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.
- Contract Type
Fixed-term Professional
- Grade
P3
- Total Estimated monthly remuneration depending on post adjustment and family status: USD
8,714
- Closing Date
20/08/2026
The Inspectorate Division (INS) implements all the Technical Secretariat’s on-site verification activities, ensuring 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). INS maintains preparedness to respond to and investigate allegations of use of toxic chemicals as weapons and readiness to conduct Challenge Inspections (CI) and Investigations of Alleged Use (IAU) upon request from Member States in the event of a chemical incident.
Under the Supervision of the Heads of Inspection Team Personnel (Industry and Technology Advancement Unit / Contingency and Chemical Demilitarisation Unit) or of a designated Inspection Team Leader (ITL), the main function of Advanced Health and Safety Specialist (HSS) inspectors is to support the operational planning and on-site execution of inspections under Articles IV and V of the CWC, as well as Non-Routine Missions (NRMs), at a wide variety of declared facilities and military installations world-wide.
When not on missions, inspectors participate in intra-divisional activities and projects, as assigned by the Head(s) of Unit (s) and/or the Inspectorate Management Team (IMT), when required. Inspectors are expected to carry out additional tasks in accordance with the needs of the Division.
Under the supervision of ITLs and/or Head(s) of Unit(s), inspectors may be assigned to provide technical support to International Cooperation and Assistance activities as well as any other cross-divisional projects.
This vacancy notice is open to former staff members who have previously been designated as OPCW inspectors. All candidates who applied for the post will need to re-apply in case they are still interested in the post.
General:
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Demonstrate the core values of the OPCW in the execution of your duties;
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Maintain confidentiality in accordance with the Manual of Confidentiality Procedure (MCP);
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Act with due regard to health and safety (H&S) by taking all reasonable steps to prevent, reduce and eliminate harm, injury or illness in the work environment;
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Conduct all phases of the mission (preparation, inspection and post-inspection activities) in an effective, efficient and consistent manner, by applying relevant INS Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and verification guidelines;
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Operate and use protective, detection and decontamination as per training received;
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Assist the Head of Cell in achieving the responsibilities and objectives of the Cell;
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Maintain and develop professional competence: complete required training and ensure that relevant knowledge and expertise is current, at headquarters or in other locations around the world;
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Support Knowledge Management activities;
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Contribute to identify and promote advances in science/technology that are relevant to the Division, plan and implement technical activities related to developments in science and technology and actively support the Secretariat’s anticipated activities at the ChemTech Centre (CCT);
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Undergo any special duties and tasks as directed by the Inspectorate Management Team.
Specific:
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Support and advice IT personnel on health and safety issues related to inspection activities;
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Prepare H&S plans for inspections in the CWs facilities inspected by OPCW;
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Determine requirements for medical, H&S equipment and pharmaceuticals to take on inspections;
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Review fitness certificates and medical history forms of the IT to prepare for and anticipate any issues;
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Prepare and execute pre- and post- inspection safety H&S briefings;
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Monitor the H&S requirement of inspectors in transit and on-site, advising the ITL;
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Assess and treat inspector medical illness, injury, trauma and exposure to CWs;
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Co-ordinate the medical treatment of inspectors with national medical services, or oversee the medical evacuation process, consulting with medical officers and headquarters;
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Provide Advanced Life Support medical/safety support during inspections as required;
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Evaluate the technological basis of the declared CW, which includes both the Chemical Weapon Agent (CWA) and the metal parts;
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Provide H&S support to inspectors performing munition or CWA assessment during inspections in Chemical Weapons Production Facilities (CWPF), Chemical Weapons Storage Facilities (CWSFs), Old Chemical Weapons (OCWs) and Abandoned Chemical Weapons (ACWs), as well NRMs;
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Monitor and verify the destruction of CW in Chemical Weapons Destruction Facilities (CWDFs);
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Evaluate CWs related medical casualties and ability to interview affected subjects competently;
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Assist in preparation of NRMs, in accordance with mission instruction issued by the DG.
