Generic Local Internship

Background:

Please note that the vacancy is open for Kazakhstani nationals and permanent residents of Kazakhstan only.

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, democratization, policing strategies, counter-terrorism, economic and environmental activities, disaster risk reduction, and mitigation security-related threats caused by climate change. All 57 participating States enjoy equal status, and decisions are taken by consensus on a politically, but not legally binding basis. 

The OSCE Programme Office in Astana promotes the implementation of OSCE principles and commitments. With particular emphasis on the regional context, it assists Kazakhstan in addressing challenges and threats to security, in line with the host country’s priorities and needs and the Programme Office’s mandate.

The OSCE Programme Office in Astana is looking for qualified candidates to carry out internships for 2-6 month periods in both administrative and programmatic areas. 

What can the OSCE’s internship programme offer?

The chance to learn about the day-to-day working environment of the OSCE and about the Organization’s mandate;
The opportunity to develop your professional skills and gain practical working experience in a multi-national environment;
The chance to meet many professionals and benefit from their knowledge and mentorship;
The opportunity to meet and link-up with like-minded young professionals.

Please note that:

OSCE internships are full-time (40 hour week);
Start dates for selected candidates will depend on the needs of the Hiring Offices;
The cumulative duration of internship at the OSCE is limited to 6 months for any individual. Once this duration of internship has been served, regardless of the OSCE duty station, further applications for internships from the same person shall not be considered;

Tasks and Responsibilities:

Contributing to drafting research papers, policy reports, concept papers, and other written materials such as briefing papers/memos/talking points/speeches/documents/newsletters/presentations;
Assisting in project management and implementation such as the preparation of project proposals/budgets, and compiling project progress reports for donors;
Conducting thematic research, assisting with the revision legal documents and with the preparation of legal opinions, assisting with media monitoring, or conducting surveys and/or financial analyses;
Supporting communication-related events/outreach activities such as website updates, putting together booklets and leaflets and creating audio-visual content for social media;
Supporting the organization of events, meetings, regional workshops, press conferences, round-tables and other conferences;
Attending meetings of the OSCE decision-making and OSCE-related bodies, taking minutes, drafting official records and writing reports;
Supporting daily operational work in our administrative departments such as human resources, financial services, supply chain/travel management/procurement activities, information and communication technology;
Assisting senior managers in preparing for trips, bi-lateral meetings and country visits by compiling background documents, dealing with logistic arrangements and communicating with a range of OSCE internal and external stakeholders.

For more detailed information on the structure and work of the Programme office in Astana, please see: Programme Office in Astana. ». 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 not be older than 30 years on the deadline of this vacancy;
• You should have completed two years of full-time post-secondary education or graduated within two years prior to 31 December 2026;
• You should be professionally fluent in English and Russian, both oral and written, and have the ability to communicate clearly and concisely (interviews will be conducted), working knowledge of Kazakh language will be an asset;
• You should bring along high motivation, open-mindedness, and flexibility;
• You should be able to establish and maintain effective working relations with people of different national, cultural and religious backgrounds whilst maintaining impartiality and objectivity;
• You should be aware of the importance of integrating a gender perspective into tasks and activities;
• You should be able to operate a computer, with familiarity of Microsoft Office applications (Excel spreadsheets, PowerPoint, word processing and e-mail).

Desirable:

• Organizational, multi-tasking and analytical skills; drafting skills;

Remuneration Package:

Pease note that, in line with other international and multilateral organizations, the OSCE does not provide remuneration to interns or reimbursement for their travel expenses for relocation to/from the duty station. However, in lieu of remuneration, the receiving office shall contribute towards the cost of living of national interns who are non-residents at the duty station (place of assignment). Should the receiving office not be in the position to contribute towards the cost of living, they may accept interns, who are residents at the duty station.

The internship lasts from 2 to 6 months and does not constitute a commitment to future employment with the OSCE.

Should the selected intern not have already existing health insurance applicable to the duty station, he/she will participate in the group health insurance scheme at his/her own expense, but the OSCE will cover life and disability insurance.

If you meet the above requirements and wish to apply for this internship opportunity, please use the OSCE's online application system. Please mention your availability dates in the cover letter.

Candidates are recommended to tailor their application forms to the units/departments where they wish to carry out the internship.

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

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.

Additional Information

• Issued by: OSCE Programme Office in Astana
• Requisition ID: KAZ000136
• Contract Type: Intern
• Grade: No grade
• Job Type: Intern
• Number of posts: n/a
• Location: KAZ - OSCE Programme Office in Astana, Astana
• Issue Date: Jul 17, 2026
• Closing Date: Jul 24, 2026
• Employee Status: Short-Term
• Schedule: Full-time
• Job Field: Media Affairs