The Inspectorate Division is responsible for the efficient and effective deployment of inspection teams to both military and commercial facilities around the world, as required by the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC). The Division maintains readiness to conduct Challenge Inspections and Investigations of Alleged Use, and to deploy the Rapid Response and Assistance Mission (RRAM) to Member States, as needed, in the event of a chemical incident.
The mission of Operations and Technology Support Branch (OTSB) is to support the verification regime of the OPCW, by the efficient and effective deployment of inspection teams (ITs) to all types of missions to Member States, in a timely, safe, and economic manner. In addition, OTSB ensure the enhancement of utilization of technology for all types of missions and all Technical Secretariat’s activities and programmes at the Center of Chemistry and Technology (CCT). OTSB’s objectives are:
· To serve as focal point for operational inspection activities amongst Senior Management, National Authorities and ITs;
· To provide daily inspection situation briefings to management, establish and sustain communications with Member States and ITs, from the time of assignment to a mission until the final inspection reports have been completed and submitted to Management;
· Plan and manage all inspection/missions in coordination with other relevant Unit/Branch: arrange personnel and equipment transportation, administrative, logistical support for each inspection;
· Timely and efficient procurement and maintenance of inspection equipment; control, certification, issuance and receipt of inspection equipment; manage the inspection equipment budget to ensure that that the resources are obtained to provide uninterrupted support to the verification regime of the Organisation.
· Fostering innovation and integration of technological developments relevant to the Chemical Weapon Convention.
· Promote actively collaboration with other Units/Branches across INS and the Organisation to establish a continuous improvement culture.
Serve as Head, Technology and Training Hub (40%):
· Conduct a thorough analysis of the global landscape to identify significant actors, initiatives and projects related to innovative technological advancements;
· Develop strategic insights and establish a foundational framework for effectively integrating technology;
· Utilize efficient design methodologies and techniques to rapidly progress from concept to tangible results by initiating, testing, assessing and refining solutions;
· Ensure projects and initiatives stay on track, meeting timelines and budgets, by skillfully managing teams, internal and external stakeholders, project finances, processes, and by maintaining clear communication and reporting;
· Design and implement a strategic engagement framework and operational model for internal and external partners, ensuring delivery aligns with Organizational impact goals;
· Create narratives that convey insights to leadership by utilizing data analysis and input from stakeholders. Assess performance by leveraging data and stakeholders feedback, enabling evidence-based recommendations for optimizing processes and enhancing the value proposition;
· Foster consistency and high-quality standards towards process optimization;
Work within a globally dynamic setting, collaborating across various teams;
Establish, oversee, and mobilize high-level communities of experts.
Serve as Head, Logistics (40%):
· Develop logistics and support plans, outlining deployment timelines and budgetary requirements;
· Assume responsibility for the OTSB Procurement Plan;
· Create contingency plans for mission draw-downs and liquidations, and establish methodologies and tools to ensure efficient implementation of logistics plans;
· Develop and oversee the efficiency of the warehouse while integrating green Supply Chain Operations Reference (SCOR);
· Utilize business intelligence (BI) tools targeting demand and supply processes to generate data, enhancing the overall responsiveness, agility, and reliability of the mission’s supply chain operations;
· Assume leadership in process re-engineering to streamline supply chain management functions, transitioning centralized warehousing into the Center of Excellence.
Performs other functions (20%) by:
· Representing OTSB procurement cases in Committee of Contracts (CoC) meetings;
· Developing and preparing the annual OTSB Training Plan as guided by the Head, OTSB;
· Serving as a member of the technology and logistics related Working Groups;
· Participating in OPCW routine missions, Investigations of Alleged Use (IAUs) and Challenge Inspections (CIs) as the Inspector-Logistics Officer, when required;
· Preparing and providing briefings and presentations as tasked;
· Contributing to OPCW related exhibitions by providing the respective Inspection Equipment and logistics personnel.
Advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in Science, Technology, Logistics, Engineering, or related field. A first level University degree in combination with relevant qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of advanced degree.
Required:
· Minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible leadership experience; A minimum of 9 years with a first level degree.
· Proven track record in overseeing technology integration initiatives within a UN or similar International Organization context;
· Supervisory experience.
· Extensive experience in logistical operations, including supply chain management, procurement, and distribution logistics within a large-scale organizational framework;
· Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, implementation, and alignment of technology and logistical strategies with organizational goals.
Desirable:
· Experience in similar roles within multinational environments, understanding diverse operational requirements and global perspectives;
· Background in fostering cross-functional collaboration to enhance technology solutions and logistical operations;
· Proficiency in project management methodologies, overseeing complex projects related to technology deployment and logistical optimization.
· Experience in dealing with packing, transport or storage of dangerous goods/hazardous materials, in accordance with international classification standards and procedures;
· Experience in crisis management or dealing with emergency situations.
· Advanced skills in technology systems, software applications and information management tools relevant to the field;
· Strong analytical skills to assess and address complex logistical challenges, proposing innovative solutions for efficiency enhancement;
· Excellent verbal and written communication skills to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders, conveying complex technical information clearly;
· Strong leadership qualities, strategic thinking abilities, and the capability to align technological and logistical efforts with organizational strategies;
· Excellent problem-solving skills to address diverse operational issues and implement strategic solutions effectively;
· Strong interpersonal skills, including negotiation abilities, to build collaborative relationships and consensus among teams and stakeholders.
· Flexibility and ability to work under pressure;
· Tact, discretion, and the ability to work harmoniously in a multicultural environment.
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.
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
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’.