PRINCIPAL FUNCTIONS
Reporting directly to the Chef de Cabinet in the Office of the Director General (ODG), the incumbent leads OPCW-EU project coordination across the Organisation, providing outreach, advice, oversight, and reporting related to the development and implementation of major programmatic activities financed from EU voluntary funding provided in accordance with the Decision of the EU Council, in close cooperation with BFB and Programme Managers.
Coordination
Coordinates cooperation between the European Union (EU) and the OPCW, with lead responsibility for the management of multi-million Euro EU voluntary contributions, including all programmes related to the financing of the future OPCW Centre for Chemistry and Technology.
Analyses OPCW funding requirements in view of EU project funding policies and objectives with a view to optimizing opportunities for OPCW-EU cooperation.
Fosters strong working relations with relevant EU Institutions and their officials and representatives in Brussels and The Hague.
Advice
Provides holistic, cross-cutting advice to ODG and Programme Managers on EU voluntary contribution issues, including funding options.
Guides and supports Programme Managers in the formulation of EU project proposals, including budgets, and in reporting on project activities and outcomes.
Negotiation
Conducts funding negotiations with the EU, including at senior levels, and prepares supporting presentations to the EU, OPCW senior management and internal/external stakeholders.
Prepares (standard) agreements with the donor, working closely with LAO and BFB.
Oversight
Manages and maintains oversight of EU voluntary contributions.
Working closely with BFB, monitors the receipt of EU voluntary contributions to ensure consistency with the relevant donor agreements.
Assures the timely and sufficient release of budgetary allotments related to EU voluntary contributions.
Ensures OPCW compliance with EU expectations and requirements with regard to EU-funded projects.
Exercises oversight over activities related to the OPCW Centre for Chemistry and Technology funded by EU voluntary contributions.
Works closely with Programme Managers, BFB and Management on all matters pertaining to EU verification (audit) missions and internal and external audits pertaining to EU funding and projects.
Reporting
Monitors the status of implementation of EU-funded projects and issues voluntary contribution (Trust Fund) financial status reports to ODG and Programme Managers to support decision-making.
Prepares timely reports identifying any deviations from the approved implementation plan to relevant Programme Managers and the EU donor.
Maintains the archive for project and budget related documents covering EU voluntary contributions, including for audit purposes.
Coordinating with relevant Programme Managers and BFB, prepares project interim and final reports for dissemination to the donor and the Director-General, in accordance with EU reporting deadlines.
Performs other duties relating to the EU, as requested by the Chief of Cabinet.
RECRUITING PROFILE
Education (Qualifications):
Essential:
An advanced degree in Engineering, Science and Technology, Business Administration, International Relations/Security, Public Administration, or related field. A first level university degree or equivalent in combination with qualifying experience (minimum 12 years) may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree. Profound knowledge of EU decision-making, project management and funding processes.
Desirable:
Knowledge of financial management.
Knowledge of the Chemical Weapons Convention and activities of the OPCW.
Experience:
Essential:
At least ten years’ experience relating to programme management is essential, including activities related to the preparation of programme budgets and the preparation/assessment of project reports. Experience working in a multilateral environment is desirable, as is experience cooperating with the EU.
Skills and Abilities (key competencies):
Proven strong leadership abilities, including the capacity to effectively lead processes cross-organisationally with vision and persuasion.
Demonstrated strong negotiation skills.
Knowledge of international organisations and their practices, in particular the EU and EU project management guidelines.
Proven knowledge of project management, results-based management and logical framework methodologies.
Proven excellent communication skills (both verbal and written) and the ability to draft and edit presentational documents and reports (including financial reports).
Proven analytical skills with regard to analysing developments and trends and the ability to conceive and apply original ideas.
Flexibility, tact and discretion.
Knowledge of and familiarity with international treaties, specifically the Chemical Weapons Convention, is desirable.
Ability to work harmoniously with people in an international environment as well as maintain confidentiality.
Good computer skills (proficiency with MS Office Excel in particular).
Language Requirements:
Fluency in English is essential.
