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Inspector (P-3) Chemical Weapons/Munitions Specialist


COMPLETE OUTLINE – Inspector P-3 (­Chemical Weapons/Munitions Specialist)

 

PRINCIPAL FUNCTIONS

Under the Supervision of the  Head of Cell or a designated Inspection Team Leader, the post holder supports the operational planning and on-site execution of Articles IV and/or V inspections at a wide variety of CW related installations world-wide as specified below:

General

  • To act in a professional manner and maintain the code of conduct at all times.

  • To maintain confidentiality in accordance with the Manual of Confidentiality Procedure (MCP).

  • To act with due regard to health and safety by taking all reasonable steps to prevent, reduce and eliminate harm, injury or illness in the work environment.  To assist in the preparation for inspections, by reviewing and analysing declarations, Facility Agreements (FA), relevant technical information relating to the designated inspection sites and by conducting additional relevant research. 

  • To assist in preparation of  (NRMs), in accordance with the mission instruction issued by the Director General.

  • To function in roles assigned by a designated Inspection Team Leader and complete the tasks associated with these roles to ensure an efficient and orderly inspection.

  • To participate in and contribute to pre-inspection briefings site familiarisations and mission debriefings.

  • To assist the inspection team (IT) in meeting the requirements of the inspection mandate, in accordance with the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) and Quality System Documentation, as well as NRMs relevant policy documents and mission instructions. 

  • To contribute to the preliminary findings and in finalising of the final inspection report, ensuring the accuracy of technical advice given and/or communicated to the Inspection Team Leader.

  • To raise any issues that may require further attention during inspections.

  • To maintain proficiency and meet the requirements of training activities to ensure retention and development of technical skills and knowledge, whether this is at headquarters or in other locations around the world.  

     

    Execution of Articles IV and/or V inspections

  • To carry out the full range of activities in evaluating the technological basis of the declared chemical weapon (CW), which includes both the chemical warfare agent (CWA) and the munition parts, this will be irreversibly destroyed in a Chemical Weapons Destruction Facility (CWDF).

  • To monitor and verify the destruction of CW in CWDFs.

  • To assess the type, condition and other characteristics of the CW and inventory of all CW stored in Chemical Weapons Storage Facility (CWSF) within the systematic CWSF inspections.

  • To assess type, condition, usability and other characteristics of the old CW (OCW) or abandoned CW (ACW).

  • To carry out the full range of activities in evaluating the characteristics of a declared CWPF such that it can no longer be used for production of CWA in a CWPF.

  • To monitor and verify the destruction of abandoned CW (ACW) in abandoned Chemical Weapons Destruction Facility (ACWDF).

  • To participate in sub-teams work and perform other activities as requested by the Inspection Team Leader.

     

     

  • Particular Speciality Responsibilities:

 

    • Understands all the risks associated with different types of chemical agents, munitions, and explosives, and advises Inspection Team Leader with respect to the implementation of protective or other contamination control measures.

    • Identifies chemical weapons and their features in order to verify declaration data during inspections.

    • Uses OPCW approved chemical protective equipment.

    • Determines the usability of old chemical munitions during Article IV(b) inspections.

    • Operates OPCW approved chemical agent detection equipment during inspections.

    • Performs all activities related to Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE) as required, when assigned as NDE Operator. These activities may include::

      • Operates NDE equipment and evaluates the results of the NDE;

      • Completes separate NDE report as well as applicable sections in inspection report;

      • Resolves NDE issues including safety issues related to NDE (e.g., radioactive sources);

      • Makes recommendations to Inspection Team Leader based upon the NDE data;

      • Develops and modifies operating procedures for NDE equipment.

         

        Additionally, execution of Article VI inspections

        In accordance with the differing requirements of inspections carried out under parts VI, VII, VIII and IX of the Verification Annex of the CWC:

  • To perform chemical engineering evaluations.

  • To review relevant plant site records.

  • To perform mass balance calculations, when required.

  • To participate and work in sub-teams and perform other activities as requested by the Inspection Team Leader.

