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
  Short term Appointment (STA)
• Grade
  GS4
• Estimated monthly remuneration: Euro
  4,611
• Closing Date
  26/11/2025

Responsibilities

Job Summary

The Political Affairs and Protocol Branch provides senior management with advice on current and emerging issues, devises and implements strategies for achieving universality of the Convention and liaises with States Parties to understand their views and priorities.

The Branch supports the official engagements of the Director-General and Deputy Director-General through the preparation of speeches, statements, and briefing notes based on key messaging and thorough political analysis.

The Branch plans, organises, and supports official visits by Heads of State, as well as government, and other high-level officials from States Parties. The Branch is responsible for the accreditation of Permanent Representatives and delegates, and acts as a focal point between the Secretariat and States Parties on matters pertaining to their membership.

The Branch is also responsible for implementing the OPCW Headquarters Agreement and administering the privileges and immunities of the Organisation and its staff in the Host Country. In addition, the Branch supports the Organisation’s relationship and partnership management with other international/regional organisations, including the United Nations.

The duration of this Short-Term Appointment will be for seven months and ten days (7 months 10 days), from 20 February 2026 to 5 October 2026.

Main Responsibilities

1. Assist in the administration of the privileges and immunities for OPCW staff members:

• Assist in the registration and deregistration of staff members and their dependents in the on-line staff registration database of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands (MFA), and with the issuance or renewal of MFA Identity Cards;
• Assist in ensuring the timely updates of the MFA on-line staff registration database in relation to relevant changes in the status of staff and their registered dependents;
• Assist in monitoring and tracking changes to the privileges and immunities of staff, including alerting staff members to changes in their status, and providing advice on the impact of such changes as necessary;
• Assist in the administration and processing of tax exemptions, special vehicles registrations, Dutch driver license applications, tax reimbursements, customs issues and other requests;
• Assist in updating and maintaining staff files and the status of staff members’ privileges and immunities in line with the OPCW’s data protection policies;
• Assist with all privileges and immunities issues related to staff separating from the Organisation, and their families, such as de-registration in the MFA database, separation letters, vehicle de-registration etc.;
• Assist in drafting a range of Note Verbales to the MFA to facilitate the exercise of privileges and immunities of staff.

2. Assist in the communication with the relevant authorities on Privileges and Immunities issues:

• Assists in liaising with various Dutch government departments in processing staff requests, including the MFA, the Tax Office, and the Netherlands Vehicle Authority (RDW).

3. Assist in reporting:

• Assist in drafting periodic reports to senior management on the status of Privileges and Immunities issues and activities of the Branch in this respect;
• Assists in liaising with the OPCW Duty-Free Commissary on staff eligible to purchase duty free goods and preparing relevant communications in this regard.

4. Correspondence, filing and administration:

• Assist with drafting, managing, processing, distributing and filing all relevant documentation, including correspondence;
• Assist with managing the dedicated privileges and immunities email account, and responding to queries;
• Maintaining electronic folders on the shared drive;
  Maintaining the Division’s Petty Cash.

5. Provide other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience

Education

Essential

• High School Diploma or equivalent diploma of higher secondary education.

Desirable

• Additional training or education in diplomacy, international relations, public or international administration.

Knowledge and Experience

Essential

• At least 3 years previous experience in a similar role in an international organisation or a diplomatic mission, or in public administration.

Language requirement

• Fluency in English is essential;
• A good working knowledge of one of the other official languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish) is desirable;
• Working knowledge of Dutch is considered an asset.

Skills and Competencies

Key competencies:

• Strong client orientation, organisation and planning;
• Strong interpersonal skills (intercultural communication and negotiation);
• Tact, discretion and precision and accuracy;
• Ability to prioritise in a high-paced work environment;
• Competent MS Office user;
• Ability to work harmoniously with people from various backgrounds in an 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

Appointment to this category of position at the OPCW will be in accordance with the relevant terms and conditions applicable to the post. This appointment will be for limited time only as stated.

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’.