Science Policy Officer (P-3)

The Office of Strategy and Policy develops the Technical Secretariat’s strategic planning and provides policy advice to the Director-General and the Secretariat’s management, particularly relating to cross-cutting issues such as education and outreach, counter-terrorism, and science and technology.

In addition, the Office supports the organisational governance of the Secretariat in areas such as knowledge management, results-based management, or risk management.

Job Summary

The Office of Strategy and Policy develops the Technical Secretariat’s strategic planning and provides policy advice to the Director-General and the Secretariat’s management, particularly relating to cross-cutting issues such as incidents of chemical weapons use, non-routine missions, chemical security, engagement with international organisations and chemical industry, education and outreach, counter-terrorism, and science and technology.

Main Responsibilities

The work involves keeping abreast of developments both in science and technology and in arms-control policy, as well as analysing and communicating to a wide range of internal and external stakeholders the implications for Chemical Weapons Convention implementation that might arise. In particular, the incumbent performs the following duties:

• Supports the Science Policy Advisor in developing science policy advice for the Director-General of the OPCW, and for his reports to and interactions with the OPCW Policy-Making Organs;
• Develops outreach materials that help communicate the science and technology relevant to the Convention to non-scientists. This involves not just the production of written materials but also the organising and convening of appropriate events to relate aforementioned outreach materials to Member State delegations and other stakeholders;
• Supports the OPCW’s dialogue with scientists both in academia, industry and other relevant sectors on aspects of science and technology that impact on implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention (including the multiple uses of chemistry).

Qualifications and Experience

Education

Advanced degree (masters, doctorate or equivalent) in a STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) field, preferably in the physical or life sciences.

Knowledge and Experience

Essential:

• A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience.

Desirable:

• Experience in implementing or analysing the implementation of science based international instruments;
• Experience in communicating science to a range of audiences, cultures and education levels;
• Active participant in networks of scientific societies and organisations;
• A track record of publications in peer-reviewed scientific and/or patent literature. Interdisciplinary technical publications are an asset;
• Doctoral degree.

Skills and Competencies

Substantive knowledge and understanding:

• A strong understanding of scientific and technological principles and approaches across STEM disciplines and application sectors;
• Advocate of scientific literacy to aid decision making processes.

Working with others:

• Excellent stakeholder management skills and ability to deliver high-quality results under pressure;
• Thorough understanding of the complexities of working in an international environment (including the different points of view of a diverse membership);
• Exquisite communication skills – both oral and written – and ability to engage in effective dialogue with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.

Personal impact:

• Excellent analytical skills (e.g. quickly identifying the essence of a complex issue);
• Innovative, resourceful and creative, but also having the ability to generate ideas that can be grounded in reality and implemented in practice;
• Strong sense of initiative;
• Demonstrated commitment to continuous learning and on-the-job development;
• Comfortable working on open-ended trans-disciplinary issues in a complex and dynamic international environment.

Languages

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.

Additional Information

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. 

Fixed-term staff members participate in the OPCW provident fund. A monthly staff contribution is met with a doubled amount by the OPCW to ensure separating staff have the capital necessary to move on to new challenges. 

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 applications submitted before the closing date and through OPCW CandidateSpace will be considered. Only applicants under serious consideration for a post will be contacted. 

Applications from qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged.