Associate Programme
2009 course
| Title | Date | ||
|---|---|---|---|
 |
INVITATION TO APPLY TO THE ASSOCIATE PROGRAMME 2009 | 03/10/2008 |  |
Objectives
The Programme has been designed with the aim of contributing to the development of chemistry and chemical engineering, with emphasis on chemical safety, in Member States. It provides a valuable opportunity for scientists and engineers of developing countries with economies in transition to be exposed to advanced industrial practices.
The Programme specifically includes a training course at a University in an industrialized country and a three-week attachment with modern chemical industry in these countries.
Applicants should have a minimum qualification, equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in chemistry/chemical or process engineering and relevant work experience for more than 5 years in an academic institution, government agency or industry, proficiency in English, physical fitness and willingness to travel.
The Governments of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Canada and Japan have, in the past, provided voluntary financial support for meeting a part of the costs of the programme.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the aims of this Programme?
- to facilitate national implementation of the Convention in relation to the chemical industry;
- to enhance national capacities in Member States by offering training to personnel from industry, academic institutions, and government in chemistry, chemical engineering, and related areas;
- to facilitate trade in these areas through the adoption of sound practices in the chemical industry; and
- to broaden the pool of manpower for National Authorities and the OPCW.
2. What financial support is given to the Associates?
The funding covers costs of course-related travel, accommodation, meals, course fees, and medical and travel insurances for all participants for the duration of the course.
3. What are the requirements?
- A first degree (BSc or equivalent) in chemistry or in chemical or process engineering from a university or another recognised institution of higher learning.
- Five years of relevant work experience (e.g. in the chemical industry, in process engineering, or in plant and production operations).
- Working experience with a National Authority or government agency implementing the Convention or a comparable international regulatory instrument would be an advantage.
- Proficiency in English.
- Since the Programme is intensive and involves a lot of course work, the applicants have to be physically fit and willing to travel.
4. What is the application procedure?
- Candidates have to complete the Personal History Form attached to the invitation note which is issued by the Technical Secretariat by December each year (see section IX at the end of this document), and
- Application has to be submitted directly to the Technical Secretariat or through the National Authority for the Chemical Weapons Convention in the Member State of which the applicant is a citizen.
- If an application is submitted directly to the Technical Secretariat, an endorsement from the National Authority of the Member State will subsequently be required.
5. If an applicant is not selected this time, will a previous application be considered for the next course?
No. One should re-apply.
6. What is the duration of the Associate Programme?
Ten weeks, normally between the end of July and beginning of October.
7. What are the programme elements?
- Week 1: Induction segment at the OPCW headquarters in The Hague.
- Weeks 2 - 4: Skills development training at a university in a Member State.
- Week 5: Intermediate segment at the OPCW headquarters: practical exercises and visits to specialised institutions.
- Weeks 6 - 8: Industrial attachment at a chemical plant where participants will receive training in various industrial operations and gain exposure to industry working environments.
- Weeks 9 - 10: Presentations of industrial assignments, research activities, and a final review at the OPCW headquarters.
8. What is the location of the course?
The Netherlands and other places (to be decided).
Contact information
Ms Olga Falco
International Cooperation Officer,
International Cooperation Branch,
Internal Cooperation and Assistance Division
tel +31 70 416 3218
fax +31 70 416 3279
intcoopbr@opcw.org