Principal Functions

Under the direct supervision of the Security Coordination Officer and in accordance with the OPCW Core Values of Integrity, Professionalism and Respect for Diversity/Gender Equality, the Senior Security Associate (Technical Security Systems) performs the following duties:

1. Assists in the day to day operational and administrative functions of the Operations Security Section (OSS), ensuring the safe and secure environment for staff members, delegates, visitors and assets;
2. Manages the OSS implementation of electronic security and other physical security systems and infrastructure supporting the physical security program at all OPCW premises (Headquarters and CCT), ensuring that established objectives are met;
3. Establishes the operational requirements for OSS electronic and other physical security systems and infrastructure, documenting the scope of work for new systems under development or upgrade, ensuring that systems deliver upon expected security objectives;
4. Manages the implementation of new physical security systems and infrastructure, coordinating procurement activities, and project managing implementation and installation of new systems and infrastructure;
5. Prepares, implements and delivers a preventive maintenance program for all OSS electronic and other physical security systems and infrastructure as approved by the Head of Operations Security. Manages relationships and contracts with OSS contractors to ensure maintenance plans and corrective actions are scheduled and followed;
6. Prepares standard procedures for corrective maintenance of OSS electronic and other physical security systems and infrastructure in consultation with the Security Coordination Officer and Head of Operations Security;
7. Ensures physical access rules and integration of security management system components are implemented in accordance with the policies and procedures approved the Head of Operations Security and Head of OCS and monitors policy compliance via electronic security systems;
8. Manages the development and implementation of information management resources supporting OSS operations and procedures, via SharePoint or other systems.
9. Designs, builds and supports SharePoint applications for OSS operations, providing real-time information to OCS management regarding security processes and procedures.;
10. Ensures the ongoing information management needs of OSS and OCS are supported;
11. Monitors and reports on the levels of compliance with physical security policies;
12. Ensures that the established goals and objectives are accomplished in accordance with prescribed priorities, time limitations and financial conditions.;
13. Advises and makes recommendations in the formulation of goals and objectives of the OSS physical security programme, particularly with regards to electronic security and information management systems. Identifies shortcomings and supports delivery of approved goals and objectives. In consultation with the Head of Operations Security, assigns corrective actions within information processing activities across OSS;
14. Identifies gaps and makes recommendations for improvement to ensure the delivery of services has a consistent quality level;
15. Contributes to physical security vulnerability assessments for OPCW premises in accordance with UN standards and best practices. Reports findings and follows up on approved mitigating measures in consultation with the Security Coordination Officer;
16. Supports security coordination processes and procedures as required;
17. Manages all responsibilities in assigned area;
18. Provides security training and presentations to security staff under the guidance of the Security Coordination Officer;
19. Recommends and advises on matters concerning the organization and management of the activities of his/her assigned responsibilities;
20. Performs any other related duties as required.

Knowledge and Experience

Education

Essential

High School Diploma or equivalent.

Desirable:

Certified ASIS Physical Security Professional or similar certification.

Experience

Essential

At least 9 years of progressively responsible relevant experience.

Desirable

Experience working within the UN Security Management System is desirable.

Demonstrated experience in designing, implementing and maintaining physical security systems.

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; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Team Work: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Language Requirements

COMPLETE OUTLINE

PRINCIPAL FUNCTIONS

Under the general supervision and reporting to the Director, Office of Internal Oversight (Director, OIO), the Senior Investigator, Evaluator and Quality Assurance Officer will:

1) In relation to Evaluations & Quality Management processes:

The incumbent will lead and manage evaluations and quality management processes across the OPCW, including:

Evaluation Responsibilities

a)     Develop and propose an annual evaluation work programme using a risk-based methodology, considering input from OPCW Management and Member States.

b)       Lead and oversee evaluation assignments, setting objectives, scope, and methodologies in line with the OIO Annual Work Programme.

c)       Draft and review evaluation reports, engage with Division Directors and programme managers to discuss findings, and finalise reports for inclusion in the OIO Annual Report and other executive documents.

d)       Monitor and report on the implementation of recommendations from evaluation reports on a quarterly basis.

e)    Provide advice to internal stakeholders on evaluation methodologies, guidelines, and performance indicators, supporting OPCW’s monitoring and evaluation initiatives.

