Location: The Hague, Netherlands
About Us: 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 first-hand experience in the day-to-day working environment of an international organisation, working with international experts towards the OPCW mission to achieve a world permanently free of chemical weapons. As part of the team, working directly with career professionals, the intern will be exposed to high-profile conferences, participate in meetings, and contribute to analytical work as well as the organisational policy of the OPCW.
Contract Type: Intern. Remuneration: a monthly stipend of 540 Euros.
Job Summary: The International Cooperation and Assistance Division serves as international provider and platform for specialised and technical assistance in support of States Parties' efforts to meet their obligations under the Convention, through a wide range of programmes and projects. These capacity-building programmes aim to build and enhance States Parties' capacity to foster the use of chemistry for peaceful purposes for economic and technological development; facilitating national implementation and responding to threats involving toxic chemicals. The International Cooperation Branch runs a portfolio of international cooperation programmes classified in three strategic areas: Integrated Chemicals Management; Enhancing Laboratory Capabilities; and chemical knowledge promotion and exchange.
Purpose of Internship: Support the effective coordination of the OPCW Africa Programme and International Cooperation Programme within the ICA Division; support the initiatives of the chemical safety and security management programme, including development of new tools and training materials; and receive effective on-the-job training in international public organisation, diplomacy and international relations, capacity building for developing nations, project management and administration.
Main Responsibilities: Maintenance of the Africa Programme database (contacts, alumni of capacity-building, etc.); support the organisation of meetings with States Parties (consultations, Steering Committee, etc.); assist with the preparation of presentations to States Parties and with compiling data/input for statements; drafting relevant internal and external correspondence; assist with the maintenance of the Africa Network; support creating and maintaining the pool of resource persons for the AI-related programme; provide editorial support in development of chemical safety and security tools, including guidelines and other written materials; assist the needs assessment of chemical safety and security management in collecting and analysing survey results received; support the Branch's effort to expand its programme portfolio to include new topics on emerging technologies; assist organisation of capacity-building activities conducted by ICB as required by the supervisor in consultation with the Branch Head.
Qualifications and Experience — Education (Essential): Enrolled in and have completed at least one year of a degree programme in a university (or equivalent tertiary institution); or in a graduate school programme (second university degree or higher); or have graduated from a university or graduate school within a year prior to the commencement of the internship; and be a citizen of an OPCW Member State. Desirable: University degree in international relations, development studies, public administration, project management, artificial intelligence, or any other relevant field; fluency in English; excellent writing and editing skills; experience in administrative work/volunteering.
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. Participants receive no financial remuneration from the OPCW for expenses incurred in relation to the programme; costs and arrangements for travel, visas, taxes, accommodation, living expenses and repatriation are the responsibility of the intern, who must enter and exit the country in accordance with applicable immigration procedures in The Netherlands. Participants will be asked to provide proof of sufficient financial means for living expenses for the period of the internship. Interns will work no more than 40 hours a week. Participants who are citizens of non-EU countries should agree not to undertake other work in the Netherlands during their internship. OPCW is committed to maintaining a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect and recruits regardless of disability status, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, language, race, marital status, religious, ethnic, cultural and socio-economic backgrounds, or any other personal characteristics.
Closing date: 19/08/2026
HOW TO APPLY:
Only fully completed applications submitted before the closing date and through OPCW CandidateSpace will be considered. Apply online via the OPCW Candidate Portal at https://jobs.opcw.org/job/job-internship-international-cooperation-branch-ica-icb-_580.aspx. All vacancies close at 22:00 The Netherlands local time on their respective closing day; apply well in advance of the deadline. Only applicants under serious consideration will be contacted.