international disarmament work and technical/diplomatic negotiations

Desirable:

• Advanced degree in STEM, CBRN, international relations, or public administration

• Experience in military or industrial chemical installations

• Training in sustainable chemistry, chemical safety, AI, leadership, project management, quality management

Skills & Competencies

• Leadership & Vision: Guide teams, implement strategies, and serve as a role model

• Empowerment & Trust: Build trust, inspire, and promote ethical behaviour

• Communication: Clear, effective verbal and written communication; sensitive to confidentiality

• Proactivity & Goal Orientation: Set realistic goals, manage projects efficiently

• Adaptability: Lead multi-cultural teams, handle frequent travel, adapt to changing conditions

• Judgment & Decision-Making: Analyze issues, follow procedures, make sound decisions

• Conflict Management & Negotiation: Resolve conflicts sensitively, reach mutually beneficial outcomes

• Technical Skills: Strong computer literacy; up-to-date knowledge of inspection technologies

Languages

• Essential: Fluency in English

• Desirable: Working knowledge of other UN official languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish)

Additional Information

• Fixed-term: 2 years with 6-month probation

• OPCW non-career organisation; max service 7 years for Professional staff

• Mandatory age of separation: 65 years

• Diversity and inclusion: OPCW recruits regardless of disability, gender identity, race, religion, etc.

• Staff insured under OPCW system; Dutch Social Security does not apply

• Applications accepted only via OPCW CandidateSpace before the closing date