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Special Advisor to the Deputy Director-General (P-5) About Us

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.

General Information

• Contract Type
  Fixed-term Professional
• Grade
  P5
• Total Estimated monthly remuneration depending on post adjustment and family status: USD
  12,802
• Closing Date
  11/03/2026

Responsibilities Job Summary

The Office of the Deputy Director-General (ODDG) is responsible for ensuring the Secretariat fulfils its mandates in a successful and cost-efficient manner. The ODDG provides essential leadership and effective governance of the Secretariat. The objectives of the Office of the ODDG are to support the Director-General in the overall leadership, strategic direction and management of the Organisation.

The ODDG provides leadership and advice on complex and politically sensitive matters, vision and line management to seven divisions, offices and branches of the Secretariat: Administration, External Relations, Verification, Inspectorate, International Cooperation and Assistance, and the Secretariat for the Policy-Making Organs, as well as the Health and Safety Branch.

Under the direct supervision of the Deputy Director-General (DDG), the Special Advisor to the Deputy Director-General provides high-level, independent and strategic advice, analysis and coordination support to the Deputy Director-General on complex, sensitive and confidential matters related to OPCW policies, operations and personnel. The incumbent supports the Deputy Director-General in strengthening executive decision-making, mitigate institutional risks, and enhance cross-divisional coherence.

Responsibilities:

1) Strategic Advice:

• Provide expert advice to the Deputy Director-General (DDG) on complex and sensitive administrative, legal, procedural and policy matters. Identify potential issues and risks and advise the DDG accordingly with recommendations to mitigate potential risks;
• Prepare, coordinate and prioritise a range of short-, mid-, and long-term issues, plans, assignments and pending decisions for consideration by the DDG and provide high-level advice as needed;
• Identify opportunities to enhance organisational performance and make recommendations to the DDG on improvement strategies.

2) Executive Support, Coordinationand Liaison:

• Support the DDG in overseeing and coordinating the work of divisional activities and fostering cooperation across divisions, ensuring alignment with organisational strategy and Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) mandates;
• Support the review of divisional plans, budgets and resource allocations. Translate strategic priorities into actionable operational plans and follow-up and monitor action items arising from division and cross-division meetings;
• Provide executive support to the DDG by reviewing memorandums from divisions and branches for quality, completeness, and alignment with the OPCW strategy, rules and policies, and by offering recommendations on submitted requests;
• Manage and coordinate the flow of information, activities and decisions requiring the DDG’s attention, and review and prepare written and verbal correspondence on their behalf;
• Communicate the DDG’s views and decisions to internal stakeholders to support the programme operation and administration, ensuring understanding of the link between strategy and programme delivery;
• Provide guidance, as instructed by the DDG, to the division directors regarding the formulation of rationales, priorities, and objectives to ensure operational activities align with organizational priorities;
• Monitor the implementation of guidance given by the DDG to the divisions and other units of the Secretariat and report to the DDG as appropriate, suggesting remedial action as necessary;
• Monitor, analyse and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) used to determine the effective execution of activity within the agreed programme and budget of the OPCW;
• Research, analyse, review, and make recommendations to the DDG on drafts of new administrative procedures, policies, rules and directives.

3) Representation and Official Visits Support:

• Support the DDG’s official and representational duties involving Member States by coordinating and/or drafting talking points and notes/background material for DDG discussions with Member States and subsequently prepare records of discussions;
• Support the DDG in preparing for representational duties and official visits by coordinating all logistical arrangements, reviewing and advising on programmes, itineraries and briefing materials, and carrying out all post‑visit tasks, including drafting official visit reports, organising press releases and preparing follow‑up correspondence, as required;
• Coordinate with other branches and divisions for the preparation of briefing notes for DDG, provide necessary guidance and ensure appropriateness;
• Review and/or prepare papers and speeches for the DDG for their official functions;
• Accompany the DDG on official visits and duties, as required.

4) Committee and Meetings:

• Act in designated roles in the boards and committees chaired by the DDG, as required by the DDG, including in an observer capacity, to ensure the DDG is fully briefed and able to execute the functions as Chair as necessary;
• Function as Secretary to the Management Board, prepare the agenda and the minutes of the Management Board meetings, ensure the necessary follow-up of the outcomes of the meetings, in coordination with the relevant Units of the Technical Secretariat, and under the guidance of the DDG and the DG;
• Work closely with the Office of the Director-General (ODG), as necessary, to ensure optimal coordination and synergies at the level of the Executive Management of the Secretariat. This entails liaising with the Chief of Cabinet, Special Advisor to the Director-General and the Deputy Chief of Cabinet on relevant issues, under the guidance of the DDG.

5) Perform other duties as required.

Qualifications and Experience Education

• Advanced university degree in a relevant discipline such as international law, international relations, public/business administration, sciences or management, from an accredited college or university;
• A first level university degree in combination with qualifying experience (Minimum 12 years) may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Knowledge and Experience

• A minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in legal services, policy management or administration management, preferably with international organisations which have ongoing interface with governments and international organisations.
• Work experience with the UN Common System would be an asset. Knowledge or experience working with the CWC and member states would also be desirable.

Skills and Competencies:

• Solid experience with supporting senior leadership and managing international and/or diplomatic organisations at an executive level;
• Strong critical thinking skills including analytical and conceptual skills to analyse complex operational issues in a diplomatic or business environment, formulate options, and propose and implement solutions and deliver sound judgements on a range of topics;
• Expertise in legal and administrative frameworks that govern organisational operations;
• Proven ability to assess situations, identify potential issues, and develop solutions in dynamic, high-pressure environments;
• Excellent interpersonal, negotiation and persuasion skills leading to successful alliance building and establishing consensus and cooperation to achieve results;
• Ability to effectively coordinate and synthesize advice on legal, procedural and policy issues and develop recommendations;
• Tact, discretion, and the ability to work harmoniously in a multi-cultural environment encouraging open communication and building consensus;
• Demonstrate advanced analytical and communication skills, with a proven ability to prepare and present high-quality analysis, strategic briefings, and well-substantiated recommendations;
• Excel in drafting communications including reports, presentations, memorandums, correspondence, talking points, and speeches on sensitive, complex and politically or operationally significant matters tailored to senior leadership;
• Flexibility and ability to work under pressure and handle multiple activities simultaneously. Ability to prioritise issues and follow up strongly through the establishment of realistic objectives and active monitoring of performance.
• Demonstrated understanding and exhibited behaviour of Knowledge Management principles;
• Ability to handle sensitive information effectively and confidentiality, and to act at all times with integrity, discretion, calm and professionalism;
• Computer literacy – advanced knowledge of computer usage and MS-Office programmes.

Languages

Fluency in English is essential and a good working knowledge of one of the other OPCW official languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish) is desirable.

Additional Information

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. For this position, in accordance with the decision EC-108/DEC.4 of the Executive Council , former staff members subject to tenure are eligible to apply and be considered alongside other candidates.

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.

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 ’.

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