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Inspector (Chemical Weapons/Munitions 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 Chemical Weapons/Munitions specialist (CWMS) inspectors is to conduct inspections under Articles IV and V of the CWC, at several CW related installations worldwide. The inspectors may be requested to support or join chemical industry inspections under Article VI, as well as Non-Routine Missions (NRMs). 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 current OPCW procedures.
  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. Identify CWs and their features, to verify declaration data during inspections and make recommendations in that regard to the ITL.
  2. Evaluate the technological basis of the declared CW, including both the Chemical Warfare Agent (CWA) and the munition parts.
  3. Assess the type, condition and other characteristics of the CW stored in Chemical Weapons Storage Facilities (CWSFs); and of the Old Chemical Weapon (OCW) or Abandoned Chemical Weapon (ACW). Determine the usability of old chemical munitions.
  4. Monitor and verify the destruction of the CWs in Chemical Weapons Destruction Facilities (CWDFs), and the ACW in Abandoned Chemical Weapons Destruction Facility (ACWDF).
  5. Evaluate the characteristics of a declared Chemical Weapons Production Facility (CWPF) such that it can no longer be used for production of CWA.
  6. Perform all activities related to Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE) as required.
  7. Understand the risks associated with chemical agents, munitions and explosives and advises ITL of protective or other contamination control measures.
  8. In NRMs, CI and IAU missions, perform appropriate OPCW procedures and use the OPCW equipment associated with such activity.
  9. Provide support in missions where evidence of possible CW-related incidents needs to be gathered, with a focus on forensic sound exploitability.
  10. Support internal capacity building efforts of the organisation to improve knowledge and skills of deployed personnel in evidence gathering, crime scene investigations as well as report writing.
  11. 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 in a relevant STEM subject (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) such as Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, CBRN or closely related field from a recognised institution with background in the field of chemical weapons, chemical defence or munitions. A first level university degree in a relevant STEM subject in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

For ammunition or first responder specialists, the lack of a degree may be off-set with other certified training (e.g. military, police HAZMAT response, law enforcement) together with an extensive technical background in the field of toxic chemicals, CWs and/or munitions, and a minimum of 11 years’ relevant experience. Additional qualification in Chem-EOD is highly desirable.

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

Experience

Essential

A minimum of five years of related experience with an advanced degree, seven years with a first level degree or 11 years with relevant certified training in the fields of: toxic chemicals, CWs and/or munitions, Chem-EOD and HAZMAT-response.

Desirable

Certified experience and/or training in:

  1. Use of non-destructive evaluation (NDE) methods.
  3. Health and Safety issues related to CBRNe (i.e. HAZMAT training).
  5. Forensics or criminal investigations as well as sensitive site exploitation.
  7. Chemical forensic sampling, analysis and evidence evaluation typically gained in criminal investigation units or supporting agencies.
  9. Weapon intelligence and trackIEDD operations.
  11. Additional certification or qualifications in toxicology or first responder.
  13. Experience in peacekeeping operations in conflict zones and NRMs.
  14. Experience working with Artificial Intelligence (gen AI) and other relevant related technologies is an asset.

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. 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. Conflict management: identify conflicts early, facilitate their resolution by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions.
  2. Negotiation: prepare thoroughly, question, listen and trade concessions effectively, show flexibility and patience; think creatively; remain open minded.

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


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