Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons vacancy search engine

Inspector (Advanced Health and Safety Specialist) (P-3)


Principal Functions

Under the Supervision of the Heads of Inspection Team Personnel (Industry and Technology Advancement Unit / Contingency and Chemical Demilitarisation Unit) or of a designated Inspection Team Leader (ITL), the main function of Advanced Health and Safety Specialist (HSS) inspectors is to support the operational planning and on-site execution of inspections under Articles IV and V of the CWC, as well as Non-Routine Missions (NRMs), at a wide variety of declared facilities and military installations world-wide. When not on missions, inspectors participate in intra-divisional activities and projects, as assigned by the Head(s) of Unit (s) and/or the Inspectorate Management Team (IMT), when required. Inspectors are expected to carry out additional tasks in accordance with the needs of the Division. Under the supervision of ITLs and/or Head(s) of Unit(s), inspectors may be assigned to provide technical support to International Cooperation and Assistance activities as well as any other cross-divisional projects.

General

  1. Demonstrate the core values of the OPCW in the execution of your duties.
  2. Maintain confidentiality in accordance with the Manual of Confidentiality Procedure (MCP).
  3. Act with due regard to health and safety (H&S) by taking all reasonable steps to prevent, reduce and eliminate harm, injury or illness in the work environment.
  4. Conduct all phases of the mission (preparation, inspection and post-inspection activities) in an effective, efficient and consistent manner, by applying relevant INS Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and verification guidelines:
    1. Prepare for inspections by reviewing and analysing declarations, relevant technical information related to the inspection site and by conducting additional relevant research. Participate in and contribute to pre-inspection briefings site familiarisation;
    2. Assist the IT in meeting the requirements of the inspection mandate, in accordance with the CWC, Quality System Documentation and mission instructions;
    3. Participate in sub-teams work and perform roles/assigned tasks by the ITL. In exceptional circumstances, take on the role of Acting ITL;
    4. Raise any issue that may require further attention during inspections;
    5. Contribute to inspection reports, ensuring its accuracy;
    6. Participate in and contribute to mission debriefings.
  5. Operate and use protective, detection and decontamination equipment as per training received.
  6. Assist the Head of Cell in achieving the responsibilities and objectives of the Cell.
  7. Maintain and develop professional competence: complete required training and ensure that relevant knowledge and expertise is current, at headquarters or in other locations around the world.
  8. Support Knowledge Management activities:
    1. Participate in and contribute to trainings and to the development/review of Quality Systems Documentation;
    2. Support the capture of best practices and lessons learned. Maintain and share knowledge;
    3. Participate in mentoring activities as a mentor or mentee.

     

    1. Contribute to identify and promote advances in science/technology that are relevant to the Division, plan and implement technical activities related to developments in science and technology and actively support the Secretariat’s anticipated activities at the ChemTech Centre (CCT).
    2. Undergo any special duties and tasks as directed by the Inspectorate Management Team.

Specific

  1. Support and advice IT personnel on health and safety issues related to inspection activities.
  2. Prepare H&S plans for inspections in the CWs facilities inspected by OPCW.
  3. Determine requirements for medical, H&S equipment and pharmaceuticals to take on inspections.
  4. Review fitness certificates and medical history forms of the IT to prepare for and anticipate any issues.
  5. Prepare and execute pre- and post- inspection safety H&S briefings.
  6. Monitor the H&S requirement of inspectors in transit and on-site, advising the ITL.
  7. Assess and treat inspector medical illness, injury, trauma and exposure to CWs.
  8. Co-ordinate the medical treatment of inspectors with national medical services, or oversee the medical evacuation process, consulting with medical officers and headquarters.
  9. Provide Advanced Life Support medical/safety support during inspections as required.
  10. Evaluate the technological basis of the declared CW, which includes both the Chemical Weapon Agent (CWA) and the metal parts.
  11. Provide H&S support to inspectors performing munition or CWA assessment during inspections in Chemical Weapons Production Facilities (CWPF), Chemical Weapons Storage Facilities (CWSFs), Old Chemical Weapons (OCWs) and Abandoned Chemical Weapons (ACWs), as well NRMs.
  12. Monitor and verify the destruction of CW in Chemical Weapons Destruction Facilities (CWDFs).
  13. Evaluate CWs related medical casualties and ability to interview affected subjects competently.
  14. Assist in preparation of NRMs, in accordance with mission instruction issued by the DG.

All candidates will have to undergo a special fitness test when recruited, including a three-phase employment physical test to ensure an adequate fitness level and heat tolerance in order to wear respirators, and Fully Encapsulated Protective Ensemble. Successful candidates will possibly be required to work in high-risk areas.

Knowledge and Experience

Education

Essential 

An advanced university degree or equivalent in Paramedical Sciences, or other closely related field from a recognised institution; a first level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. The lack of a degree may be off-set with relevant certified training together with an extensive technical background.

Required Certification (if applicable): 

  1. Current paramedic registration
  2. Current PHTLS certification
  3. Current ALS (or ALCS) certification

Experience

Essential

A minimum of five years of relevant experience with an advanced degree or seven years with a first level degree or eleven years with an equivalent or specialized training such as a paramedic, professional nursing or health and safety technician. Only candidates with recent hands-on pre-hospital or remote clinical experience with current valid registration will be considered.

Desirable

  1. Knowledge and experience of working in areas where there are hazardous materials (HAZMAT).
  2. Experience in occupational health and safety matters (including radiation safety).
  3. Experience in deployment to hostile environments and related safety and security assessments.
  4. Experience in the conduct of forensic investigations.
  5. OSMC qualification from recognised establishment.
  6. Health and Safety qualification (NEBOSH or equivalent).
  7. MIRA or equivalent qualification.
  8. Security qualifications (or work experience); investigation (or interviewing) qualifications.

Skills and Abilities (key competencies)

  1. Effective communication (especially factually orientated): speak and write clearly and effectively, listen to others, demonstrate openness in sharing information and in keeping people informed in respect of the sensitivity/confidentiality of the work, ability to interact effectively at all levels within and outside the Organisation.
  2. Proactive and goal-oriented: demonstrate initiative, develop clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies, allocate appropriate amount of time and resources for completing the assigned work, monitor and adjust plans and actions as necessary, and persist to complete tasks respecting deadlines and having a pragmatic approach focused on realistic results.
  3. Adaptability: adapt and develop to evolving circumstances and complex situations, able to work under pressure with multiple projects and in diverse environment, travel frequently and respect and appreciate diversity.
  4. Teamwork: align work with a broader team/organisational goals, place team’s interest before one’s own, build consensus rather than make decisions alone, support and act according group decision, even when it might not totally reflects one’s position; value other’s ideas and expertise and learn from them, share credit for team accomplishments and accept joint responsibility for team shortcomings.
  5. Demonstrate good computer skills.
  6. Good situational awareness: able to swiftly capture and interpret information from the environment and integrate it with previous knowledge to assess, adapt and cope with a situation when required.
  7. Judgement and decision making: identify key issues quickly, interpret and follow established procedures and guidelines to deal with complex issues or situations, gather relevant information before proposing or making a decision, consider positive and negative impacts of decisions on others and on the Organization, propose a course of action or make a recommendation based on all available information.

 

Desirable

  1. Negotiation: prepare thoroughly, question, listen and trade concessions effectively, show flexibility and patience; think creatively; remain open minded.
  2. Self-awareness, interviewing and investigation skills

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