Programme Overview
Safe management of chemicals is a global priority, essential for protecting human health and the environment. While chemicals bring many benefits, unsafe handling can cause severe harm. Effective management—including accurate classification, labelling, and preventive measures—enables informed decision-making and supports a non-toxic environment.
This International Capacity Development Programme supports professionals working in institutions responsible for national chemicals control. Guided by Swedish experts, participants gain knowledge, exchange experiences with peers, and develop practical skills. A central feature is the change project, where participants apply what they learn to strengthen chemicals control in their own institutions.
Objectives
The overall objective of the programme is to contribute to the protection of human health and the environment from chemical-related risks, thereby reducing societal costs, promoting sustainable development, supporting human rights, and contributing to poverty reduction.
The ultimate objective of the programme is to strengthen the capacity of relevant stakeholders in participating countries to implement effective and preventive national chemicals control.
The intermediate objective is to build and enhance the capacity for preventive chemicals control within the participating institutions.
The immediate output is that participating institutions receive training in preventive chemicals control and use what they learn to develop and carry out change projects that help strengthen national chemicals control.
Content and Structure
The programme provides an overview of national chemicals control, covering key elements, legislative approaches, and effective preventive measures. It highlights both technical aspects and cross-cutting issues such as human rights, gender equality, environment and climate, communication, change management, and poverty reduction.
A core feature is the change project, designed and implemented by each participant to address real challenges within their institutions. Projects must be aligned with institutional priorities and supported by leadership, ensuring they strengthen national chemicals control in practice.
The programme has two phases:
- Training phase (3 weeks in Stockholm): Participants gain foundational knowledge, share experiences, and receive specialised training based on their interests and project focus. They also begin designing their change projects, presenting plans before leaving Sweden.
- Application phase (approx. 1 year): Participants implement their projects with ongoing mentoring and expert support. The phase concludes with country-level seminars where results are presented to stakeholders and institutions.
Learning Methods
The programme blends lectures, talks, discussions, case studies, interactive workshops, group work, and study visits. Mentor-led small groups support participants in developing real change projects. With only 30 participants, the setting ensures close interaction, active engagement, and a supportive learning environment.
Management and Staff
The programme is led by Swedish experts in chemicals management, offering lectures on key strategies and best practices. A team of mentors supports participants throughout their change projects with strategic and technical guidance.
Follow-up and Evaluation
The Swedish Chemicals Agency evaluates project outcomes with participating institutions to ensure effective results and stronger national capacity. It also monitors overall programme performance to secure lasting impact.
Admission Requirements
Invited Countries
Preliminary focus countries for the programme include Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Moldova, Ukraine, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Target Group
The programme is designed to support ministries and authorities in strengthening their capacity for national chemicals control, by working with the professionals who carry out this work. It is aimed at mid- to senior-level individuals involved in chemicals management, helping them gain skills and insights that benefit their institutions. Candidates should hold a university degree in natural or technical sciences, or equivalent education. Institutions are encouraged to nominate at least two candidates.
Pre-knowledge Requirements
In order to be eligible for consideration, applicants should demonstrate a basic understanding of chemicals and waste management. As part of this requirement, the successful completion of the following two online cources is mandatory:
- Legislation for Chemicals Placed on the Market
- Sustainable Financing of Institutional Capacity for Chemicals Control
The courses are accessible at the following URLs:
Language Requirements
The programme is organised and conducted in English, without any translation. Candidates from countries where English is not an official language should take a language test with an official body in their home country, if documentation supporting his/her proficiency in English cannot be provided. The Swedish Chemicals Agency may conduct interviews as part of the selection process.
Health Requirements
It is recommended that candidates undergo a medical examination as the programme includes travel and work away from home in a new environment.
Insurance
Participants are covered by a group insurance for emergency medical care in case of accident or severe acute illness during their stay in Sweden.
Other Requirements
Participants should be able to participate in all phases of the programme and all activities, including social activities. Basic computer skills and an email address are necessary for participation in the programme. Access to a stable Internet connection to be able to participate in the digital sessions and meetings during the programme is required. Participants are recommended to bring own computer for the training phase in Sweden. Family members are not permitted to accompany programme participants.
Costs
International travel to and from Sweden, board and lodging, in-country travel within Sweden, programme fees, and literature are covered by Sida. Airline tickets will be booked by the Swedish Chemicals Agency and issued by a travel agency with which KEMI has an agreement. Tickets will be arranged according to the dates of the training phase. Any changes to this booking due to personal preferences are the responsibility of the participant. Any changes to this booking due to personal preferences are the responsibility of the participant.
Participants and their institutions are responsible for covering the costs of implementing the change project, personal expenses, travel within their home country, visa fees, local airport taxes, and departure fees.
Visa
Participants and their institutions are responsible for securing all necessary visas and ensuring passport validity. Visa-related inquiries should be made to the respective Embassy/Consulate of Sweden or other Schengen representation entities promptly after admission. More information is available on the Sweden Migration Board website www.migrationsverket.se
Accommodation
During the training phase, participants are accommodated at the same apartment hotel to facilitate networking and collaboration.
Certificate
Participants who complete all programme requirements, including implementation, reporting and presenting of the change project, will receive a Certificate of Completion.
How to apply
Submit your application via the electronic registration form (see Programme Session 1 below). The training phase in Sweden for this session is scheduled for April 13–30, 2026. When your registration has been successfully submitted you will receive an automatic reply. Upon selection, confirm participation by submitting the Confirmation Form.
Other Information
For a complete description of the programme click here to download the brochure National Chemicals Management – from Knowledge to Action. Applicants are advised to read the full programme description carefully prior to submitting their application.
All queries and requests should be addressed to:
Swedish Chemicals Agency
Box 2, SE-172 13 Sundbyberg, Sweden
Phone: +46 8 519 41 100
Fax: +46 8 735 76 98
E-mail: itp@kemi.se
Web: www.kemi.se
www.kemi.se/en/international-cooperation/international-training-and-workshops