The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) is now accepting applications for its Cross-Dimensional Work Areas Internship Programme 2026–2027. This highly competitive international internship provides students and recent graduates with an exceptional opportunity to gain practical experience while contributing to one of the world’s largest regional security organizations.
Hosted by the OSCE Secretariat in Vienna, Austria, with additional internship opportunities available in Prague, Czech Republic, the programme offers participants hands-on experience across a wide range of international policy areas including peacebuilding, human rights, governance, migration, gender equality, cybersecurity, counter-terrorism, youth engagement, and economic development.
The internship lasts between 2 and 6 months, allowing interns to develop professional skills while working alongside international experts from more than 57 participating States.
About the OSCE
The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) is the world’s largest regional security organization, bringing together 57 participating States across North America, Europe, and Asia.
Its mission is to promote:
- Peace
- Stability
- Security
- Democracy
- Human rights
- Good governance
- Economic cooperation
- Environmental sustainability
The organization addresses modern security challenges through an integrated approach that combines political dialogue with practical action.
Today’s issues—including migration, human trafficking, violent extremism, cyber security, gender equality, education, and youth participation—cut across traditional sectors, making cross-dimensional cooperation essential.
About the Cross-Dimensional Internship Programme
The OSCE Secretariat is recruiting qualified interns to support its Cross-Dimensional Work Areas.
Internships are available for 2 to 6 months, depending on departmental needs.
Participants work directly with experienced international professionals while contributing to projects that support security, development, and international cooperation.
Interns become part of multicultural teams and gain first-hand exposure to international diplomacy and policy implementation.
Benefits of the OSCE Internship
Successful interns will enjoy numerous professional and learning opportunities, including:
- Practical work experience within a leading international organization
- Exposure to international diplomacy and peacebuilding
- Professional mentoring from experienced experts
- Networking with professionals from around the world
- Opportunity to collaborate with colleagues from diverse cultures
- Development of research, communication, and policy skills
- Experience working in multicultural and multilingual environments
- Understanding of international governance and security issues
- Participation in meaningful projects with global impact
- Opportunity to build an international professional network
Although the internship is unpaid, eligible interns who are non-residents at their duty station may receive a contribution toward living costs from the receiving office.
The OSCE also provides:
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- Visa support letters where required
Internship Locations
Selected candidates may be assigned to:
- Vienna, Austria
- Prague, Czech Republic
Start dates depend on the operational needs of the hiring office.
Internship Duration
The internship lasts between:
- Minimum: 2 months
- Maximum: 6 months
Please note that an individual cannot complete more than 6 cumulative months of internship within the OSCE.
Working Arrangements
The internship is generally:
- Full-time (40 hours per week)
However, part-time arrangements may be approved in exceptional circumstances.
Typical Responsibilities
Interns may contribute to a wide variety of activities depending on the department.
Responsibilities may include:
Research and Policy Development
- Draft research papers
- Prepare policy reports
- Develop concept notes
- Produce briefing papers
- Draft speeches
- Prepare newsletters and presentations
Project Management
Interns may assist with:
- Project planning
- Budget preparation
- Donor reporting
- Monitoring implementation
- Preparing project documentation
Legal and Analytical Support
Responsibilities may include:
- Legal research
- Reviewing legal documents
- Preparing legal opinions
- Conducting thematic research
- Media monitoring
- Survey implementation
- Financial analysis
Communications and Public Outreach
Interns may support:
- Website updates
- Publications
- Social media content
- Booklets
- Information leaflets
- Audio-visual communication materials
Event Management
Interns frequently assist in organizing:
- Conferences
- Workshops
- Press briefings
- Roundtables
- Regional meetings
- Official events
Meeting Support
Tasks include:
- Attending official meetings
- Taking minutes
- Preparing official records
- Drafting meeting reports
Administrative Support
Departments may require assistance in:
- Human Resources
- Procurement
- Financial Services
- Supply Chain
- Travel Management
- Information Technology
Executive Support
Interns may assist senior officials by:
- Preparing background documents
- Organizing travel
- Supporting country visits
- Coordinating logistics
- Communicating with internal and external stakeholders
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be no older than 30 years by the application deadline
- Have completed at least two years of higher education, or
- Have graduated within the previous two years
- Hold a degree in a relevant discipline such as:
- International Relations
- Law
- Human Rights
- Gender Studies
- Anthropology
- Social Sciences
- Similar fields
- Demonstrate professional fluency in English (written and spoken)
- Possess excellent communication skills
- Be highly motivated and adaptable
- Be able to work effectively with multicultural teams
- Demonstrate impartiality and professionalism
- Understand the importance of gender mainstreaming
- Be proficient in Microsoft Office applications
Preferred Qualifications
The OSCE also values candidates who have:
- Previous relevant work experience
- Experience in multicultural environments
- Strong research and analytical abilities
- Excellent drafting skills
- Organizational and multitasking skills
- Knowledge of another OSCE language
Financial Information
The internship does not include:
- Salary
- Travel reimbursement
However:
- Non-resident interns may receive a contribution toward living expenses, depending on the receiving office.
- The OSCE provides life and disability insurance.
- Interns without appropriate health insurance must join the OSCE group health insurance scheme at their own expense.
Important Notes
Applicants should remember that:
- The internship does not guarantee future employment.
- Availability dates should be included in the cover letter.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
- The OSCE never charges any application or recruitment fees.
- The organization is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity for all qualified applicants.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should submit their applications through the official OSCE online recruitment portal before the closing date.
Applicants are encouraged to prepare a strong cover letter highlighting their motivation, relevant experience, and availability.
Application Deadline: 31 December 2026
For additional information about internships, fields of work, and the recruitment process, applicants should consult the official OSCE internship resources and recruitment portal.
Learn More
- For more information about this opportunity, Click here
- More global Internship opportunities for youth, visit the OFY website: Click here
