About Us

The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons is the implementing body for the Chemical Weapons Convention, which entered into force on 29 April 1997. The OPCW, with its 193 Member States, oversees the global endeavor to permanently and verifiably eliminate chemical weapons.

The ultimate aim of the OPCW is 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. Under the OPCW’s oversight 96% of the chemical weapons stockpiles declared by possessor States have been verifably destroyed.

The OPCW was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2013 for its extensive efforts to eliminate chemical weapons.

Our mission for a world free of chemical weapons makes people’s lives better. Apply to be a part of our team to make the world a better place for all.

General Information

• Contract Type
  Fixed-term General Service
• Grade
  GS3
• Estimated monthly remuneration: Euro
  3.158
• Closing Date
  15/12/2023

Responsibilities

Job Summary

Multiple vacancies will be filled.

The OPCW Operations Security team is in search of a new highly competent colleague to join the team! The Operations Security Section is located within the Office of Confidentiality and Security, which is responsible for the provision of safe workplaces for staff members, visitors, delegates, and the protection of OPCW assets.

Main Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of a Security Sergeant and under the overall guidance of the Head of Operations Security, the incumbent performs the following duties:

• Preserves order and protects persons and property on OPCW premises. This requires attendance at Control, Defence, and de-escalation technique training; awareness and adherence to OPCW Use of Force Policy; the carrying, use, care, and maintenance of ASP extendable batons;
• Carries out 24-hour access control at the OPCW facilities; responsible for screening of visitors, contractors, OPCW staff members, delegates, and other personnel;
• Maintains a safe and secure environment for OPCW staff members, delegates, contractors, visitors and other personnel;
• Conducts interior and exterior patrols throughout OPCW premises for the purpose of intercepting unauthorized persons attempting to have gained entry to the premises, reporting all security, fire and safety violations to the Security Control Centre;
• Provides information and directions to all persons associated with the organization;
• Controls, identifies and clears pedestrian and vehicular traffic entering and exiting the premises; maintains logbooks and records as required.
• Maintains alertness for any potential or actual breaches of security and any disturbances or unusual activity; responds to and reports disturbances, unusual activities or breaches in accordance with procedures.
• Performs surveillance and security checks on OPCW terrain, facilities and assets;
• Assists in the safe evacuation of personnel when required to do so;
• Responds to all other incidents as required. Acts in a proactive manner to ensure safety and security of personnel and assets;
• Responsible for receipt, screening and recording of documents and packages delivered to OPCW;
• Conducts receptionist duties when required, issues and controls badges and keys, maintaining accurate records and logs;
• Responsible for recording and reporting information in accordance with established procedures, using established tools and technology including database systems, hand-held devices and radio communications;
• Required to operate security systems and functions at all security posts including security control room, guard houses and other established posts;
• Performs all other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience

Education

Essential:

High School Diploma or equivalent Diploma of Secondary education.

Desirable:

Completion of a formal military or civilian police programme.

Candidates must meet the following requirements to be eligible for consideration for a job as Security Officer:

• Between the ages of 22 and 35 years at the time of application. Exceptions may be considered in case of previous extensive security-related experience at international organisations or national police service.

• Excellent physical condition to allow completion of training programmes and performance of required functions.

Knowledge and Experience

Essential:

• 1 year of relevant security experience.
• First Aid diploma, or ability to obtain a First Aid qualification.

Desirable:

• At least 2 years’ experience with a civilian police force or three years in a military police force or providing security guard services.
• Previous experience in the security field with an International Organisation.

Other requirements:

• Ability to operate security and communications systems (switchboards, radios, CCTV systems, etc.).
• Computer literacy, must be able to use computer-based application and tools.
• Must be able to perform and endure rotating shift work and unsociable hours.
• Wearing of uniform is required.

Skills and Competencies

Core competencies:

Communication – Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication.

Teamwork – Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others.

Planning & Organising – Develops clear objectives that are consistent with agreed strategies, demonstrates initiative and takes necessary actions, identifies priority activities and assignments.

Accountability – Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments, delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality, standards, operates in compliance with organisational regulations and rules, supports supervised staff, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments.

Creativity – Actively seeks to improve programmes or services, offers new and different options to solve problems or meet client needs, promotes and persuades others to consider new ideas.

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

Staff members in the General Services category are normally recruited and paid on a local basis.

This 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 mandatory age of separation at the OPCW is 65 years.

Fixed-term staff members participate in the OPCW provident fund. A monthly staff contribution is met with a doubled amount by the OPCW to ensure separating staff have the capital necessary to move on to new challenges.

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.

Applications from qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged.

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’.