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
Responsibilities
Job Summary
Operations Security Section operates to protect the staff, buildings, infrastructure and property of the OPCW against physical damage or loss (e.g. assault, fire, vandalism, theft). The employment of a dedicated OPCW guard force, backed up by a complex infrastructure of fire, flood and intruder detection systems working with fully recorded closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems, provide 24/7 manned protection for OPCW staff, visitors and the headquarters building. Physical access to and within the building is strictly controlled to deter and/or contain any possible threat, and regular assessment of risks are conducted to ensure the level of protection remains valid and fully functional.
Two posts will be filled.
Main Responsibilities
Under the direct supervision of a Security Sergeant and under the overall guidance of the Head of Operations Security, the incumbent performs the following duties:
- Preserves order and protects persons and property on OPCW premises. This requires attendance at Control, Defence and de-escalation technique training; awareness and adherence to OPCW Use of Force Policy; the carrying, use, care and maintenance of ASP extendable batons;
- Carries out 24-hour access control at the OPCW facilities; responsible for screening of visitors, contractors, OPCW staff members, delegates, and other personnel;
- Maintains a safe and secure environment for OPCW staff members, delegates, contractors, visitors and other personnel;
- Conducts interior and exterior patrols throughout OPCW premises for the purpose of intercepting unauthorized persons attempting to have gained entry to the premises, reporting all security, fire and safety violations to the Security Control Centre;
- Provides information and directions to all persons associated with the organization;
- Controls, identifies and clears pedestrian and vehicular traffic entering and exiting the premises; maintains logbooks and records as required;
- Maintains alertness for any potential or actual breaches of security and any disturbances or unusual activity; responds to and reports disturbances, unusual activities or breaches in accordance with procedures;
- Performs surveillance and security checks on OPCW terrain, facilities and assets;
- Assists in the safe evacuation of personnel when required to do so;
- Responds to all other incidents as required. Acts in a proactive manner to ensure safety and security of personnel and assets;
- Responsible for receipt, screening and recording of documents and packages delivered to OPCW;
- Conducts receptionist duties when required, issues and controls badges and keys, maintaining accurate records and logs;
- Responsible for recording and reporting information, using established tools and technology including database systems, hand-held devices and radio communications;
- Required to operate security systems and functions at all security posts including security control room, guard houses and other established posts;
- Performs all duties in accordance with established and duly authorised OCS procedures;
- Performs all other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications and Experience
Education
Essential:
- High School Diploma or equivalent Diploma of Secondary education.
Desirable:
- Completion of a formal military or civilian police programme.
Excellent physical condition to allow completion of training programmes and performance of required functions is a requirement for a job as Security Officer.
Knowledge and Experience
Essential:
- 1 year of relevant security experience;
- First Aid diploma, or ability to obtain a First Aid qualification.
Desirable:
- At least 2 years’ experience with a civilian police force or three years in a military police force or providing security guard services;
- Previous experience in the security field with an International Organisation.
Other requirements:
- Ability to operate security and communications systems (switchboards, radios, CCTV systems, etc.);
- Computer literacy, must be able to use computer-based application and tools;
- Must be able to perform and endure rotating shift work and unsociable hours;
- Wearing of uniform is required.
Skills and Competencies
- Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication.
- Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others.
- Planning & Organising: Develops clear objectives that are consistent with agreed strategies, demonstrates initiative and takes necessary actions, identifies priority activities and assignments.
- Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments, delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality, standards, operates in compliance with organisational regulations and rules, supports supervised staff, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments.
- Creativity: Actively seeks to improve programmes or services, offers new and different options to solve problems or meet client needs, promotes and persuades others to consider new ideas.
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
Staff members in the General Services category are normally recruited and paid on a local basis.
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 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.
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’.
