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
The Inspectorate Division -dedicated to implementing the Technical Secretariat’s on-site verification activities- in line with the strategic objectives of the OPCW has been committed to enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the activities for verification of compliance with the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) through, inter alia, the incremental modernisation of the Organisation’s approved equipment pool, and broadened portfolio of capacity building activities to be offered to relevant stakeholders.
In alignment with these efforts, the newly restructured Technology Hub and Logistics section has been playing a pivotal role in advancing these goals. The Section’s Technology Hub of the Centre for Chemistry and Technology is dedicated to developing a robust, in-house test and validation capability that will serve as a centralised platform for the identification, testing, and validation of current and emerging technologies relevant to the Convention’s mandate.
This empowers the Technical Secretariat to address emerging threats and optimise chemical security, through state-of-the-art equipment and procedures, ultimately enhancing the OPCW’s mission to support chemical security internationally and combat the misuse of chemistry for harmful purposes.
Under the supervision of the Head, technology Hub & Logistics you will provide comprehensive support to the Technology Hub, by collaborating with cross-functional teams on technology-driven projects, providing technical support during testing and validation activities of emerging technologies, assisting in technology integration efforts, and facilitating training and knowledge sharing on emerging technologies, thereby contributing to the promotion of an environment which is conducive to technology innovation.
Main Responsibilities
Under the supervision of the Head, technology Hub & Logistics, as a Senior Technology Technician you will be responsible for the following;
Technology Testing, Validation, and Integration
- Assisting in the validation and testing of new and emerging technologies, such as additive manufacturing devices, drones, robotics, and sensor-based equipment.
- Preparing detailed reports on testing outcomes and recommend integration plans for validated technologies.
- Collaborating with laboratory and technical experts to adapt and refine emerging technologies for OPCW-specific use cases.
- Maintaining an inventory of prototype and test equipment, ensuring proper documentation and traceability.
Mission Preparation and Equipment Management
- Managing the inventory, readiness, and maintenance of mission equipment.
- Preparing equipment for deployment, ensuring compliance with relevant safety, security, and transport regulations.
- Supporting post-mission activities, including replenishment, cleaning, and functionality checks of returned equipment.
- Overseeing the calibration and certification of equipment to ensure operational reliability.
Collaboration with the Situation Centre (SitCen)
- Serving as the liaison between the Equipment Support Team and SitCen for the maintenance and readiness of inspection laptops, secure communication devices, and other mission-critical systems.
- Providing technical support for configuring and troubleshooting SitCen-related equipment prior to deployment.
- Ensuring all relevant hardware and software for communication devices are updated and meet operational standards.
Training and Technical Support
- Conducting training sessions on the use of new and existing equipment, particularly focusing on emerging technologies.
- Developing user manuals, training materials, and work instructions to facilitate knowledge sharing.
- Providing on-site and remote technical support for staff, trainees, and external stakeholders as needed.
Process Optimization and Innovation
- Participating in initiatives to optimize equipment management processes, reducing lead times and enhancing accuracy.
- Identifying opportunities to integrate new technologies or methods that improve operational workflows.
General Support and Team Collaboration
- Assisting in developing procurement plans and monitoring lifecycle management for operational equipment and consumables.
- Supporting other team members in their respective fields as required.
- Maintaining a clean and organized workspace, adhering to OPCW standards for safety and efficiency.
- Performing other related duties as assigned by the Technical Support Officer or Head, Technology Hub & Logistics.
Qualifications and Experience
Education
Essential:
- High school diploma or equivalent Diploma of higher secondary education in engineering, technology management, or related field.
- Technical/Systems Engineering.
Desirable:
Knowledge and Experience
Essential:
A minimum of four years of professional experience in technology management, testing and integration, ideally within an international organisation. Interdisciplinary knowledge of technologies and understanding of functioning mechanisms of emerging technologies - additive manufacturing, drones, robotics, and advanced communication devices a very strong asset.
- Demonstrated experience in managing various equipment and technologies throughout their lifecycle
- Demonstrated technical proficiency in testing and validation methodologies, including awareness of industry standards and best practices pertaining to technology testing
- Experience in developing technology-related user manuals, technical documentation, and training modules, conducting training sessions to diverse stakeholders.
- Ability to maintain traceability of documentation, including test reports, technology validation and integration records.
- Experience in providing expert advice on best practices for technology integration, ensuring seamless interoperability of the tested technology solutions with already-existing systems.
Desirable:
- Familiarity with technical software used in simulation, modelling, and analysis for testing and validation of technologies
- Familiarity with CAD software for 3D modelling, particularly in relation to additive manufacturing processes
- Diagnostic skills for identifying, troubleshooting technical issues in technology systems being tested
- UN, IO or specialised tech settings.
Skills and Competencies
Skills and Abilities (key competencies):
- Hands-on experience in configuring and troubleshooting communication devices.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
- An analytical mindset for assessing technology needs and identifying innovative technology solutions to support OPCW’s verification and inspection objectives
- High attention to details, for ensuring precision, thoroughness, and accuracy in testing processes and in data collection
- Ability to adapt to evolving priorities, including the ability to balance emerging technology integration with support and maintenance of mission-critical systems
- Customer-service orientation.
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’.
