The OPCW’s mission is to implement the provisions of the Chemical Weapons Convention 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.
The OPCW was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2013 for its extensive efforts to eliminate chemical weapons.
The General Support Services Section (GSS) is a part of the Administration Division (ADM).
The Administration Division is responsible for assuring the effective management of the financial and human resources, information technology, procurement, facilities management, general support services, knowledge management and training functions within the Technical Secretariat.
The General Support Services (GSS) plays a crucial role in ensuring the efficient functioning of the Organisation by providing smooth logistical and operational support. It assists with asset and property management, inventory control, supplies, travel, shipping and transportation, fleet management, visas and travel documents, insurance, catering services, mail services, cleaning services and contract management with external service providers.
Head, General Support Services Section is primarily responsible for leading and managing the General Support Services Section’s day-to-day operations.
Under the supervision of the Director, Administration, the incumbent shall perform the following duties:
Leadership and Management
Budget Planning and Implementation
Prepares budget inputs for the General Support Services Section;Monitors and guides GSS budget implementation for maximum efficiency and to ensure that expenditures remain within the allocated budget.Travel and Relocation Services
Negotiates with travel agents, airlines, hotels and removal companies to ensure the best financial advantage for the Organisation for its official travel and relocation services;Manages the commercial contracts related to travel and relocation per the OPCW’s contract management framework;Provides first line of management response to determine whether and when non-standard or special travel/relocation requests should be escalated for Management consideration.Visas and UNLP Document Management
Ensures the timely processing and acquisition of visas for official travel of staff members preparing for missions, OPCW Experts and invited conference or training participants, and staff and their eligible household members travelling to/from The Netherlands on employment-related relocation;Ensures the timely acquisition of UNLPs for all relevant staff members.Insurances
Manages the insurance contracts related to travel, transportation, public liability, and marine cargo according to the OPCW’s contract management framework;Advises staff and Programme Managers regarding insurance coverages related to their needs.
Fixed Assets and Supplies
Manages the contracts for the provision of standard office supplies according to the OPCW’s contract management framework;Coordinates asset tracking and write-off proposals with heads of asset holding units responsible for the management of fixed, attractive items of the OPCW;Serves as Secretary of the Property and Survey Board.
Performs other duties as required.Essential:
An advanced university degree in Business or Public Administration or related fields;A first level university degree in combination with qualifying work experience (minimum 9 years) may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree;Equivalent or specialised training in combination with at least thirteen years of relevant professional experience may be accepted in lieu of a university degree.Desirable:
Additional qualification or certification in Logistics Management or related field.Essential:
7 years of experience, of which at least five years were in an international context, dealing with support services, logistics, administration or a closely related field;At least five years of experience in managing teams, preferably in an international environment;Experience in the following areas: travel support, shipping, asset management, budget planning and contract management;Experience in the implementation and handling of travel and assets related processes (both financial and non-financial) as part of an ERP system.Desirable:
Work experience in the UN Common System.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 two 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.
According to article 8 paragraph 44 of the Chemical Weapons Convention the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible.
OPCW is committed to maintaining a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. OPCW recruits and employs staff regardless of disability status, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, language, race, marital status, religious, ethnic, cultural and socio-economic backgrounds, or any other personal characteristics.
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’.