Quality Management Responsibilities

f)      Lead the implementation and enhancement of the Secretariat's quality management systems (QMS) for accredited processes within the OPCW Laboratory and OIO, ensuring compliance with ISO standards (e.g., 17025:2017, 17043:2023).

g)       Develop, update, and maintain relevant QMS policies, procedures, and documentation, ensuring effective control, accuracy, and versioning in line with relevant documentation.

h)        Act as Secretary and advisor to the QMS Technical Committee, providing expert guidance on QMS-related matters.

i)        Plan and execute internal QMS audits, ensuring compliance with standards, identifying areas for improvement, and promoting corrective actions where needed.

j)        Drive continuous improvement initiatives by analysing audit findings, stakeholder feedback, and process performance data to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the QMS.

k)       Facilitate staff capacity building in QMS by identifying training needs and designing and delivering internal and external training programmes.

l)     Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure alignment with evolving ISO standards and best practices, supporting successful accreditation and re-accreditation processes.

2) In relation to Internal Investigations:

The incumbent will lead and conduct investigations into potential breaches of the Code of Conduct and related policies, as assigned by the Director-General including:

a)          Develop terms of reference and establish investigative plans for internal investigations.

b)          Lead investigation teams (including contracted specialists) or participate as a team member as required.

c)       Conduct investigations into fraud, corruption, conflicts of interest, harassment, and other breaches in accordance with OPCW internal investigation policy document(s).

d)          Prepare detailed reports with findings and recommendations, safeguarding evidence and maintaining confidentiality.

e)          Supervise and monitor investigative outputs, ensuring adherence to deadlines, budgets, and quality standards.

f)           Maintain and update protocols for managing complaints and allegations of misconduct, including the use of data analytics and forensic methodologies.

g)          Promote fraud awareness and deliver training programmes within the Secretariat.

h)          Providing advice to management on lessons learned from investigations to improve organisational policies and practices.

3) ISO Accreditation and Stakeholder Relations

Serve as the single contact point for the Dutch Accreditation Council (RvA) regarding ISO accreditation granted to the OPCW, ensuring compliance with relevant standards.

4) Other duties

Perform other duties as required by the Director, OIO.

Education (Qualifications):

Essential:

An advanced university degree in Law, Auditing, Forensic Accounting, Finance, Economics or Business Administration or another relevant field. A first level university degree in similar specialities as noted above, in combination with qualifying experience (minimum 9 years) may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Demonstrated experience and ability in conducting and coordinating a wide range of advanced, complex and multifaceted investigation activities, quickly and accurately, including witness and suspect interviews, evidence collection, search and seizure, briefings, report writing and recommendations, tactical operation planning and complex investigation planning. Demonstrated experience in investigating fraud and misuse of funds.

Desirable:

Certification as Lead Auditor for ISO 9001:2015 and more specific for ISO/IEC 17025:2017 or ISO/IEC 17043:2023.

Formal Training or Certification in Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E).

Formal training and/or certification in law enforcement methodologies, an asset.

Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), highly desirable.

 Experience: 

Essential:

• At least 7 years of relevant experience in activities that relate to the planning and movement, by a variety of transportation alternatives, of sizeable numbers of personnel and sensitive equipment is required.
• Experience working in an environment that handles classified information.

Desirable:

• Experience in logistics and administrative management;
• Experience in crisis management or dealing with emergency situations is highly desirable;
• Experience in transport and handling of dangerous goods is desirable.
• Experience in using resource scheduling applications, or project management software.

Skills and Abilities (key competencies):

Key competencies:

Upholds OPCW’s values of integrity, professionalism, and respect for diversity.

Demonstrates strong leadership, analytical skills, and the ability to manage complex tasks.

Displays cultural sensitivity, adaptability, and the ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment.

Leadership of all tasks assigned.

Functional competencies:

Excellent organisational, time management and problem-solving skills, showing capacity to work under pressure of high volume and under tight deadlines.

Strong leadership skills, interpersonal skills and negotiation skills, with the ability to build collaborative working relationships.

Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, capable of presenting complex matters in a clear and concise manner.

Proficiency in IT tools such as MS Office, analytics software, data mining tools, and technology to support audits, evaluations, and investigations.

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.

Other Skills: Keep abreast of developments in the fields of Investigations, Quality and Evaluation. Innovation mindset.