The OSCE PA Research Assistant Programme is open to graduate students and recent graduates of political science, law, international relations or other related fields from OSCE participating States and Partners for Co-operation. Research Assistants gain valuable insight into international politico-military, economic and environmental, and human rights affairs, while developing professional skills relevant to the work of the Parliamentary Assembly.
Tasks
Research Assistants support the work of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly by conducting background research on topics relevant to its activities. They draft a variety of documents, such as briefing reports, speeches, statements, talking points, minutes of meetings and background papers. This work supports election observation missions, official visits, meetings and special projects carried out by the International Secretariat.
Assistants in Vienna attend official meetings of the OSCE decision-making bodies and other informal meetings of the OSCE participating States. They prepare concise reports thereof to keep the Assembly informed of key security developments and ongoing negotiations.
Administrative responsibilities include day-to-day office tasks, such as translation and proofreading of official documents, filing and other practical duties. On an ad hoc basis, Assistants may also participate in field activities of the Assembly, such as election observations, statutory meetings, field visits, etc.
All Assistants are expected to adhere to the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly’s Code of Conduct, which outlines the principles of integrity, impartiality, and professionalism expected of all staff.
Duration
Research Assistant positions are granted for a non-renewable twelve-month period, including a probation period of three months.
There should be no expectation of further employment with the OSCE PA upon completion of the Assistantship.
Allowances
- Research Assistants based in Copenhagen receive a monthly allowance of € 1,000 and free housing in international student accommodation.
- Assistants based in Vienna receive a monthly allowance of € 1,200 to cover basic expenses and accommodation.
Research Assistants are responsible for their own travel expenses to and from the duty station.
Qualifications
Applicants should meet the following requirements:
- Citizenship in one of the OSCE participating States, or Partners for Co-operation, and be up to 28 years of age;
- Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Political Science, International Relations, Law or a related field. Candidates may apply prior to obtaining their degree if all academic requirements for their degree have been fully completed;
- Excellent written and spoken English (mandatory); knowledge of other official OSCE languages - Russian, French, German, Italian and Spanish - is a strong asset;
- Strong analytical and writing skills;
- Keen interest in international security and parliamentary diplomacy;
- Previous experience of working in an international organization or parliament is desirable;
- Familiarity with issues related to elections, human rights, arms control, transnational threats, migration, counterterrorism, good governance, climate change, media, conference management, finance or administration is an asset;
- Proficiency in computer applications, including word processing, Google Workspace tools, and online research platforms.
Application procedure
Applications are accepted throughout the year, with the main intake occurring in September/October.
The deadline for applying for the September/October intake is 1 April.
Please also check the website regularly for updates on upcoming openings and application submission deadlines.
Applications must include:
- Completed application form;
- Concise cover letter;
- Curriculum Vitae;
- Transcript of grades from the applicant’s master’s degree;
- Two letters of recommendation;
- One recent passport-sized photograph.
Note: that due to the large number of applications received, only applicants who are short-listed will be contacted.
Please submit completed applications by email to [email protected] , indicating in the title of the email your name/surname, country/countries of citizenship and preferred date for starting the Assistantship.
