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.
- Contract Type
Fixed-term Professional
- Grade
P4
- Total Estimated monthly remuneration depending on post adjustment and family status: USD
USD 10,672
- Closing Date
04/07/2026
The Office of Special Missions (OSM) organises, coordinates, and conducts all OPCW special missions. While the OSM will have other, longer-term vocations not related to the Syrian Arab Republic, such as supporting technical assistance visits, possible challenge inspections, and other special mission activities, its primary project for the coming biennium period is expected to be implementing OPCW activities in fulfilment of the Secretariat’s pending mandates in the Syrian Arab Republic. Furthermore, OSM coordinates with other divisions/offices for all contingency operations extending beyond the Syrian chemical weapons dossier, and coordinates with other such divisions/offices with the aim of ensuring the adequate transfer, sharing, and development of core knowledge, in support of the Organisation’s key aim of providing assistance and protection support against the use of chemical weapons, in an integrated and cost-efficient manner.
The Senior Investigator works under the direct supervision of the Head of Investigations, under the overall strategic guidance of the Director of OSM. The incumbent conducts complex investigations in support of the OSM mandates, including fact-finding, identification of perpetrators, technical assistance visits, challenge inspections, and other activities related to the alleged use, development, production, acquisition, or storage of chemical weapons. The incumbent is responsible for planning and executing investigative activities, managing multidisciplinary teams, and ensuring that all investigative outputs meet the highest standards of professionalism, evidentiary integrity, and legal robustness through collaboration with the Office of Legal Adviser (LAO). The Senior Investigator plays a central role in developing and advising on investigative strategies to Head of Investigations, in overseeing evidence collection and analysis, and contributing to high-level reporting for OPCW policy-making organs, in accordance with the Chemical Weapons Convention.
Investigation Planning
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Plan, design, and conduct complex investigations, including defining scope, methodology, and operational approach;
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Develop investigative strategies, hypotheses, and lines of inquiry;
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Lead multidisciplinary investigative teams, including analysts, technical specialists, forensic experts, and other;
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Ensure effective coordination of investigative activities across OSM functions.
Field Operations
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As assigned by the Head of Investigations, lead or participate in field deployments, including in high-risk or austere environments;
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Conduct and supervise interviews with witnesses and other sources;
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Oversee on-site evidence collection and preliminary analysis;
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Provide real-time operational leadership and decision-making during missions.
Evidence Collection and Management
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Oversee the collection of evidence from multiple sources, including field missions, witness interviews, documentation, and technical data;
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Ensure strict adherence to chain-of-custody procedures and evidentiary standards;
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Direct the validation, corroboration, and integration of information from diverse sources;
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Ensure secure handling and storage of sensitive and classified information.
Analytical Oversight
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Guide and review work produced by analysts, investigators and technical experts;
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Ensure the application of structured analytical methodologies and best practices;
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Identify evidentiary gaps, inconsistencies, and areas requiring further investigation;
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Integrate technical, analytical, and legal findings into coherent investigative outcome.
Legal and Reporting Functions
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In close collaboration with the LAO, ensure that investigations and outputs are aligned with international legal standards and OPCW policies;
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Draft and review sections of investigative reports;
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Contribute to the preparation of high-level reports for OPCW policy-making organs;
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Provide input related to investigations in legal-analytical discussions and review processes.
Coordination and Liaison
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Liaise with OPCW divisions, States Parties, and any other external partners as required;
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Represent OSM in technical meetings and briefings, when required;
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Facilitate coordination with international investigative and accountability mechanisms, when required.
Capacity Building and Mentorship
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Mentor and supervise junior investigators and analysts, as well as field teams;
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Contribute to the development of investigative methodologies, Standard Operating Procedures, and best practices;
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Support training initiatives within OSM.
Any other duties as required
Essential:
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Advanced university degree in Criminal Investigation, Forensic Science, Crime Analysis, Social/Political Science, or other related fields;
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A first level university degree, combined with 9 years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree;
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Diploma in advanced criminal investigation from a national police academy or law enforcement agency and/or certifications in investigations (military, police, judicial/prosecutorial, federal/national intelligence agencies) together with significant experience (13 years) may be accepted in lieu of the university degree.
Essential:
- A minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience at a senior level in complex investigations in areas such as international or national criminal investigations;
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Experience in investigation activities at the international level;
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Experience in gathering evidence and interviewing techniques for investigation purposes;
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Knowledge and hands-on experience of theories, concepts, and approaches to information and fact collection methodologies;
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Experience with or knowledge of forensics;
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Willingness and ability to travel frequently and work in high-risk environments.
Desirable:
- Knowledge and understanding of multilateral disarmament issues, including understanding of the Chemical Weapons Convention and related disarmament/non-proliferation frameworks;
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Experience in investigations into the use, development, production, or storage of chemical weapons is highly desirable;
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Formal training and/or certification in law enforcement methodologies;
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Experience with or knowledge of military operations in conflict zones;
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Knowledge and understanding of multilateral disarmament issues;
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Experience handling sensitive and potentially distressing material, with demonstrated emotional resilience and the ability to maintain professional objectivity;
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Familiarity with cognitive disassociation mechanisms and strategies to reduce vulnerability factors.
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Ability to draw sound conclusions on often incomplete data and ability to re-evaluate initial conclusions on the basis of new information;
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Ability to coordinate the work of others, work to tight deadlines and handle multiple concurrent activities;
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Ability to challenge established thinking and be open-minded to consider alternative thinking;
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Strong understanding of evidentiary standards and investigative frameworks;
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Strategic analytical thinking;
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Risk assessment and operational planning;
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High attention to detail and integrity;
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Ability to postulate and identify a range of possible hypotheses as investigations progress;
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Innovative and creative problem-solving skills;
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Proven interpersonal and diplomatic skills, and ability to establish effective working relations with people in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity;
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General understanding of the concepts and practices of Knowledge Management and their application to the relevant field.
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.
The work attributed to this position takes place in an often-stressful context. It often involves working long hours, including during weekends and in conflict or post-conflict areas. The incumbent will be expected to deploy to Syria, or other OSM missions, including for long deployments (4-6 weeks). Between deployments, training and consultations will take place back at The Hague duty station. The work may involve repeated exposure to disturbing content, comments and distressing images.
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 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
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’.
