About Us

The OPCW’s mission is to implement the provisions of the Chemical Weapons Convention 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.

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

General Information

• Contract Type
  Fixed-term Professional
• Grade
  P3
• Total Estimated monthly remuneration depending on post adjustment and family status: USD
  7,928
• Closing Date
  06/04/2025

Responsibilities

Job Summary

The Inspectorate Division (INS) implements all the Technical Secretariat’s on-site verification activities, ensuring the efficient and effective deployment of inspection teams to both military and commercial facilities around the world, as required by the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC). INS maintains preparedness to respond to and investigate allegations of use of toxic chemicals as weapons and readiness to conduct Challenge Inspections (CI) and Investigations of Alleged Use (IAU) upon request from Member States in the event of a chemical incident.

The Operations and Technical Support Branch (OTSB) provides key support to all INS operations and technology initiatives. It involves in mission planning and coordinating, and provides administrative, technical and logistical support in accordance with the quality assurance regime while ensuring timely and efficient procurement and maintenance of inspection equipment. OTSB establishes and sustains communication with inspection teams and Member States during the conduct of inspections. OTSB’s Situation Centre provides 24-hour support, develops and maintains a comprehensive operating flow to ensure secure and reliable communications and provide information analysis to facilitate crisis management operations.

The Technology Hub & Logistics deals with a myriad of tasks: our primary one is to provide the OPCW Inspection Teams and other staff of the Technical Secretariat (TS) with the equipment and material support required for their operations and to ensure the compliance of the inspection equipment with relevant provisions of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC).

This Technical Support Officer manages routine logistical operations, oversees procurement, supervises equipment lifecycle management, and collaborates closely with the Technology Hub to integrate and validate new technologies. As the team lead for the ESM Unit, the officer bridges traditional logistics needs with advanced technological applications, supporting both current requirements and future organizational initiatives.

Main Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Head, Technology Hub and Logistics, the incumbent shall perform the following duties:

Technical and Logistical Support for Equipment and Mobility

• Lead the ESM Unit, ensuring efficient operations for inspection and verification activities, including equipment storage, movement, and readiness;
• Supervise procurement and lifecycle management of inspection equipment, coordinating preventive maintenance, servicing, and replacements;
• Providing the Inspection Division (INS) and relevant staff with technical guidance on the operational, procedural, and regulatory aspects of inspection equipment, ensuring compliance with restrictions and conditions set by OPCW Member States;
• Develop and deliver training for inspectors and staff on the proper handling and use of inspection and facility equipment.

OPCW Member State Engagement and Familiarization Management

• Prepare and process documentation for Member State equipment familiarization per Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) guidelines and the Secretariat policies;
• Provide technical support to Member States on technology and equipment, arranging presentations and familiarization sessions as requested;
• Evaluate certifications submitted by Member States maintaining a database for tracking equipment familiarization and certification status.

Procurement Management and Oversight

• Lead procurement activities by converting operational requirements into specifications for supplier tendering;
• Manage the Equipment Replacement Plan, identifying suitable replacements based on technical needs and budget constraints;
• Provide technical and administrative oversight, ensuring compliant processes and timely delivery of assets;
• Coordinate with vendors, aligning procurement activities with OPCW’s financial and quality standards.

Technology Integration and Collaboration with the Technology Hub

• Partner closely with the Technology Hub to facilitate the testing and validation of emerging technologies, evaluating new capabilities relevant to inspection needs;
• Support the integration of innovative solutions, bridging the gap between routine logistics and advanced technology applications.

Section Leadership and Operational Support

• Assist the Head of Technology Hub and Logistics by providing insights on equipment needs, procurement trends, and technology applications;
• Prepare technical budget proposals related to equipment procurement, replacement plan, and technology integration activities;
• Act as Head of the Section when required, ensuring continuity and high standards across the section.

Performs other duties as required

Qualifications and Experience

Education

Essential:

• Advanced university degree in engineering, technology management, or a related field. A first-level degree with additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.

Knowledge and Experience

Essential:

• A minimum of five years of professional experience in equipment management, or technology integration, including at least three years in managing teams;
• Demonstrated experience of various technical equipment lifecycle management, including preventative maintenance, repair and replacement;
• Proven experience in procurement, including the ability to translate user requirements into technical specifications, oversee tendering processes, and manage vendor relations;
• Experience managing resources, setting goals, and maintaining timelines.

Desirable:

• Experience with CW detection and non-destructive evaluation (NDE) technology and ABC protection equipment would be a very strong asset;
• Experience with specialized technical equipment used in inspection and verification processes;
• Experience working with the UN, other international organisations or specialised technical companies;
• Familiarity with technology integration processes and emerging technologies;
• Experience developing or managing databases related to equipment management, familiarization, or technology validation;
• Basic understanding of data analysis techniques to monitor equipment usage trends and optimize inventory and procurement strategies;
• Solid understanding of health, safety, and regulatory compliance, particularly related to chemical weapons inspection and operational logistics;
• Experience in quality assurance and risk management practices.

Skills and Competencies

• Customer service orientation;
• Managing teams and ability to develop the capabilities of the Organisation by development of their team;
• Proficiency in presenting technical information and conducting training sessions;
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision;
• Ability to adapt to evolving priorities, including the ability to balance routine logistics operations with emerging technology integration;
• Ability to work closely with technical units and contribute to cross-functional projects, particularly in technology validation and process optimization;
• Strong problem-solving skills, with a focus on developing innovative solutions;
• Ability to develop training modules;
• An analytical mindset for assessing technology needs and opportunities;
• Familiarity with Results-Based Management (RBM).

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

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 OPCW is a non-career organisation with limited staff tenure. The total length of service for Professional staff shall not exceed 7 years.

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.

According to article 8 paragraph 44 of the Chemical Weapons Convention the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible.

OPCW is committed to maintaining a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. OPCW recruits and employs staff regardless of disability status, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, language, race, marital status, religious, ethnic, cultural and socio-economic backgrounds, or any other personal characteristics.

OPCW 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’.