The International Cooperation and Assistance (ICA) Division manages the OPCW's international cooperation and assistance activities. The Division serves as the platform to provide capacity-building support aimed to assist States Parties in: facilitating full and effective national implementation of the Convention (Article VII); enhancing assistance and protection against chemical weapons (Article X); and promoting the peaceful uses of chemistry for their economic and technological development (Article XI). ICA also runs the OPCW Africa Programme to ensure that special needs and circumstances of the region are addressed in a coordinated and effective manner.
The Vacancy Notice has been re-opened in order to expand the pool of candidates. Candidates who have already applied do not need to re-apply.
As the Director of the International Cooperation and Assistance Division, you will have a highly visible leadership role in the development and implementation of Programmes and projects to promote the peaceful use of chemistry for economic and technological development. Embracing this mindset, you will lead the team to assist States Parties in their efforts toward the full and effective implementation of the Convention.
You will lead the development and implementation of strategies to ensure the provision of tailored support and expert advice to States Parties.
In your role you will be responsible for:
1. Leads the work of the International Cooperation and Assistance Division within the established policy framework to ensure effective delivery of programmes. Key responsibilities include:
Development of strategies and related implementation plans to maintain and enhance the Organisation's capability to provide support to any requesting State Party in the event of use or threat of use of chemical weapons, in accordance with Article X of the Convention.Development and implementation of programmes and projects to provide expert advice and assist a State Party (upon request) in maintaining and enhancing their capability for the development and improvement of a protective capacity against chemical weapons, within the framework of Article X of the Convention.Development and implementation of programmes and projects to promote the peaceful use of chemistry for economic and technological development, within the framework of Article XI of the Convention.Development and implementation of programmes and projects to assist States Parties and their National Authorities in their effort toward the full and effective implementation of the Convention, in accordance with the provision of Article VII of the Convention.2. Provides effective leadership to the staff of the International Cooperation and Assistance Division, ensuring collaborative and cohesive delivery of the planned Programme of Work in an effective, efficient and inclusive manner.
3. Oversees the planning and implementation of the Programme and Budget for the International Cooperation and Assistance Division in line with Results-Based Management and Results-Based Budgeting principle.
4. Provides strategic planning, policy advice and support to Senior Leadership regarding the International Cooperation and Assistance programmes. Participates in meetings of the Management Board and relevant technical committees and contributes to discussion and formulation of recommendations to the Director-General on organisation-wide policy issues.
5. Engages with States Parties on issues of mutual concern and contributes to the work of the Executive Council and informal consultations.
6. Participates in official visits to States Parties and other relevant Organisations.
Essential:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent degree) in Science or Social Sciences, International security or Relations, International Law, Business/Public Administration, Management, or a related field is required.
A first-level university degree in combination with over 17 years of qualifying experience as stipulated below, may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.
Knowledge and Experience:
A minimum of over 15 years of progressively responsible experience in the field of international cooperation and assistance, public administration, international relations, or socio-economic development, a substantial part of which should be at the senior level in the private or public sector or in international organisations.
Extensive knowledge of the Chemical Weapons Convention and proven experience in international relations, international security/disarmament, international cooperation and/or assistance issues.
Effective leadership skills, ability to take responsibility for key organisational issues, including the ability to think strategically and achieve results accordingly,
Well-developed diplomatic and policy skills, sound judgement, and the ability to communicate effectively both in writing and orally.
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.
This fixed-term appointment is for the duration of three 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.
Fixed-term staff members participate in the OPCW Provident Fund. A monthly staff contribution is met with a doubled amount by the OPCW under the provisions for social security. As the OPCW is exploring membership of the United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund (UNJSPF), staff participation in the Provident Fund may be replaced by participation in the UNJSPF effective 1 January 2025.
Applications from qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged.
OPCW General Terms and Conditions