About the opportunity
The Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) of the Organisation of Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) is seeking an intern for its Human Rights Department. The intern will support various programs addressing human rights defenders, education, anti-terrorism, torture prevention, anti-trafficking, freedom of religion or belief, peaceful assembly, national human rights institutions, and gender and security.
Salary and benefits
- Compensation equivalent to 10% of the applicable Daily Subsistence Allowance (DSA) rate for interns who do not reside in the place of assignment.
- Life and accident/disability insurance covered by the OSCE.
- Option to participate in the group health insurance scheme at the own expense.
Who can apply?
- Students in the final year of higher education (university or other accredited institution) at graduate or postgraduate level, or recent graduates/postgraduates within two years of graduation.
- Academic background in political sciences, international relations, law, international human rights law, or other related fields.
- Upper age limit of 30 years.
- Nationals of an OSCE participating State.
- Excellent command of English, both oral and written.
- Proven competence in research and analytical writing.
- Demonstrable organizational, communication, and reporting skills.
- Cultural sensitivity, judgment, and understanding of gender mainstreaming.
- Ability to operate Windows applications, including word processing, Microsoft Excel, and e-mail.
- Previous exposure and/or experience in dealing with human rights issues is an asset.
- Knowledge of Russian is an asset.
Required documents
- Cover letter (must mention availability dates)
When to apply
- Closing date: September 3, 2026.
- Internship starts in November 2026 (subject to change).
How to apply
- Apply via the OSCE's online application link at https://vacancies.osce.org/.
- Mention availability dates in the cover letter.
Additional information
- The internship does not constitute a commitment to future employment with the OSCE.
- OSCE officials must conduct themselves as international civil servants, maintaining integrity, independence, and impartiality.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Nationals of OSCE participating States under the age of 30.
- Students or recent graduates in Law, International Relations, or Political Science with strong analytical writing skills.
- Candidates with knowledge of Russian as an additional asset.
What should you think carefully about?
- The financial support is very limited, providing only 10% of the DSA rate for non-residents, which means applicants must be able to self-fund most of their stay in Warsaw.
- The internship does not guarantee any future employment with the OSCE.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This is a perfect fit for a final-year student or recent graduate (within two years) looking to gain a prestigious international experience in human rights law or political science. It provides exposure to a wide range of programs, from anti-trafficking to torture prevention, making it a strong addition to a career in international law or diplomacy.
Our take
An excellent entry-level opportunity for OSCE participating State nationals who are passionate about human rights monitoring and research.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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