Intern (EECCA Section)

Background:

The OSCE has a comprehensive approach to security that encompasses politico-military, economic and environmental, and human aspects. It therefore addresses a wide range of security-related concerns, including arms control, confidence- and security-building measures, human rights, combating human trafficking, national minorities, democratization, policing strategies, counter-terrorism and economic and environmental activities. All 57 participating States enjoy equal status, and decisions are taken by consensus on a politically, but not legally binding basis.

The OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities (HCNM) promotes conflict prevention and integration of diverse societies. HCNM was established to identify and seek early resolution of ethnic tensions that might endanger peace, stability or friendly relations between OSCE participating States.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

The OSCE HCNM is looking for an intern for six months who will work with the section primarily dealing with Eastern European, Caucasus and Central Asian States. The main duties and responsibilities include:  

1. Assisting in preparing background material for HCNM engagements in Eastern Europe, the Caucasus and Central Asia;
2. Conducting media monitoring and reporting on developments relevant to minority/conflict prevention issues in the Eastern European, Caucasus and Central Asian States; 
3. Conducting background research on minority-related issues, with a focus on Eastern Europe, the Caucasus and Central Asia;
4. Assisting in the preparation of relevant seminars, roundtables and other HCNM events, including by supporting organisational activities and note-taking;
5. Assisting political and legal advisers and project officers in tasks to support the implementation of HCNM project activities;
6. Participating in the section’s regular meetings and those of the Institution where appropriate;
7. Carrying out similar or related assigned duties as may be required.   
        

For more detailed information on the work of the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities, please see: https://www.osce.org/hcnm. We also recommend you to visit https://jobs.osce.org/internships, where you can find a video created by former interns and recently presented webinar.

Necessary Qualifications:

• You should be under the age of 30;
• You should be in your final year of higher education at graduate or postgraduate level or within two years after graduation by the deadline of the vacancy;
• Your educational background should be in law, social or political science, international relations, or a related subject;
• Relevant work or internship experience is an asset;
• Basic knowledge of human and minority rights norms;
• A grounded understanding of minority issues, preferably in the former Soviet Union area;
• Developed analytical, research, and drafting skills, with the ability to conduct research with limited supervision;
• Good organizational skills, with the ability to process and classify information quickly and efficiently;
• Professional fluency in English with excellent communication (both oral and written) skills is required, as is a working knowledge of Russian;
• Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, and an ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities;
• Ability and willingness to work as a member of team, with people of different cultural, and religious backgrounds, different gender, and diverse political views, while maintaining impartiality and objectivity;
• Computer literacy, with practical experience using Microsoft applications.

Remuneration Package:

Please note that the OSCE is not in a position to pay any remuneration during the period of internship, nor reimburse travel expenses. In lieu of remuneration, some compensation towards the cost of living may be offered to interns who are non-residents at the duty station.

The selected intern may participate in the group health insurance scheme at his/her own expense, but the OSCE will cover life and accident/disability insurance. If the intern opts to arrange his/her own medical coverage, he/she shall provide evidence of medical coverage for the duty station he/she applies to, and for any eventual duty trip destinations.  

The internship lasts six (6) months and does not constitute a commitment to future employment with the OSCE.   
 

If you meet the above requirements and wish to apply for this internship opportunity, please use the OSCE's online application link found under https://vacancies.osce.org/. Please mention your availability dates in the cover letter.

Only those candidates who are selected to participate in the subsequent stages of recruitment will be contacted.

Please note that vacancies in the OSCE are open for competition only amongst nationals of participating States, please see https://www.osce.org/participating-states.

The OSCE retains the discretion to re-advertise/re-post the vacancy, to cancel the recruitment, or offer an internship with modified terms of reference or a different duration. 

The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all religious, ethnic and social backgrounds to apply to become a part of the Organization.

Candidates should be aware that OSCE officials shall conduct themselves at all times in a manner befitting the status of an international civil servant. This includes avoiding any action which may adversely reflect on the integrity, independence and impartiality of their position and function as officials of the OSCE. The OSCE is committed to applying the highest ethical standards in carrying out its mandate. For more information on the values set out in OSCE Competency Model, please see https://jobs.osce.org/resources/document/our-competency-model.

Please be aware that the OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application and review process.