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 develop their knowledge of international politico-military, economic and environmental, and human rights affairs and build their professional skills in areas connected to the work of the Parliamentary Assembly.
Tasks
Research Assistants conduct background research on topics relevant for the activities of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly. They draft a variety of documents, such as briefing reports, speeches, statements, talking points, minutes of meetings and background papers, to support the work of the Assembly, including in the context of election observation missions, various official visits, meetings and special projects carried out by the International Secretariat.
Moreover, Assistants in Vienna attend official meetings of the OSCE decision-making bodies and other informal meetings of the OSCE participating States and write concise reports thereof to keep the Assembly abreast of key security developments and negotiations taking place.
Assistants are also asked to complete administrative tasks, such as day-to-day practical work in the office, translation and proofreading of official documents, filing and other necessary tasks. On an ad hoc basis, Assistants may attend the events of the Assembly conducted in the field, such as election observations, statutory meetings, field visits, etc.
Research Assistant positions demand a six-month time commitment, and all Assistants are expected to abide by the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly’s Code of Conduct.
Duration
Research Assistant positions are granted for a six-month period.
Allowances
The Assembly provides Research Assistants in Copenhagen with an allowance of 1,000 euros per month plus free housing. For Assistants in Vienna, the Assembly provides an allowance of 1,200 euros per month to cover for basic expenses and accommodation.
Qualifications
The main requirements for a candidate are:
- Citizenship in one of the OSCE participating States, or Partners for Co-operation, 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 requirements for their MA have been fully completed;
- Excellent written and spoken English is 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 affairs and parliamentary diplomacy;
- Previous experience of working in an international organization or in a parliament is desirable;
- Familiarity with issues related to elections, human rights, arms control, transnational threats, migration, countering terrorism, good governance, climate change, media affairs, conference management, finance and administration is an asset;
- Computer literacy, including of word processing and research tools.
Application procedure
Applications for the OSCE PA Research Assistant Programme are accepted at any time of year, with the main intake of Assistants for the year occurring in February/March. The deadline for applying for the February/March intake is 1 October.
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 photograph.
Please note that due to the large amount of applications received, only applicants who are short-listed for a telephone interview will be contacted.
Please submit completed applications by email [email protected] to attention of: Ms. DANA BJERREGAARD, indicating in the title of the email your name/surname, country of citizenship and preferred date for starting the Assistantship
