The OPCW’s Verification Division works towards achieving chemical disarmament and preventing the re-emergence of chemical weapons through participation in the planning and oversight of inspections at both military and chemical industry facilities. The division also manages declarations while maintaining and strengthening the scientific capabilities of the Organisation, especially its laboratory component. The division also conducts Technical Assistance Visits at the request of States Parties.
The Division is responsible for the day-to-day operation of OPCW’s verification regime. It is a key element of the Secretariat, using trustworthy and science-based information to implement all aspects of the Convention including decisions from the Policy Making Organs.
This position is part of the OPCW Laboratory, which is responsible to provide efficient support, and technical and scientific advice to the Organisation on verification-related activities. The Laboratory provides training and certifications on equipment and procedures, handles authentic samples taken during inspections, performs research, develops and implements methods for analysis and testing programs, and maintains the OPCW Central Analytical Database (OCAD).
Our OPCW Laboratory team is seeking an experienced professional with a strong background in analytical chemistry and instrumental analysis, complemented by extensive hands-on laboratory expertise.
Your primary responsibilities as a Senior Analytical Chemist are to support the implementation of a credible verification regime by ensuring that the Laboratory continues to develop its capabilities for analysis of chemicals relevant to the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) while operating efficiently by quality assurance standards.
Under the supervision of the Head of Laboratory, the Senior Analytical Chemist performs the following duties:
Essential:
An advanced degree in Chemistry or equivalent from a recognized institution. A first-level university degree in combination with extensive relevant laboratory experience (=> 9 years) may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Desirable:
Ph.D. in Chemistry, Biochemistry or Toxicology preferably with a focus on Analytical or Bioanalytical Chemistry.
Essential:
At least 7 years experience in the field of analytical chemistry and instrumental analysis with advanced degree or 9 years with first level degree;A minimum of 6 years recent and practical experience as operator of GC/MS and/or LC/MS and/or NMR instrumentation;Several years of recent and practical experience in the analysis of chemical weapons related samples; including sample collection and sample preparation procedures for environmental samples;Specific experience with data analysis including evaluation of data for analytical libraries.Desirable:
Experience in the analysis of biomedical samples will be an asset. Skills in the small-scale synthesis of CWC related chemicals for analysis are highly desirable. Experience developing & teaching training courses will be an asset.
Skills and Abilities (key competencies):
Knowledge of the chemistry of Scheduled chemicals, their precursors and degradation products that are listed in the ‘Annex on Chemicals’ in the CWC;Knowledge of sampling and analysis procedures for the analysis of chemical weapons related chemicals and of related instrumental analytical methods and techniques (GC/MS, LC/MS, FTIR, NMR);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’.