Employer:United Nations
Location: Hague
Closing:3 November 2015
Special Notice
The selected staff member needs to be released immediately to take up this position.
Org. Setting and Reporting
This position will be located in the Investigations Office of the Organisation for the Prohibitions of Chemical Weapons-United Nations Joint Investigative Mechanism (JIM), established by Security Council resolution 2235 (2015). This position will be based in The Hague. The JIM is established for a period of one year. This temporary job opening is until 31 December 2015, subject to extension. The Senior Investigator (Chemical Specialist) reports to the Chief of the Investigations Office of the JIM.
Responsibilities
•Analyzing information provided by the OPCW Fact Finding Mission (FFM) or other sources available to the JIM.
•Examining chemical data and relevant information to the work of the JIM and makes recommendations to the Chief of Office and the Leadership Panel.
•Identifying gaps and inconsistencies in available information and make recommendations to mitigate these gaps
•Identifying leads to specific chemicals in terms of synthesis roots, identifying raw materials and precursors.
•Identifying leads in available information regarding the weaponisation of toxic chemicals, and methods of delivery.
•Mapping spectra of chemicals analyzed to available spectra and matching the identity of these chemicals.
•Preparing list of required equipment for sample collection and sample transports;
•Performing evaluations of industrial and military chemical installations to determine their capabilities and analyzing site records relevant to the JIM mission on the ground.
•Verifying the type of chemical weapons fill.
•Performing sample preparation and packaging.
•Reporting on all aspects of sampling and analysis according to QA procedures and Chain of Custody.
•Performs other duties as required.
Competencies
•Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to investigations and investigation management. Good research, analytical and problem-solving skills. Knowledge of various research methodologies and sources, including electronic sources on the Internet, intranet and other databases. Proficiency in software applications used in investigations. Ability to identify and analyze problems/issues and participate in their resolution. Proven ability to gather evidence and interview subjects and witnesses. Ability to apply good judgment in the context of assignments given. Ability to plan work and manage conflicting priorities for self and others. Ability to gather and analyze electronic evidence. Ability to draft/edit a variety of written reports especially with respect to the preparation of complex reports of investigation. Comprehensive knowledge of UN policies, procedures and operations including good knowledge of the conditions prevailing in areas where the United Nations conducts peacekeeping missions. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
•Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
•Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.
•Planning & Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.
•Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.
Managerial Competencies:
•Leadership: Serves as a role model that other people want to follow: empowers others to translate vision into results; is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives; establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support; anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions; drives for change and improvements; does not accept the status quo; shows the courage to take unpopular stands. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing.
•Judgment/Decision-making: Identifies the key issues in a complex situation, and comes to the heart of the problem quickly; gathers relevant information before making a decision; considers positive and negative impacts of decisions prior to making them; takes decisions with an eye to the impact on others and on the Organization; proposes a course of action or makes a recommendation based on all available information; checks assumptions against facts; determines the actions proposed will satisfy the expressed and underlying needs for the decision; makes tough decisions when necessary.
Education
An advanced university degree in Chemistry or chemical engineering from a recognized institution; a first level university degree in combination with qualifying experience (minimum seven years) may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Proven knowledge of Chemical Weapons Munitions and scheduled chemicals and their method of production. Knowledge of toxic chemicals and safety aspects of handling highly toxic chemicals, as well as of signs and symptoms of exposure to different toxic chemicals.
Work Experience
A minimum of ten years of full-time progressively responsible experience in in a chemical laboratory or industry and investigatory work is required. Experience with sampling and analysis of chemical warfare agents as well as knowledge of different levels of personal protective equipment for highly toxic chemicals is required. Experience with an international or multilateral public institution is desirable.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage.
How To Apply: