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
  GS7
• Estimated monthly remuneration: Euro
  5.248
• Closing Date
  02/04/2024

Responsibilities

Job Summary

The Office of Confidentiality and Security (OCS) contributes to the OPCW Mission by protecting OPCW’s people, assets, and information across all functions and missions through physical, digital, personnel and information assurance capabilities commensurate with the risk.

The incumbent will be responsible for overseeing the management and maintenance of the Operations Security Section electronic security management systems and information management resources. The incumbent will also build and customise OSS information management resources to support operational requirements and support other security risk management and security planning functions of the Operations Security Section.

Main Responsibilities

Working under the direct supervision of the Security Coordination Officer and the overall direction of the Head of Operations Security, the Senior Security Associate is responsible for the following tasks:

• Manage the OSS implementation of electronic security and other physical security systems and infrastructure supporting the physical security program at all OPCW premises (Headquarters and CCT), ensuring that established objectives are met;
• Advise and make recommendations in the formulation of goals and objectives of the OSS physical security programme, particularly with regards to electronic security and information management systems. Identify shortcomings and support delivery of approved goals and objectives. In consultation with the Head of Operations Security, assign corrective actions within information processing activities across OSS.
• Assist in the day to day operational and administrative functions of the Operations Security Section (OSS), ensuring the safe and secure environment for staff members, delegates, visitors and assets;
• Design, build and support SharePoint applications for OSS operations, providing real-time information to OCS management regarding security processes and procedures.

For a complete Job Outline please click here.

Qualifications and Experience

Education

Essential:

• High School Diploma or equivalent.

Desirable:

• Certified ASIS Physical Security Professional or similar certification.

Knowledge and Experience

Essential:

• At least 9 years of progressively responsible relevant experience.

Desirable:

• Experience working within the UN Security Management System is desirable.
• Demonstrated experience in designing, implementing and maintaining physical security systems.

Skills and 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; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Team Work: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in English is essential. Desirable to have Dutch language skills at the B2 level in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

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 fixed-term 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.

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.

Fixed-term staff members participate in the OPCW Provident Fund. A monthly staff contribution is met with a doubled amount by the OPCW under the provisions for social security. As the OPCW is exploring membership of the United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund (UNJSPF), staff participation in the Provident Fund may be replaced by participation in the UNJSPF effective 1 January 2025.

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’.