The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) has officially opened applications for its highly competitive Science Internship within the Office of Strategy and Policy (OSP) for 2026. This prestigious international internship program offers science students and recent graduates an opportunity to gain hands-on experience within one of the world’s leading international organisations dedicated to chemical disarmament, global security, and peaceful scientific advancement.
The internship is based in The Hague, Netherlands, and is aimed at motivated young scientists who are interested in international affairs, science diplomacy, emerging technologies, policy development, and the implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC). According to the official announcement, three science internship positions are available, with start dates beginning in mid-July 2026.
This internship represents an excellent opportunity for students and graduates who wish to build careers in science policy, international organisations, diplomacy, chemistry, technology governance, and global security.
About the OPCW Science Internship Programme
The OPCW internship programme is designed to provide participants with first-hand experience in the daily operations of an international organisation. Interns work directly with experienced professionals and experts while contributing to important scientific and policy-related initiatives.
The Office of Strategy and Policy (OSP), where the internship is hosted, focuses on major cross-cutting issues affecting the implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention. One of its key responsibilities is monitoring scientific and technological developments that could impact chemical disarmament, international security, and global policy frameworks.
As part of the internship, selected candidates will gain exposure to:
- International scientific policy discussions
- Science diplomacy initiatives
- Emerging technologies
- Global chemical security
- Policy development processes
- Research and analytical work
- International conferences and meetings
Interns will also collaborate with professionals across different OPCW departments and participate in organisational events and discussions whenever opportunities arise.
Key Responsibilities of the Internship
The scientific work carried out within the Office of Strategy and Policy is broad and dynamic. Selected interns will contribute to several important tasks and projects.
Responsibilities may include:
1. Supporting Science for Diplomats Events
Interns will help develop ideas and activities for “Science for Diplomats” events. These initiatives aim to communicate complex scientific and technological concepts to diplomats and policymakers in an understandable way.
2. Monitoring Scientific and Technological Developments
Participants will research and monitor emerging scientific and technological trends relevant to the OPCW’s work and the Chemical Weapons Convention.
3. Assisting the Scientific Advisory Board
Interns may support the work associated with the OPCW Scientific Advisory Board and its Temporary Working Groups.
4. Preparing Reports and Presentations
The role includes assisting with the preparation of:
- Reports
- Briefing notes
- Presentations
- Internal policy documents
- Outreach materials
5. Graphic Design and Communication Support
Interns may also assist in designing graphics, layouts, and visual communication materials for outreach and documentation purposes.
Internship Learning Benefits
The OPCW states that the internship is tailored according to the intern’s academic background and skillset. The programme focuses on three major areas of development:
Skill Development
Interns will strengthen practical skills such as:
- Communication
- Research
- Scientific analysis
- Problem-solving
- Graphic design
- Policy writing
Career Development
Participants will gain a deeper understanding of:
- International organisations
- Science diplomacy
- Global governance
- Chemical weapons disarmament
- International policymaking
Personal Development
The internship also helps participants improve:
- Self-confidence
- Teamwork
- Networking
- Time management
- Professional adaptability
These experiences can significantly strengthen a candidate’s future career prospects in science, diplomacy, international relations, public policy, and research.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be enrolled in a university degree programme in a scientific discipline and have completed at least one year of study; or
- Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or higher); or
- Have graduated from a scientific discipline within one year before the internship begins.
Additionally, candidates must:
- Be citizens of an OPCW Member State
- Have strong interest in science and technology
- Possess fluency in English
Applications from candidates with non-scientific backgrounds will not be considered.
Although a background in chemical sciences is desirable, it is not mandatory. The organisation also values interest in emerging technologies and their applications within chemical contexts.
Language Requirements
English fluency is essential for the internship. However, knowledge of any additional OPCW official languages is considered an advantage.
Desirable languages include:
- Arabic
- Chinese
- French
- Russian
- Spanish
Important Internship Conditions
Applicants should carefully note that the OPCW internship programme is unpaid. According to the organisation:
- Interns do not receive financial remuneration
- Travel expenses are not covered
- Accommodation and living costs are the intern’s responsibility
- Visa and relocation arrangements must be handled by the intern
- Interns must prove they have sufficient financial resources during the internship period.
The internship follows normal OPCW working schedules, with interns working up to 40 hours per week.
Why This Internship Matters
The OPCW is globally recognised for its efforts toward eliminating chemical weapons and promoting peaceful uses of chemistry. In 2013, the organisation received the Nobel Peace Prize for its extensive work in chemical disarmament.
Participating in an OPCW internship provides young scientists with rare exposure to:
- International diplomacy
- Science-policy collaboration
- Global security initiatives
- High-level international networking
- Real-world policy applications of science
For students and graduates seeking careers in global organisations such as the United Nations, scientific institutions, policy think tanks, or international NGOs, this internship can serve as a major stepping stone.
Application Deadline
The official vacancy notice states that applications must be submitted before the closing date indicated on the OPCW CandidateSpace portal. Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early because submissions close at 22:00 Netherlands local time on the final day.
How to Apply
Interested applicants can apply directly through the official OPCW careers portal.
Click here to find more information about this internship opportunity on the OPCW website
Applicants are required to:
- Select the vacancy
- Complete the OPCW Candidate Application Template
- Upload required documents
- Complete the online application form.
Eligible Applicants
- Undergraduate science students
- Graduate students
- Recent science graduates
- Young researchers
- Early-career scientists
Eligible Countries/Regions
- Citizens of OPCW Member States worldwide
- Applicants from Africa, Europe, Asia, North America, South America, and Oceania can apply if their country is an OPCW Member State
Required Qualifications
- Scientific academic background
- Completion of at least one year of university study
- Strong English language skills
- Interest in science policy and international affairs
- Interest in emerging technologies and chemical sciences
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