PRINCIPAL FUNCTIONS
Under the supervision of the Head of Cell (HoC) and in accordance with the OPCW Core Values of Integrity, Professionalism and Respect for Diversity & Gender Equality, the post holder’s principal function will be to support the operational planning and on-site execution of OPCW inspections under Articles VI, V and VI of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC). Inspections will take place at the industrial facilities or the Chemical Weapons Destruction Facilities (CWDFs) of the 193 states parties to the CWC. Inspections can vary in length from 48 hours to 48 days.
The post holder will support INS programmes and activities, especially focussing on improving the INS capability regarding forensic capabilities.
The post holder may, from time to time, be required to support International Cooperation and Assistance programmes.
General inspector’s responsibilities include:
- Assisting in the preparation of inspections, by reviewing and analysing relevant technical information of the inspection sites including declarations provided by the States Parties;
- Participation in and contributing to technical briefings, prior to deployment to the inspection site and mission debriefings upon completion of inspection;
- Contribution to the preparation of inspection reports produced on-site and in the headquarters and assist the inspection team leader in finalising the reports;
- Assisting the inspection team leader in meeting the objectives of the inspection mandate and operational instructions, in accordance with the CWC and Quality System Documentation, as well as contingency operations relevant and mission instructions.
- Monitoring and verifying the destruction of chemical weapons in a designated CWDF in accordance with relevant technical and verification procedures.
- Conducting engineering evaluations that declared Chemical Weapons Production Facilities can no longer be used for production of chemical warfare
Specific responsibilities include:
- Assistance and protection against CW, capability to conduct a Challenge Inspection (CI) and capability to conduct an Investigation of Alleged Use (IAU);
- To maintain readiness for a CI/IAU inspection, by participation in any training and exercises, as and when scheduled.
- To assist the ITL in inspections carried out in accordance with Articles IX and X of the CWC. This will include activities already described above, but with an extra dimension because of the nature of the inspection and additional activities that might be included.
Analytical Chemists (AC): On-site sampling and analysis (S&A) activities at inspection sites and verification of S&A procedures in CWDFs
CWMSs: Conducting inspections on the irreversible destruction of CWs at CWDFs and undertaking technical evaluations at CWSF, CWPF and O/ACW facilities.
The post holder will also support in missions where evidence of possible CW-related incidents needs to be gathered, with a focus on forensic sound exploitability.
The post holder will support internal capacity building efforts of the organisation to improve knowledge and skills of deployed personnel in evidence gathering, crime scene investigations as well as report writing.
The post holder, under the supervision of the HoC, will also carry out other tasks in the Headquarters to support the effective operation and improvement of Inspectorate and other Divisions as designated by the HoC.
All candidates will have to undergo a special fitness test when recruited, including a three phase employment physical test to ensure an adequate fitness level and heat tolerance in order to wear respirators, and Fully Encapsulated Protective Ensemble. Successful candidates will be possibly be required to work in high-risk areas.
RECRUITING PROFILE
Education (Qualifications):
Essential:
A relevant advanced degree in combination with a minimum of 5 years qualifying experience or a first level degree in combination with a minimum of 7years qualifying experience or certified relevant training together with extensive relevant technical background and a minimum of 13 years’ experience may also be considered.
- AC: relevant degrees would be in the fields of analytical chemistry.
- CWMS: relevant degrees would be EOD-expertise
additional qualifications in Chem-EOD is highly desirable
Experience:
Essential:
Previous work experience in a forensics or criminal investigation as well as sensitive site exploitation.
Experience in chemical forensic sampling, analysis and evidence evaluation typically be gained in criminal investigation units or supporting agencies
AC: Technical and practical expertise in GC-MS analysis, including chemical identification and chemical profiling.
CWMS: Working experience in the field of EOD operations, and weapons intelligence.
Desirable Experience:
Previous experience in related training is highly welcome
AC: Experience of working with high-hazard materials; knowledge and understanding of chemical production plants or knowledge of analytical techniques such as NMR, IR, LC-MS and ICP are desirable.
CWMS: Proven Track record in EOD & IEDD operations would be a strong asset.
Skills and Abilities (key competencies):
All candidates will be required to demonstrate throughout the selection process competence in the following areas:
- Dealing with complex issues, interpretation and adaptation of procedures and guidelines to cover unfamiliar situations;
- Working harmoniously in a multicultural environment. Excellent negotiating skills, conflict management skills and ability to enhance the effectiveness of a team.
- Working in diverse environment and with demanding travel schedules.
- Excellent computer skills.
In addition to the above, the following competencies will be tested at interview:
- Integrity
- Professionalism
- Respect for diversity
- Communication
- Team Work
- Planning & Organising
- Accountability
- Judgement and Decision Making
A range of relevant technical competencies will be tested during the selection process.
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.
