Principal Functions
Under the direct supervision of one of the Senior Analytical Chemists, and in accordance with the OPCW Core Values of Integrity, Professionalism and Respect for Diversity/Gender Equality, the Technical Support Officer performs the following duties:
Coordinates the procurement of Inspection, Laboratory and Facility Equipment:
1. Compiling user requirements, recommend possible solutions, develop and write technical specifications, find potential suppliers.
2.Organising requests for procurement, discuss OPCW requirements with suppliers.
3.Technical evaluation of equipment/services, organising experts for technical evaluation panels, organize and develop equipment demonstrations and evaluation tests.
4.Assessing stock levels, equipment and consumable usage against forward planning to determine purchasing requirements.
5.Administrative activities relating to procurement.
6.Assisting in the logistics of sample movement to and from the laboratory
Facilitates the life cycle of Inspection, Laboratory and Facility Equipment:
1.Manage calibration/maintenance plan for equipment.
2. Assess the capability of suppliers to deliver appropriate services.
3. Maintain inventory of all accountable assets.
4. Evaluate viability of equipment for repair, write off or disposal. Make recommendations to Property Survey Board.
Management functions of the Laboratory and Facility:
1. Support the functions of the OPCW laboratory.
2. Together with Head of the Laboratory manage the Rijswijk Facility. Responsible for relations with external bodies related to the operation of the Rijswijk facility.
3. Assist the Head of the Laboratory with budgetary matters.
Collaborate in developing a safe working environment and improving the Rijswijk Facility:
1. Procuring and ensuring maintenance of safety equipment.
2. Perform internal safety audits.
3. Coordinate with the Health and Safety Committee in HQ with LAB issues.
4. Develop, plan and action proposals for improving the working conditions and functionality of the Facility to the Senior Analytical Chemist.
Provide technical advice to internal/external customers in relation to equipment matters:
1. Discuss technical requirements, investigate alternatives.
2. Evaluate and decide on alternative courses of action.
Perform laboratory work or other assignments as assigned by the Senior Analytical Chemists:
Laboratory work, which may include assistance to others, independent research projects, training of others, operator of instrumentation, etc, shall be a part of this assignment.
Knowledge and Experience
Education
Essential
Advanced university degree in Science (Chemistry, Physics), Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Finance, Logistics Management or equivalent from a recognised institution. A first level university degree in combination with qualifying experience (minimum of 7 years) may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Desirable
Qualifications (or at least 5 years of experience) relating to finance and/or logistics and/or inventory management.
Experience
Essential
A minimum of 5 years of technical experience (handling, shipping, procurement, operation or maintenance) in analytical instrumentation (GC/MS, LC/MS, NMR). Recent hands-on experience in the procurement of goods and services as the executor of the task. Recent and practical experience as the key person for evaluation of technical specifications. Experience in the administration and management of a functional area (e.g. facility management, budgeting, inventory management, management of personnel, etc.). Recent and practical experience in a stock/inventory management system.
Desirable
Practical experience in equipment and instrumentation related to chemical weapons would be an asset. Experience in writing working instructions and operating procedures regarding equipment and instrumentation would be an asset. Experience in dangerous goods shipping would be an asset.
Skills and Abilities (key competencies):
- Technical knowledge of chemistry equipment and consumables with an emphasis on analytical chemistry;
- Technical knowledge regarding the acquisition of scientific equipment;
- Knowledge regarding health and safety in a chemistry laboratory is a must;
- Attention to detail and ability to follow all applicable regulations is required;
- Practical experience in inventory/stores management would be an asset;
- Practical experience in hazardous materials handling and shipping would be an asset;
- Experience in logistics and shipping would be an asset;
- The ability to rapidly compile documents according to a rigid specification is a must;
- Knowledge of the Chemical Weapons Convention and the OPCW inspection activities would be an asset;
- Strong computer literacy in office software;
- Tact, discretion, and the ability to work harmoniously in a multi-cultural environment.
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.
