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.
The Information Services Branch provides functional oversight of all OPCW information technology (IT) and telecommunication systems.
The Branch provides cross-divisional platforms and services such as IT infrastructure and business applications; provides reliable and secure technical infrastructure within a context of strict adherence to approved confidentiality and security guidelines and procedures; and identifies opportunities where the use of information technology can improve OPCW business in terms of efficiency and effectiveness.
Focus areas for the branch:
Learning objective for the Intern:
Intern will be provided with an opportunity to learn in the following areas:
The intern will be assigned to the following projects:
New Laptop deployment Project:
The intern will be responsible for registering and labelling equipment for HardCat registration, ensuring that all assets are accurately tracked within the system. In addition, they will carry out laptop imaging and configuration, preparing devices so they are ready for use by end users and compliant with the organisation’s standards.
IT Service Management Project:
The intern will be responsible for documenting group memberships, access permissions, and approval workflows within the new system, ensuring all processes are clearly outlined and accessible for reference. Additionally, they will create comprehensive documentation for both users and clients, supporting the rollout and use of the new ticketing system by providing clear guidance and user instructions.
Expected start date: July 2026
The intern will be given an opportunity to further learn on the following areas;
Essential:
Desirable:
Please note that all vacancies will close at 22:00 The Netherlands local time on their respective closing day. Thereafter, the vacancy announcements will no longer appear in the Candidate Portal and you will no longer be able to submit your application. We recommend that you apply well in advance of the deadline.
Staff members in the General Services category are normally recruited and paid on a local basis.
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 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.