Inspectorate Division
The Inspectorate Division (INS) implements the Technical Secretariat’s on-site verification activities ensuring the efficient and effective deployment of inspection teams to both military and industrial facilities around the world in accordance with the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC). INS maintains the preparedness to respond to and investigate allegations of use of toxic chemicals as weapons and to conduct, upon request from States Parties in the event of a chemical incident, Challenge Inspections and Investigations of Alleged Use in accordance with Article X of the CWC.
To maintain preparedness, INS fosters Organisational synergies and serves as a unique body of international experts with a wide range of expertise, fully utilizing the capabilities of the Centre for Chemistry and Technology (ChemTech Centre) and supporting cross-divisional initiatives and international cooperation activities under Articles X and XI.
In parallel, the Division is implementing an effective knowledge-management framework to safeguard the Secretariat’s knowledge and skills and delivers training programmes to capitalise on the expertise garnered from contingency operations.
Inspection Team Personnel
The Inspection Team Personnel Branch (ITP) is responsible for all inspector staff resources. ITP maintains an integrated and flexible workforce of inspectors that are qualified, cross-trained and prepared for deployment to all types of missions and other operations such as planned verification activities, Technical Assistance Visits, Challenge Inspections, Investigations of Alleged Use, and other contingency missions as required.
In addition, ITP focuses on implementing projects related to developments in science and technology, especially in chemistry and chemical production processes, and supports the Secretariat’s activities at the ChemTech Centre.
ITP is divided into two units: Industry and Technology Advancement (ITA), and Contingency and Chemical Demilitarisation (CCD).
Industry and Technology Advancement Unit
The Industry and Technology Advancement Unit (ITA) performs field inspections at chemical plant sites declared by States Parties under Article VI of the CWC and provides technical advice and support for Article IV and V inspections and contingency operations.
ITA also monitors new technologies that are relevant to the production of chemical warfare agents. ITA tracks technological advancements relevant to industry verification, particularly those that could enhance training or contribute positively to all types of missions.
Contingency and Chemical Demilitarisation Unit
The Contingency and Chemical Demilitarisation Unit (CCD) conducts routine inspections of Chemical Weapons Destruction Facilities, Chemical Weapons Storage Facilities, Chemical Weapons Production Facilities and their conversions, Old Chemical Weapons Facilities, and Abandoned Chemical Weapons Facilities, as mandated under Articles IV and V of the Convention. It also conducts other contingency operations as required.
CCD also develops scientific and technical training programmes for INS and other relevant internal stakeholders and coordinates the Secretariat’s external training and capacity building programmes for contingency operations.
Programme Control and Monitoring Branch
The Programme Control and Monitoring Branch (CMB) oversees the development and implementation of the Division’s programme and budget and manages non-staff operational financial resources
CMB improves efficiencies and ensures that INS remains flexible, agile and transparent when allocating and utilizing financial resources. Focusing on budget processes and quality assurance, CMB defines the priorities for resource allocation in accordance with the Division’s mandate and strategic plan, sets and reports on key performance indicators, and forecasts resource needs consistent with programme objectives and the Director-General’s priorities.
CMB also ensures standard operating procedures (SOPs) and other quality assurance documents are developed and updated to guide the standardization and preparations to conduct all types of missions.
Operations and Technology Support Branch
he Operations and Technology Support Branch (OTSB) provides key support to all INS operations and technology-related activities, drawing upon operational synergies with the OPCW ChemTech Centre.
OTSB is responsible for coordinating all INS missions, providing operational, informational, administrative, technical and logistical support and ensuring timely and efficient procurement and maintenance of inspection equipment.
OTSB also maintains close communication with inspection teams and States Parties before, during, and after the inspections. OTSB’s Situation Centre provides 24/7 support and maintains comprehensive operational control of missions to ensure secure and reliable communications through its Operations Centre.
Through its InfoCell Unit, OTSB also analyses information and briefs OPCW leadership to facilitate the decision-making process and assist in crisis management.
Through its Technology Hub and Logistics (TH&L), housed at the ChemTech Centre, OTSB supports the Organisation’s focus on preventing the re-emergence of chemical weapons, with efforts centred on verification, capacity development, engagement and organisational governance for the enhancement of chemical security internationally, while continuing to implement its disarmament mandate. The TH&L ensures preparedness to conduct the mandated activities of the Organisation through the provision of logistical support and the development of comprehensive knowledge about existing and emerging technologies through systematic test and validation approaches, while also serving as a venue and coordinator for international cooperation and capacity building and training activities.