The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons is the implementing body for the Chemical Weapons Convention, which entered into force on 29 April 1997. The OPCW, with its 193 Member States, oversees the global endeavor to permanently and verifiably eliminate chemical weapons.
The ultimate aim of the OPCW is 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. Under the OPCW's oversight 96% of the chemical weapons stockpiles declared by possessor States have been verifiably destroyed.
The OPCW was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2013 for its extensive efforts to eliminate chemical weapons.
Our mission for a world free of chemical weapons makes people's lives better. Apply to be a part of our team to make the world a better place for all.
The Human Resources Branch is responsible for the planning and delivery of human resources management programmes at the OPCW, such as development and implementation of Staff Regulations, Rules and policies related to compensation schemes, entitlements and benefits, organisation development and design, talent acquisition, talent development, staff engagement, staff relations, welfare and wellbeing. The approach to its work is underpinned by Diversity, equity and inclusion and effective use of HR analytics.
This is a temporary appointment, and will be made for an initial period of 6 months, with a possibility of renewal for an additional 6 months.
Reporting to the Head, Human Resources, the selected candidate will lead the HR Policy team in the design and delivery of a strategic review of the OPCW Staff Regulations, Rules and HR polices. The review will ensure that the HR policy framework is modernised, tailored to the OPCW’s current and future needs, enables delivery of a fit-for-purpose OPCW workforce, fosters engagement, promotes positive employee relations, as well as diversity, equity and inclusion and drives business process excellence, including through digitalisation and appropriate delegation.
Additionally, the candidate will support the Head, Human Resources in the development of the OPCW People Strategy 2024 – 2026.
Specifically, the candidate:
Second-level university degree in human resources, MBA, public or business administration, law, social sciences or other related field; a first-level university degree in combination with two years of additional qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the second-level university degree.
A certified qualification from a recognized HR professional body would be an asset.
A minimum of eight years of progressively responsible professional experience in modern HR management with a good understanding of the human resources management principles, including experience in entitlements, staff/management relations, established negotiation skills, public administration experience, preferably in an international organization;
High degree of digital literacy, understanding of how to capitalise on technological tolls in the development of policies and processes.
Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, and an ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities;
Professional fluency in English, both written and spoken; working knowledge of another OPCW official language is an asset;
Ability and willingness to work as a member of team, with people of different cultural, and religious backgrounds, different gender, and diverse political views, while maintaining impartiality and objectivity.
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.
Appointment to this category of position at the OPCW will be in accordance with the relevant terms and conditions applicable to the post. This appointment will be for limited time only as stated.
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.
Applications from qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged.
OPCW General Terms and Conditions
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’.