2026-566 - Senior Investigator (P-4)

Category : Office of Special Missions - (1301)/Senior Investigator - (F0867)

Contract Type : Fixed-term Professional

Job Details :

The Office of Special Missions (OSM) organises, coordinates, and conducts all OPCW special missions. While the OSM will have other, longer-term vocations not related to the Syrian Arab Republic, such as supporting technical assistance visits, possible challenge inspections, and other special mission activities, its primary project for the coming biennium period is expected to be implementing OPCW activities in fulfilment of the Secretariat’s pending mandates in the Syrian Arab Republic. Furthermore, OSM coordinates with other divisions/offices for all contingency operations extending beyond the Syrian chemical weapons dossier, and coordinates with other such divisions/offices with the aim of ensuring the adequate transfer, sharing, and development of core knowledge, in support of the Organisation’s key aim of providing assistance and protection support against the use of chemical weapons, in an integrated and cost-efficient manner. The Senior Investigator works under the direct supervision of the Head of Investigations, under the overall strategic guidance of the Director of OSM. The incumbent conducts complex investigations in support of the OSM mandates, including fact-finding, identification of perpetrators, technical assistance visits, challenge inspections, and other activities related to the alleged use, development, production, acquisition, or storage of chemical weapons. The incumbent is responsible for planning and executing investigative activities, managing multidisciplinary teams, and ensuring that all investigative outputs meet the highest standards of professionalism, evidentiary integrity, and legal robustness through collaboration with the Office of Legal Adviser (LAO). The Senior Investigator plays a central role in developing and advising on investigative strategies to Head of Investigations, in overseeing evidence collection and analysis, and contributing to high-level reporting for OPCW policy-making organs, in accordance with the Chemical Weapons Convention.

Investigation Planning Plan, design, and conduct complex investigations, including defining scope, methodology, and operational approach; Develop investigative strategies, hypotheses, and lines of inquiry; Lead multidisciplinary investigative teams, including analysts, technical specialists, forensic experts, and other; Ensure effective coordination of investigative activities across OSM functions. Field Operations As assigned by the Head of Investigations, lead or participate in field deployments, including in high-risk or austere environments; Conduct and supervise interviews with witnesses and other sources; Oversee on-site evidence collection and preliminary analysis; Provide real-time operational leadership and decision-making during missions. Evidence Collection and Management Oversee the collection of evidence from multiple sources, including field missions, witness interviews, documentation, and technical data; Ensure strict adherence to chain-of-custody procedures and evidentiary standards; Direct the validation, corroboration, and integration of information from diverse sources; Ensure secure handling and storage of sensitive and classified information. Analytical Oversight Guide and review work produced by analysts, investigators and technical experts; Ensure the application of structured analytical methodologies and best practices; Identify evidentiary gaps, inconsistencies, and areas requiring further investigation; Integrate technical, analytical, and legal findings into coherent investigative outcome. Legal and Reporting Functions In close collaboration with the LAO, ensure that investigations and outputs are aligned with international legal standards and OPCW policies; Draft and review sections of investigative reports; Contribute to the preparation of high-level reports for OPCW policy-making organs; Provide input related to investigations in legal-analytical discussions and review processes. Coordination and Liaison Liaise with OPCW divisions, States Parties, and any other external partners as required; Represent OSM in technical meetings and briefings, when required; Facilitate coordination with international investigative and accountability mechanisms, when required. Capacity Building and Mentorship Mentor and supervise junior investigators and analysts, as well as field teams; Contribute to the development of investigative methodologies, Standard Operating Procedures, and best practices; Support training initiatives within OSM. Any other duties as required