Internship Program earmarked for Member States of OPANAL which are also members of the Caribbean Community – CARICOM.

1. The internship

The purpose of an internship at OPANAL Secretariat is to provide graduate and postgraduate students from the fields of international relations, international law, political sciences, translation and IT/Software with on-the-job training opportunities. Internships will be granted on a limited scale and the participants will receive guidance and support from the Secretariat officers regarding the duties to be performed, which include but are not limited to:

  • Assisting in meeting preparations;
  • Assisting in the elaboration of proposals in support of the Agency’s programs;
  • Assisting in the translation of documents (knowledge of two of the four OPANAL official languages is an asset);
  • Assisting in the organization of documentation and the institutional archive;
  • Assisting with research and background investigation of documents prepared by the Secretariat;
  • Other duties as requested by the Secretary-General.
2. Gender and Nationality Diversity

The XXVII Special Session of the General Conference at its, held on 17 November 2022, adopted the Resolution CG/E/Res.13/2022 “Gender, non-proliferation, and disarmament” which resolves: “To urge the Secretariat, together with the Council, to incorporate a gender perspective and to support and strengthen the effective participation of women in the Agency, its organs and programs.” In this regard, with the aim to strengthen the effective participation of women in the Agency, its organs and programs, applications from women candidates interested in the internship program are highly encouraged.

Moreover, the OPANAL Secretariat is committed to creating a diverse, multicultural and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The interns’ selection process will be carried out regardless of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, nationality, etc, on the basis of qualifications, competence, integrity and organizational need, with the gender-balanced approach.

3. Lenght

Three months.

4. Schedule

Monday through Thursday - from 9:00 a.m. to 05:00 p.m.

Friday – from 9:00 a.m. to 02:00 p.m.

5. Terms

Although interns will not be regarded as officers of the Agency, they will report to the Secretary-General. Additionally, interns shall not be entitled to the privileges and immunities by the Host State (Mexico).

6. Confidentiality

Interns are required to keep confidential any and all unpublished information acquired during the course of their internships and may not publish any reports or papers on the basis of information obtained, unless authorized to do so by OPANAL.

7. Financial Support

The selected candidates will receive a round-trip airfare to Mexico City, and a monthly allowance of USD $1,000.00 for accommodation and living expenses.

8. Medical Insurance

OPANAL does not provide any insurance coverage, medical or otherwise. An insurance certificate is required. Interns are entirely responsible for any insurance coverage that they may need. OPANAL reiterates it is not responsible for any costs generated by COVID-19 or any other health incident.

9. Accomodation

The Secretariat does not provide accommodation to the interns. Interns are responsible for finding and securing their own lodging in Mexico City.

10. Application process

To apply, please submit the following documents in one email to [email protected]:

  1. Curriculum Vitae (2 pages maximum)
  2. Statement of purpose (1-page maximum)
  3. Certified copies of university studies transcripts (including courses taken and grades received).
  4. A letter of endorsement from the candidate’s academic institution or Ministry of Foreign Affairs
  5. Proof of enrolment in a health insurance plan with coverage in Mexico (once accepted to the internship)

All documents must be addressed to the Secretary-General of the Agency, Ambassador Flavio Roberto Bonzanini.

11. Deadline for applications

The deadline for the submission of applications for the second semester of 2023 is 16 July 2023.