Objectives

The Associate Programme is a programme within the Technical Secretariat that is implemented by International Cooperation Branch. The programme is conducted annually for participants from developing countries and those whose economies are in transition. It has been designed with the aim of contributing to the development of chemistry and chemical engineering in Member States, with special emphasis on chemical safety. It provides a valuable opportunity for scientists from developing countries and countries with economies in transition to be exposed to modern practices in the chemical industry.

The objectives of the OPCW Associate Programme are:

1. to facilitate industry-related national implementation of the CWC;
2. to enhance national capacities in Member States by offering training in chemistry/chemical engineering related areas to personnel from industry, university and government;
3. to facilitate trade in these areas through adoption of good practices in chemical industry;
4. to broaden the basis of talent pool related position in National Authorities, institutions and economic of the Member States as well as the Technical Secretariat.

To date, twelve editions of the Programme have been attended by 265 qualified personnel from a total of 96 countries. The 2011 edition was attended by 28 trainees, who were from Algeria, Argentina, Botswana, Belarus, Brazil, Cameroon, Cuba, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kenya, Madagascar, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Paraguay, Philippines, Samoa, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, Uzbekistan.

All the trainees had a minimum qualification equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in chemistry/chemical or process engineering and relevant work experience in a university, government agency or industry.  The nine-week programme includes a Chemical engineering oriented skills development training component at a well-known university followed by ‘hands on’ industrial experience at modern chemical plants. These industries, as part of their ‘responsible care’ policy, cooperate with the Programme by accepting participants for industrial attachments for three weeks. The companies which have supported the programme to date are:

List of Member States Participating in The 12th edition of the Associate Programme (21 July - 23 September 2011)

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?

• Nine weeks, normally between the end of July and beginning of October. For the 2012 edition the Programme is to be held between 2 August and 5 October 2012.

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: Presentations of industrial assignments, research projects, and a final review at the OPCW headquarters.

8. What is the location of the course?

• The Netherlands and other places (to be decided).