The OPCW internship programme is aimed at motivated students with an interest in gaining experience in international organisations. The programme normally provides work placements in the Technical Secretariat for a three to six month period. The objective of the internship is to provide you with first-hand experience in the day-to-day working environment of an international organisation. You will work with our international experts towards the OPCW mission to achieve a world permanently free of chemical weapons.
As part of our team, working directly with outstanding and inspiring career professionals, you will be exposed to high-profile conferences, participate in meetings, and contribute to our analytical work as well as the organisational policy of the OPCW.
Job Summary
You will receive hands-on experience with real-world application. You will stretch yourself and engage in challenging work. You will work as part of a team and contribute to the OPCW's mission.
Internship placements are offered throughout the Technical Secretariat which is divided into divisions. Many divisions are comprised by different branches.
What you will get…
Working as part of a highly skilled team you will develop analytical and problem-solving skills. You will learn how to build working relationships with international experts working on a variety of issues.
While there will be a certain focus on building your technical and vocational skillset, we also work with our interns to develop the skills needed to manage their workload and create a healthy work/life balance. We also offer plenty of social events so you can bond with the other interns in the programme and settle into life in the Netherlands.
Main Responsibilities
The responsibilities of interns vary with the work of the different branches, this is why it’s really important to make sure you identify which part(s) of the Technical Secretariat you want to work in.
Example responsibilities of an intern, which depend on their placement, may include:
Administration Division:
Secretariat for the Policy-Making Organs:
Verification Division:
Office of Strategy and Policy:
Education
To be eligible for the OPCW internship programme, you must be:
Skills and Competencies
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
Acceptance for the programme shall not carry with it any expectation of employment with the OPCW. Interns may not apply for, or be appointed to, any posts or positions at the OPCW within six months of the internship agreement end date. The internship programme is run in accordance with the applicable internal rules and where applicable the OPCW Staff Regulations and Interim Staff Rules.
Only fully completed applications submitted before the closing date and through OPCW CandidateSpace will be considered.
Only applicants under serious consideration for a post will be contacted.
Applications from qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged.