2026-582 - Science Policy Adviser (P-5)

Category : Office of the Director (OSP) - (1101)/Science Policy Adviser - (F0701-21)

Contract Type : Fixed-term Professional

Job Details :

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.

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.