About Us
The OPCW’s Verification Division works towards achieving chemical disarmament and preventing the re-emergence of chemical weapons through participation in the planning and oversight of inspections at both military and chemical industry facilities. The division also manages declarations while maintaining and strengthening the scientific capabilities of the Organisation, especially its laboratory component. The division also conducts Technical Assistance Visits at the request of States Parties.
The Division is responsible for the day-to-day operation of OPCW’s verification regime. It is a key element of the Secretariat, using trustworthy and science-based information to implement all aspects of the Convention including decisions from the Policy Making Organs.
General Information
Responsibilities
Job Summary
This position is part of the OPCW Laboratory, which is responsible to provide efficient support, and technical and scientific advice to the Organisation on verification-related activities. The Laboratory provides training and certifications on equipment and procedures, handles authentic samples taken during inspections, performs research, develops and implements methods for analysis and testing programs, and maintains the OPCW Central Analytical Database (OCAD).
Our OPCW Laboratory team is seeking an experienced professional with a strong background in analytical chemistry and instrumental analysis, complemented by extensive hands-on laboratory expertise.
Your primary responsibilities as a Senior Analytical Chemist are to support the implementation of a credible verification regime by ensuring that the Laboratory continues to develop its capabilities for analysis of chemicals relevant to the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) while operating efficiently by quality assurance standards.
Main Responsibilities
Under the supervision of the Head of Laboratory, the Senior Analytical Chemist performs the following duties:
- Conducting the inter-laboratory proficiency testing programme:
- Assist Head of the Laboratory with planning and organising tests under ISO/IEC 17043 accreditation;
- Assist the Head of the Laboratory with preparation of Technical and Secrecy Agreements with assisting laboratories;
- Advise Preparing Laboratory on sample preparation and shipping;
- Oversee sample preparation and dispatch, or perform sample preparation if required;
- Supervise and perform independent analyses of test samples;
- Supervise and write the OPCW Laboratory report from analysis of the test samples;
- Evaluate the participants’ reports of the test, provide evaluation report;
- Advise Evaluating Laboratory on performing analyses and checking of their draft evaluation report;
- Act as key member in a meeting to discuss evaluation results with Evaluating Laboratory;
- Act as key member in evaluation meetings with participating laboratories o Check evaluation report;
- Assist drafting of preliminary evaluation report;
- Assist with the meeting to discuss results of proficiency test; Assist with finalisation of test results;
- Maintain and update the QDOCs related to this activity;
- Take the lead with respect to audits by OIO and/or RvA for proficiency testing;
- Assist the Head of the Laboratory with preparation and evaluation of CWC Chemical Analysis Competency Tests (CCACT).
- Provide training and certification exercises for AC inspectors or other trainees on performing analyses using GC/MS systems and sample collection and preparation kits;
- Develop and provide training for both internal and external participants on 1) performing analyses using analytical equipment such as GC/MS, LC/MS and NMR, 2) methods/techniques supporting the proficiency testing programme, 3) safe handling of chemical agents, 4) synthesis of chemical agents, 5) other training courses as determined by the Head of the Laboratory;
- Maintain OPCW Laboratory accreditation and support QMS;
- Ensure safe and efficient operation of the OPCW Laboratory, including procurement and maintenance of laboratory equipment in a timely and efficient manner;
- Provide technical advice, training and support on inspection analytical equipment-related issues and verification-related analytical issues;
- Assist the Inspectorate by acting as an Analytical Chemist Inspector;
- Assist in the Preparation of Authentic Samples;
- Perform other duties as required.
Qualifications and Experience
Education
Essential:
- An advanced degree in Chemistry or equivalent from a recognized institution. A first-level university degree in combination with extensive relevant laboratory experience (=> 9 years) may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Desirable:
- Ph.D. in Chemistry, preferably with a focus on Analytical Chemistry.
Knowledge and Experience
Essential:
- At least 7 years experience in the field of analytical chemistry and instrumental analysis with advanced degree or 9 years with first level degree;
- A minimum of 6 years recent and practical experience as operator of GC/MS and/or LC/MS and/or NMR instrumentation;
- Several years of recent and practical experience in the analysis of chemical weapons related samples; including sample collection and sample preparation procedures for environmental samples;
Desirable:
- Experience with high-resolution mass spectrometry will be an asset.
Skills and Competencies
Skills and Abilities (key competencies):
- Knowledge of the chemistry of Scheduled chemicals, their precursors and degradation products that are listed in the ‘Annex on Chemicals’ in the CWC;
- Knowledge of sampling and analysis procedures for the analysis of chemical weapons related chemicals and of related instrumental analytical methods and techniques (GC/MS, LC/MS, FTIR, NMR);
- Knowledge of quality assurance and quality control procedures and international standards;
- Strong computer software and electronic data management skills;
- Practical knowledge of GC/MS processing software such as Agilent Chemstation and MS library managing software such as NIST MS Searcb/AMDIS;
- Basic understanding of general analytical methods including their limitations and of modem instrumentation needed to apply these methods in field as well as laboratory situations;
- A broad understanding of the various analytical techniques (and their limitations) used by laboratories in the analysis of Convention related chemicals;
- Ability to manage teams in working on technical projects, background in quality management systems;
- Tact, discretion, and the ability to work harmoniously in a multi-cultural environment.
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
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 OPCW is a non-career organisation with limited staff tenure. The total length of service for Professional staff shall not exceed 7 years.
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.
OPCW 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’.
