Science Policy Adviser (P-5)

Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons; Den Haag; On-site; EUR 111,000 - 133,000; Full time

Job summary

Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) is seeking a Science Policy Advisor within the Office of Strategy and Policy. The role focuses on leading science-based policy initiatives, guiding AI and data science efforts, and coordinating international collaboration to strengthen CWC implementation.

The post requires an advanced STEM degree, 10+ years in a STEM setting with policy experience, and fluency in English with a preference for additional official language knowledge.

Qualifications

• Advanced university degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) field, preferably in the physical or life sciences.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in a STEM field, with at least 5 years providing science-based policy advice in an international context.
• Fluency in English is essential; knowledge of an additional official language is desirable.
• Experience in disarmament, arms control and/or non-proliferation and managing science-based international programs.

Responsibilities

• Science Policy Leadership and Strategic Advice to the Director-General and State Parties, including governance of AI and data science policy.
• Lead the Organisation’s Scientific Activities and coordinate SAB-related meetings and workshops.
• Foster Partnerships with Member States, international organisations and academia to advance science policy and technology governance.
• Guide strategic direction on cross-disciplinary scientific issues impacting chemical safety and security under the CWC.

Skills

Analytical skills

Stakeholder management

Policy advice

Effective communication

Leadership

Education

Advanced STEM degree

Post-doctoral research experience

Job description

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
  12,685
• Closing Date
  14/09/2026

Responsibilities

Job Summary

The Office of Strategy and Policy (OSP) 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.

In addition, the Office contributes to programme and budget planning and the organisational governance of the Secretariat in areas such as knowledge management, results-based management, and risk management.

The Office also supports State Party facilitation efforts on several key issues. This currently includes support for the chairpersons of the Open-ended Working Group on Terrorism and the facilitations on Organisational Governance Issues.

The Office further serves as the secretariat to the Advisory Board on Education and Outreach and to the Scientific Advisory Board.

Working under the supervision of the Director, Strategy and Policy, the Science Policy Advisor leads the Organisation’s efforts to be on the cutting-edge of scientific and technical advances to influence science policy decisions and to develop and provide guidance on scientific programmes that further the Organisation’s objectives. In addition, the Science Policy Advisor leads the Secretariat’s activities in monitoring and exploring current, emerging and enabling science and technology developments, keeps abreast of developments and engages regularly the possible implications for Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) implementation to a wide range of internal and external stakeholders. The post provides strategic direction across portfolios to ensure that AI, emerging and enabling technologies, data science, knowledge management and advances at the intersection of chemistry, biology and other scientific domains are systematically assessed and translated into authoritative scientific advice, policy options and capacity-building initiatives. This includes anticipating and examining opportunities and risks for the implementation of the CWC, supporting informed decision-making by the Director-General and States Parties, and ensuring that the Organisation remains scientifically, technically and operationally prepared to respond to developments affecting chemical safety, chemical security, verification, assistance and protection, and the peaceful uses of chemistry.

Main Responsibilities

1) Science Policy Leadership and Strategic Advice

• Serves as the principal science policy advisor to the DG, including engagement with the OPCW Policy-Making Organs and the States Parties on the implementation of the CWC, while leveraging the expertise and resources of SAB and other scientific stakeholders;
• Monitors longer-term scientific and technological developments (e.g. emerging, converging and disrupting technologies and trends and driving forces for technological change), and lead the development of organisational positions, policies, framework and recommendations concerning the governance, responsible use, opportunities and risks associated with emerging digital technologies relevant to the CWC and the work of the Secretariat;
• Provides expert scientific advice, guidance and oversight on cross-cutting scientific activities across the Secretariat;
• Leads strategic assessments of the implications of AI, emerging and enabling technologies for the full and effective implementation of the CWC, including their potential impact on Member States, National Authorities, chemical industry, scientific research, verification practices, and international cooperation and assistance.

2) Lead the Organisation’s Scientific Activities

• Serves as Secretary to the SAB and organises meetings and workshops of the Board and its temporary working groups. Supports the SAB’s mandate to monitor developments in science and technology to enable the DG to render specialised advice to States Parties;
• Formulates technical questions on complex matters for the SAB and its temporary working groups and guide and advise on related research;
• Coordinates and/or leads scientific activities to be held at the CCT. Communicates with prospective external donors, builds and maintains relationships, and secures project-based funds for scientific activities to be held in the CCT.

3) Foster Partnerships and Collaboration

• Engages with Member States, National Authorities, scientific institutions, industry, international organisations and other relevant partners to strengthen shared understanding of emerging science and technology trends, support capacity-building and to promote responsible innovation, chemical safety and security, in the context of the implementation of the CWC;
• Coordinates and influences scientific communication with technical and non-technical stakeholders of the CWC, especially among Member States and other international organisations;
• Engages with other international scientific advisory mechanisms, as well as in non-proliferation and security-related forums to share experiences and continues to develop effective and aligned decision-making;
• Communicates actively with scientists in academia, industry and other relevant sectors on aspects of science and technology that impact on implementation of the CWC;
• Represents OPCW, champions its work and its mission and objectives at conferences, workshops and symposiums.

Qualifications and Experience

Education

4) Lead Artificial Intelligence (AI), Data Science and Knowledge Management and Biochemistry Portfolios and Initiatives

• Provides strategic leadership on the use of AI, biochemistry and other emerging technologies to strengthen evidence-based decision making, organisational learning and institutional knowledge preservation;
• Oversees the scientific activities of the team related to AI, data science and knowledge management and biochemistry;
• Guides the development of cross-disciplinary analysis at the intersection of chemistry, AI, biotechnology, digitalisation, security, and other emerging technologies to include assessments of how such developments may create new opportunities, threats, risks and/or capacity needs for the Organisation and its Member States and advises on their practical implementation.

5) Perform other duties as required

Education

• Advanced university degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) field, preferably in the physical or life sciences.

Knowledge and Experience

• A minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in a STEM field, with a minimum of 5 years of providing science-based policy advice in the international context, either in the public or private sector;
• Demonstrated professional success in working on multi-disciplinary issues with a proven track record of engaging with scientists and non-technical professionals.
• Knowledge or experience working with the CWC and member states;
• Experience in disarmament, arms control and/or non-proliferation;
• Experience in implementing or analysing the implementation of science-based international instruments;
• A successful track record of recent publications in peer-reviewed scientific and/or patent literature and/or interdisciplinary technical publications;
• Post-doctoral research experience;
• Experience in managing scientific activities.

Skills and Competencies

• Excellent analytical skills;
• Familiarity with driving forces and trends in scientific and technological change that can be drawn upon to develop related policy recommendations;
• Ability to assess emerging AI-enabled technologies, including applications, risks, opportunities and responsible or ethical AI governance considerations;
• Ability to translate complex scientific and technological developments into practical policy advice, capacity-building approaches and strategic recommendations for senior leadership, Member States and non-technical stakeholders;
• Strong ability to frame technical questions in order to help solve policy problems;
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, including ability to deliver results through others and ability to deliver high-quality results under pressure;
• Excellent communication skills (oral and written) and ability to engage in effective dialogue with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders on diverse scientific and technical topics;
• Proven ability to influence, persuade and mobilize agreement and action on complex issues;
• Strong leadership skills, including providing others with a clear direction and motivating and empowering others;
• Innovative, resourceful and creative, with the ability to generate ideas that can be grounded in reality and implemented in practice;
• Strong sense of initiative, including ability to plan, conduct and report onactivities independently;
• Demonstrate commitment to continue learning.

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

The 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.

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 ’.