Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons - Science internship within the Office of Strategy and Policy

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.

Job Summary 

The Office of Strategy and Policy develops the Technical Secretariat’s strategic planning and provides policy advice to the Director-General and the Secretariat’s management, particularly relating to cross-cutting issues such as incidents of chemical weapons use, non-routine missions, chemical security, engagement with international organisations and chemical industry, education and outreach, counter-terrorism, and science and technology. In addition, the Office contributes to programme and budget planning and the organisational governance of the Secretariat in areas such as knowledge management, results-based management, and risk management. 

The internship within the Office of Strategy and Policy will provide a number of learning objectives for the intern, which will be agreed with them individually and tailored according to their academic backgrounds and skillsets. These learning objectives will be based around three main development areas: skill development (such as communication, problem-solving, research, analysis, and graphics design); career development (through understanding the work of the OPCW and international organisations generally); and personal development (strengthening skills such as self-confidence, time management, network building, and teamwork). 

The intern will be exposed to both the scientific and policy work undertaken in OSP, in addition to work across the Organisation, and will be encouraged to assist with preparations for and participate in diverse meetings and events, as the opportunity arises. 

Main Responsibilities 

The scientific work carried out in OSP is highly varied and interns can expect to be involved in a range of tasks. Support to OSP will be provided by, but not limited to:

1. Developing ideas and activities for, and participating in, Science for Diplomats events to help communicate relevant complex scientific and technical topics to policymakers and diplomats;2
2. Monitoring developments in science and technology of relevance to the work of the OPCW, and researching specific topics in detail;
3. Supporting the work associated with the OPCW Scientific Advisory Board and its Temporary Working Groups;
4. Assisting in the preparation of diverse documents including reports, briefing notes, and presentations; and
5. Designing graphics and layouts for internal documentation and outreach materials.