1. The internship

The purpose of the Internship Program at the Secretariat of OPANAL is to provide professional experience, without economic support, to young professionals, diplomats and/or undergraduate or graduate students in various fields of study.

The Internship Program is part of the Agency’s activities towards education for disarmament and non-proliferation of nuclear weapons, in accordance with the Resolution adopted at the General Conference of the Agency.

The selected interns will receive support and guidance from the officers of the Secretariat in the day-to-day tasks, which include but are not limited to:

  • Assist in the preparation of meetings;
  • Assist in the elaboration of proposals aimed to advance the activities of the Agency;
  • Assist in the translation of documents (particularly Spanish to English, proficiency in French or Portuguese will be considered an asset);
  • Assist in the organization of the Archives;
  • Other tasks assigned by the Secretary-General.

Starting in 2022, OPANAL will support interns with $1,000.00 MXN per month as incentive and recognition for their constant work during their period at the Agency. However, it will not be responsible for covering any travel, housing or health insurance expenses for the entire period of their internship. Likewise, non-Mexican interns or interns who are not residents of Mexico must manage and comply with the immigration procedures established by the Mexican Government. It is important to note the educational nature of the internship when making these arrangements.

2. Gender and Nationality Diversity

The XXVIII  Session of the General Conference held on 3 November 2023, adopted the Resolution CG/Res.12/2023 “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

Five months.

4. Schedule

Monday to Thursday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

5. Status, privileges, and immunities

Selected interns will not be entitled to privileges or diplomatic immunity by the Host State (Mexico). Although interns will not be regarded as officers of the Agency, they will report to the Secretary-General.

6. Insurance

OPANAL does not provide interns with any sort of insurance, medical or whatsoever. It is responsibility of the intern to have the proper insurance coverage that they may need prior to the beginning of the internship

7. Confidentiality

Selected interns need to comply with full confidentiality on any matter or unpublished information accessed during the course of the internship. Interns cannot publish any reports, papers or document of any kind based on the information obtained during the internship unless having explicit authorization by the Agency to do so. 

8. Target Audience
  • Background in International Relations, Law, Political Science, Translation, IT/Software, Journalism
  • Demonstrate interest in disarmament, non-proliferation, international security
  • Research and drafting skills
  • Proficiency in two of the four official languages of OPANAL (Spanish, English, French, Portuguese)
9. Application process and requirements

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

  1. Resumé (2 pages max.)
  2. Cover Letter (2 pages max.)
  3. Copy of academic transcripts (including courses taken and grades received)
  4. Copy of passport or official ID
  5. Recommendation letter (academic or professional)
  6. Medical certificate of the overall health status
  7. Copy of medical insurance 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.

10. Deadline for applications

Call for applications closed.