Intern, Political Affairs and Protocol Branch

Job Description

Job Summary

The Political Affairs and Protocol Branch advises senior management on current and emerging issues, devises and implements strategies for achieving universality of the Convention, and liaises with States Parties. The Branch supports the Director-General and Deputy Director-General by preparing speeches, statements, and briefing notes; and manages all issues related to protocol, OPCW’s Host Country, and privileges and immunities.

Main Responsibilities

1. Purpose of Internship:

(a) deliverable for the branch and

(b) learning objective for the intern.

a) The intern will help facilitate protocol activities and support political affairs tasks of the Political Affairs and Protocol Branch, assisting with protocol events and activities, undertaking research and analytical tasks for preparation of engagements of senior management, providing logistical assistance as required, and tasks related to privileges and immunities when required.

b) The intern will become acquainted with the Chemical Weapons Convention and the workflow, functions, and structure of the OPCW, the External Relations Division, and the Political Affairs and Protocol Branch, as well as gain a familiarity with the political environment of the OPCW and the arms control, disarmament, and non-proliferation architecture as a whole.

2. Terms of Reference for the Internship:

The scope of the internship will include:

1. Assistance for preparation of background materials on a variety of political issues in support of the engagements by senior management;
2. Assistance for planning and conduct of official events taking place at OPCW Headquarters and elsewhere;
3. Assistance for planning, conduct, and coverage of the sessions and meetings of the Executive Council and Conference of the States Parties;
4. Research and analysis of global trends and issues that may impact the work of the OPCW;
5. Monitoring of and reporting on political events and developments of relevance to the OPCW;
6. Support for the privileges and immunities services and tasks overseen by the Branch; and
7. Provision of general logistical assistance for Branch activities.

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:

• Background in International Relations or related areas at a Bachelor/Masters level. High proficiency in English language (speaking and writing).

Skills and Competencies

High proficiency in English language (speaking and writing).

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.

Closing Date
15/08/2025