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 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.

General Information

• Contract Type
  Intern
• Remuneration
  A monthly stipend of 540 Euro
• Closing Date
  23/04/2026

Responsibilities

Job Summary

The International Cooperation and Assistance Division serves as international provider and platform for providing specialised and technical assistance in support of States Parties efforts to meet their obligations under the Convention through a portfolio of wide range of programmes and projects. These capacity building programmes are aimed at contributing to build and enhance States Parties capacity to fostering the use of chemistry for peaceful purposes for the economic and technological development of the States Parties; facilitating the national implementation and responding and dealing with threats involving toxic chemicals.

The Implementation Support Branch is responsible for coordinating activities intended at supporting and sustaining capacity of States Parties and their National Authorities for full and effective implementation of the Convention.

The Branch provides tailored assistance and capacity building programs aiming at assisting States Parties in the enactment of national legislation and enhancing capacities of the National Authorities and their effective functioning to effectively fulfil all national obligations under the CWC.

The Branch is also responsible for monitoring, preparing and publishing Annual Reports on the Status of National Implementation of the CWC.

Start dates:

Immediately and August 2026

Main Responsibilities

Purpose of Internship:

The purpose of the internship is to offer motivated students with an opportunity of gaining experience in the work of the OPCW, particularly in relation to national implementation of States Parties’ obligations under the CWC.

Interns will be offered an opportunity to learn by working in the following areas;

• Supporting officers in the preparation of relevant reports, i.e., on Status of National implementing legislation by Members States;

• Supporting officers in the coordination of activities intended at enhancing the capacity of States Parties and their National Authorities for full and effective implementation of the CWC, e.g. capacity building activities and awareness raising events;

• Conducting guided research on issues relating to the CWC, International Law, CWC national legislation.

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 a graduate school within a year prior to the commencement of the internship and;

• Be a citizen of an OPCW Member State and fluent in both written and spoken English.

Desirable:

• A general background in international law, security studies, international organizations, international relations at the bachelors or master’s level.

Skills and Competencies

• Legal Research and Analytical Prowess: Demonstrated ability in conducting legal research and analysis, particularly in the realm of International Law.

• Knowledge of International Law: Understanding of International Law principles, specifically in relation to the treaty implementation.

• Drafting Skills: Experience in drafting reports and documents.

• Multicultural Adaptability: Ability to thrive in a diverse and multicultural environment, showcasing adaptability and effective communication skills across different settings.

• Commitment and Dedication: Demonstrated commitment to organizational goals and objectives, as well as active participation in critical initiatives and projects.

Languages

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.

1. Participants in the Internship Programme receive no financial remuneration from the OPCW for expenses that they incur in relation to the programme. Costs and arrangements for travel, visas, taxes, accommodation, living expenses and repatriation, etc. are the responsibility of the intern. The intern has to enter and exit the country in accordance with the applicable immigration procedures in The Netherlands.
2. Participants will be asked to provide proof that they have sufficient financial means for living expenses for the period of their internship.
3. Interns will work with the normal working pattern of the OPCW which will amount to no more than 40 hours a week.
4. Participants who are citizens of non-EU countries should agree not to undertake other work in the Netherlands during their internship other than as an intern at the OPCW, notwithstanding whether such other work is compatible with the discharge of their functions with the OPCW.
   
   

Only fully completed applications submitted before the closing date and through OPCW CandidateSpace will be considered.

Only applicants under serious consideration will be contacted.

According to article 8 paragraph 44 of the Chemical Weapons Convention the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible.

OPCW is committed to maintaining a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. OPCW recruits and employs staff 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.

OPCW General Terms and Conditions