     

    Assistance and protection against CW, Challenge Inspection (CI), Investigation of Alleged Use (IAU), as well as participation in other OPCW (NRMs):

  • To maintain readiness for NRMs, by means of participation in any training and exercises, when scheduled.

  • To assist the Inspection Team Leader in inspections carried out in accordance with Articles IX and X of the CWC or in accordance with decisions of the OPCW Policy Making Organs (PMO) or the OPCW Director General instructions. This will include activities already described above, but with an extra dimension because of the nature of the inspection and additional activities that might be included.

     

  • Particular Speciality Responsibilities:

 

    • Performs area reconnaissance and uses of all equipment associated with such activity.

    • Conducts collection of sample (including chain of custody).

    • Assesses of munitions and devices and making recommendations to the Inspection Team Leader concerning whether or not they are chemical weapons.

    • Monitors Explosive safety during investigations involving items containing explosive hazards.

    • Performs all activities related to Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE).

    • Operates all OPCW approved chemical agent detection equipment.

    • Uses all OPCW approved chemical protective equipment.

    • Establishes and/or operates a decontamination line as required.

       

      Support the effective operation and improvement of Inspectorate and other Divisions

  • To carry out tasks within the Headquarters as designated by the Head of Cell. These tasks include, but are not limited to:

     

    • Provides support and participates in activities of other Inspectorate Cells, if required.

    • Assists in the development, review and implementation of training courses and programmes.

    • Assists the Head of Cell in the development and review of quality system documentation (SOP’s and WI’s).

    • Assists the Head of Cell in achieving the responsibilities and objectives of the Cell as detailed in the PMAS.

    • Performs as the duty officer in the Operations Centre, when assigned.

      Provides feedback on methods which may improve the cost effectiveness of the verification regime.

      RECRUITING PROFILE 

      Education (Qualifications):

      Essential:  An advanced university degree or equivalent in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering from a recognised institution with background in the field of chemical weapons, chemical defence and/or munitions;  a first level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. For ammunition experts the lack of a degree may be off-set with relevant certified training (e.g. military) together with an extensive technical background in the field of chemical weapons. 

       

      Required Certification (if applicable):  Yes, if certified training is used in lieu and place of a degree.

       

      Experience:  

      Essential:  

      A minimum of five years of related experience with an advanced degree or seven years with a first level degree with background in the field of chemical weapons, chemical defence and/or munitions. The lack of a degree may be off-set with other certified training (e.g. military) together with an extensive technical background in the field of chemical weapons and/or munitions, and a minimum of 11 years’ relevant experience. 

       

      Desirable

  • Knowledge and experience with explosive safety, explosive ordnance disposal, and NDE are considered advantages.
  • Certified training and experience in Health and Safety issues related to CBRN will be an asset.
  • Additional qualifications in Chem-EOD is highly desirable.
  • Experience in forensic sampling, and evidence evaluation typically gained in criminal investigation units, weapons intelligence teams, Counter-IED Task Forces or supporting agencies is highly desirable
  • Additional certification or qualifications in toxicology or first responder are considered as an advantage.
  • Experience in peacekeeping in conflict zones and NRMs considered as an advantage.

 

Skills and Abilities (key competencies): 

  • Knowledge and proven skills in the following areas:
    • Certified experience and training in CW agents, CW - design and CW detection technology.
    • Certified training and experience in explosives, explosive safety, explosive ordnance disposal, and in conventional munitions design and safety.
    • Certified training and experience in the use of protective clothing and decontamination methods.
    • Certified training and experience in non-destructive evaluation (NDE) methods.
  • Task oriented focus.
  • Good communication skills (especially factually oriented).
  • Results-driven, respects deadlines and have a pragmatic approach focused on realistic results.
  • Ability to adapt and develop to evolving circumstances and specialised situations.
  • Aligns work with a broader team/organisational goals.
  • Able to deal with complex issues and interpret procedures and guidelines in order to adapt them to cover complex situations.
  • Possesses conflict management skills and ability to enhance the effectiveness of a team.
  • Able to work in diverse environment and travel frequently.
  • Possesses good computer skills.

 

Desirable: Leadership, Managerial and Negotiation expertise

 

Language Requirements:  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.