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 Office of Strategy and Policy (OSP) develops the Technical Secretariat’s strategic planning and provides policy advice to the Director-General and the Secretariat’s management, particularly relating to cross-cutting issues such as incidents of chemical weapons use, non-routine missions, chemical security, engagement with international organisations and chemical industry, education and outreach, counter-terrorism, and science and technology.
This role in OSP ensures that the Science Policy Adviser is provided with expert advice on advancements in science and technology, with a focus on artificial intelligence (AI) and digital sciences, through continuous monitoring and provision of specialised advice on applicability to the work of the OPCW. The individual will also help lead, coordinate, and integrate AI and data science-driven approaches and solutions to and in the work of the Secretariat. This role will also take the lead on the Organisation’s knowledge management activities, with a focus on the development and implementation of knowledge management systems and the development and application of digital tools to knowledge management processes.
Main Responsibilities
Under the direct supervision of the Science Policy Adviser, the Senior Science Policy Officer (AI, Data Sciences and Knowledge Management) will perform the following duties:
- Monitors advances in artificial intelligence and related technologies and provides the first level supervisor with advice and guidance on strategic topics that relate to the work of OPCW. Contributes to and coordinates organisational reports as required;
- Leads the management and implementation of knowledge management practices for the Organisation;
- Supports and, where appropriate, coordinates and/or leads scientific activities related to AI, data gathering and data curation across the Technical Secretariat. Communicates with prospective external donors, builds and maintains relationships, and secures project-based funds for scientific activities;
- Serves as an internal resource to provide advice and technical information on artificial intelligence, data science and machine learning for units across the OPCW. Proactively engages staff across the OPCW on scientific topics;
- Coordinates internal and external meetings and keep records of those; Contributes, as appropriate, to the preparations of conferences and meetings, coordinate the Technical Secretariat’s follow-up and provide advice on related issues to the Science Policy Advisor and the Director of OSP;
- Performs other duties as requested.
Qualifications and Experience
Education
Essential:
- Advanced University degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) field, such as Chemistry, Physics, Statistics, Computer Science, Data, Science, or Applied Mathematics;
- A first level University degree in STEM in combination with qualifying experience (at least 9 years) may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Knowledge and Experience
Essential:
- At least 7 years of professional experience in a relevant field, or at least 9 years with only a first level degree;
- Applied experience with machine learning on large datasets;
- Management and implementation of knowledge management systems, including organising, tagging, or structuring information for accessibility;
- Experience in one or more of the following areas: coding (e.g., C/C++, Python, Java), databases and querying (e.g., SQL, MySQL, MapReduce, Hadoop);
- Proven record of producing high-quality technical reports, briefings, or publications for diverse audiences;
- Leading or coordinating AI/data science-driven projects in an organisational context.
Desirable:
- Experience with statistical programming languages and analysis and relevant data management collaboration tools;
- Experience in the assessment of emerging AI and digital science developments, including applications, risks, and opportunities;
- Experience in ethical AI governance or responsible AI practices;
- Experience in disarmament, arms control and/or non-proliferation;
- Knowledge of international security affairs;
- Experience in multilateral affairs;
- Strategy or policy development experience in international organisations, government or non-profit sector.
Skills and Competencies
- A strong understanding of scientific and technological principles related to data science, data curation, artificial intelligence, machine learning, deep learning, and related technologies;
- Familiarity with driving forces and trends, and subsequent advances in data science and artificial intelligence;
- Strong ability to frame technical questions in order to help solve policy problems;
- Advocate of scientific literacy to aid decision making processes;
- Excellent stakeholder management skills, including ability to deliver results through others and ability to deliver high-quality results under pressure;
- Thorough understanding of the complexities of working in an international environment (including the different points of view of a diverse membership);
- Exquisite communication skills – both oral and written – and ability to engage in effective dialogue with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders on diverse scientific and technical topics;
- Proven ability to influence, persuade and mobilize agreement and action on complex issues;
- Excellent interpersonal skills: ability to work in teams and in multi-cultural environments;
- Challenges the status quo, contributes and tries out innovative approaches and insights.
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’.