Essential:
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An advanced university degree or equivalent in Paramedical Sciences, CBRN or other closely related field from a recognised institution;
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A first level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree;
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The lack of a degree may be off-set with relevant certified training together with an extensive technical background.
Essential requirements:
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Current paramedic registration;
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PHTLS certificate (current edition);
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ALS/ALCS certificate;
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Evidence of CPD – Evidence of continuing education for registered health professionals.
Essential:
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A minimum of five years of relevant experience with an advanced degree or seven years with a first level degree or eleven years with an equivalent or specialized training such as a paramedic, professional nursing or health and safety technician;
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Only candidates with recent hands-on pre-hospital or remote clinical experience with current valid registration will be considered.
Desirable:
Knowledge and experience with operating procedures in hazardous chemical and biological environments (in particular, chemical warfare agents);
Experience in occupational health and safety matters (including radiation safety);
Military service with knowledge of munitions;
Military or police service with experience in deployment to hostile environments;
Experience in the conduct of forensic investigations;
Experience in peacekeeping in conflict zones or NRMs considered as an advantage;
OSMC qualification from recognised establishment;
Health and Safety qualification;
MIRA or equivalent qualification needed if OSMC qualification from recognised establishment is not available.
All candidates will have to undergo a special fitness test when recruited, including a three-phase employment physical test to ensure an adequate fitness level and heat tolerance in order to wear respirators, and Fully Encapsulated Protective Ensemble.
Successful candidates will possibly be required to work in high-risk areas.
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Effective communication (especially factually orientated): speak and write clearly and effectively, listen to others, demonstrate openness in sharing information and in keeping people informed in respect of the sensitivity/confidentiality of the work;
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Proactive and goal-oriented: demonstrate initiative, develop clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies, allocate appropriate amount of time and resources for completing the assigned work, monitor and adjust plans and actions as necessary, and persist to complete tasks respecting deadlines and having a pragmatic approach focused on realistic results;
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Adaptability: adapt and develop to evolving circumstances and complex situations, able to work under pressure with multiple projects and in diverse environment, travel frequently and respect and appreciate diversity;
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Teamwork: align work with a broader team/organisational goals, place team’s interest before one’s own, build consensus rather than make decision alone. support and act according group decision, even when it might not totally reflects one’s position;
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Demonstrate good computer skills;
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Good situational awareness: able to swiftly capture and interpret information from the environment and integrate it with previous knowledge to assess, adapt and cope with a situation when required;
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Judgement and decision making: identify key issues quickly, interpret and follow established procedures and guidelines to deal with complex issues or situations.
Please note that all vacancies will close at 22:00 The Netherlands local time on their respective closing day. Thereafter, the vacancy announcements will no longer appear in the Candidate Portal and you will no longer be able to submit your application. We recommend that you apply well in advance of the deadline.
This fixed-term appointment is for a duration of two years with a six-month probationary period, and is subject to the relevant OPCW Staff Regulations, Interim Staff Rules and other internal legislation as applicable, and is in accordance with the decision C-29/DEC.8 of the Conference of States Parties.
This vacancy notice is open to former staff members who have previously been designated as OPCW inspectors.
Candidates must have had a break in service from the OPCW on the date of the commencement of their new contract as a rehired inspector.
Candidates must be fully fit to execute the duties of the post and will be fully cleared by the Health & Safety Branch in accordance with normal practice for inspectors.
Candidates must be able to serve as a rehired inspector for three years and must not stand to reach the OPCW's mandatory age of retirement during this time.
The total term of service of a rehired inspector, under the Rehire Decision, shall be no more than three years irrespective of their previous length of service with the OPCW.
Rehired inspectors shall have specific responsibilities relating to knowledge transfer, coaching and learning, which will be reflected in their individual work plans.
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
Important notice for applicants who are currently insured under the Dutch Social Security system
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’.
