OSCE Parliamentary Assembly - Research Fellowship-Internship in International Affairs

What you get

You get a monthly grant of 564 EUR for six months, plus free accommodation in Copenhagen. The 564 EUR covers your basic living costs in the city. You work at the International Secretariat of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, the body that brings together parliaments from Europe, North America and Central Asia. As a Research Fellow you carry out research for the Assembly and write briefing reports for parliamentary delegations, including election observation missions. You also help run Assembly meetings and committees and contribute to reports, speeches and statements. This is hands-on work experience in international affairs. Each year eight or nine graduates are taken on.

Who can apply

• Degree: You are a graduate student in political science, law or international relations.
• Nationality: You are a citizen of an OSCE participating State (most of Europe, North America and Central Asia).
• Age: You are between 23 and 28 years old.
• English: You speak and write excellent English, the working language. A second OSCE language (French, German, Italian, Russian or Spanish) is a plus.
• Skills: You have strong research and writing skills and can work with word processing and online research tools.
• Commitment: You can work full time for the full six months in Copenhagen.
• Interest: An interest in the politics of the OSCE region, especially the former Soviet Union, is a plus.

How to apply

You apply directly to the OSCE PA International Secretariat using its application form. There are two rounds a year, closing on 1 May and 1 October. One place each year is reserved for a graduate of the OSCE Academy in Bishkek, who applies through the Academy instead.

How realistic are your chances?

With only eight or nine places a year and citizens of many countries eligible, this is a competitive fellowship (a paid research placement). What narrows the field is the specific profile: a graduate background in political science, law or international relations, an age of 23 to 28, and strong English. If you clearly match that profile and can show solid research and writing samples, your prospects are reasonable. Apply early against the 1 May or 1 October deadline.