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
  P4
• Total Estimated monthly remuneration depending on post adjustment and family status: USD
  10,594
• Closing Date
  08/01/2026

Responsibilities

Job Summary

The Procurement Section (PRS) is located in the Division of Administration.

The principal objective of the PRS is to facilitate the procurement of goods and services in accordance with the needs of the Organisation and the OPCW’s legal framework, policies and procedures.

Under the supervision of the Director of the Administration Division (D/ADM), the post holder will execute the following responsibilities:

Main Responsibilities

1. Management and development of the Procurement Section

• Provides leadership and management to the operations of the PRS to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery of quality goods and services;

• Develops, implements, reviews and maintains procurement regulatory framework and ensures its application throughout OPCW;

• Gives advice to clients on OPCW procurement and coordinates with them on services entrusted to PRS;

• Develops, implements and maintains internal reporting mechanisms on the provision of services by PRS;

• Formulates and oversees the implementation of operational plans for the provision of services, as well as recommendations for enhancing efficiency;

• Manages assigned projects to achieve required goals, forming and leading multifunctional work groups as necessary;

• Ensures that all the PRS’ records are maintained for optimal efficiency, transparency and accountability;

• Manages responses to internal and external audits;

• Coordinates with the Information Services Branch and other stakeholders to ensure that OPCW’s software tools meet the needs of procurement activities;

• Reviews and supports the training and development needs of the PRS team members, as well as training requirements of OPCW requisitioners, certifying officers and receiving officers.

2. Budget

• Prepares the biennial budgets of the PRS in coordination with the D/ADM;
• Monitors expenditure and ensures that such expenditure remains within the PRS’ planned budget.

3. Procurement

• Coordinates, monitors and supports timely implementation of the Procurement Strategy and the annual Procurement Plan;
• Ensures that requisitions raised by all work units are complete and comply with OPCW Rules and Regulations;
• Oversees the preparation and distribution of “Invitations to Tender” and “Calls for Proposal” for high value and/or complex contractual agreements;
• Ensures development of appropriate methodologies and criteria;
• Analyses and evaluates all commercial aspects of high value and/or complex bids. Ensures that all steps are taken to achieve best value for money while maintaining the integrity and transparency of the tendering processes;
• Drafts, negotiates, and concludes high value and/or complex contractual agreements in order to obtain optimum conditions with suppliers;
• Verifies and signs contractual agreements to a value within delegated authority and authenticates higher value contracts for subsequent signature by the appropriate management level. When necessary, consult with the Office of the Legal Advisor;
• Provides substantive, procedural and administrative support to the Committee on Contracts (COC) as COC Secretary, including the analysis and support for preparation of submissions to the Committee to obtain recommendations for purchases reaching the threshold of COC review;
• Monitors the adherence to the Contract Management Framework by all staff engaged in contract-related activities;
• Collaborates with other UN agencies and International Organisations.

Qualifications and Experience

Education

Essential

• Advanced university degree in business administration, commerce, engineering, law or other relevant field. A first level university degree in combination with qualifying experience (minimum 9 years) may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree;
• Equivalent or specialized training in combination with at least thirteen years of relevant professional experience may be accepted in lieu of a university degree.

Desirable

• Additional study or training in law, or recognised qualifications in procurement;
• Advanced technical qualifications and broad knowledge of all facets of international public procurement; good knowledge of sources of supply, market trends, pricing, etc.;
• UN Certification in Public Procurement, preferably CIPS level 4 and above;
• Data analytics and visualisation certificate.

Knowledge and Experience

Essential

• At least 7 years of relevant experience in high-volume procurement operations, of which at least three years at the international level with an advanced degree and 9 years with a first level degree;
• At least 5 years of experience in managing teams, preferably in an international environment;
• Demonstrated record of managing and delivering complex procurement programmes and services.
  

Desirable

• Work experience in the UN Common System or in an international organisation leading in the field of procurement. Proficiency with the Unit4 Business World (UBW) ERP software application;
• Hands-on expertise gained through assignments in conflict or post-conflict regions.

Skills and Competencies

• Demonstrable experience in the management of complex procurement procedures and processes;
• Proven record of building and managing teams and creating an enabling work environment, including ability to effectively supervise, mentor, train, develop and evaluate staff;
• Excellent negotiating skills to shape and influence agreements with requisitioning units and vendors; sound judgement in applying technical expertise to resolve a range of issues/problems;
• Strong analytical skills and working knowledge of quantitative methods to measure supplier capacity;
• Good working knowledge of contract law, general terms and conditions and experience in dealing with complex contract issues in the context of UN policies and standards;
• Good knowledge of sources of supply, market trends and pricing;
• Demonstrated skills to plan, organise, prioritise competing demands and ensure timely delivery of results within sometimes tight deadlines;
• Tact, discretion and accuracy;
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with people in a multi-cultural environment;
• Demonstrated ability and knowledge of drafting documents in English;
• Computer literacy, including proficiency in procurement ERP systems, database management and internet applications.

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.

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’.