Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), Warsaw (Poland)
Interns - Human Rights Department
Deadline for application: 13 October 2015 

The Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) is the principal institution responsible for the human dimension of the Organisation of Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). ODIHR’s activities are implemented in 57 participating States in accordance with ODIHR’s political mandate. Among ODIHR’s main fields of activities are election observations, as well as a large number of assistance projects in the areas of democratic institution building, the rule of law and human rights.

The ODIHR Human Rights Department is looking to recruit three interns for a 6 months’ period starting in January, May and July 2016 respectively. (Please note the starting date is subject to change. Please kindly mention your availability dates in the cover letter).

The interns will be engaged in assisting the following programmes within the Human Rights Department:
• Monitoring and Response Programme
• Capacity Building Programme
• Human Rights, Gender and Security Programme
• Human Rights and Anti-Terrorism Programme
• Freedom of Religion or Belief Programme

Required competencies
Core values 
• Commitment: Actively contributes to achieving organizational goals
• Diversity: Respects others and values their diverse perspectives and contributions
• Integrity: Acts in a manner consistent with the Organization’s core values and organizational principles
• Accountability: Takes responsibility for own action and delegated work

Core competencies
• Communication: Actively works to achieve clear and transparent communication with colleagues and with stakeholders of the Organization
• Collaboration: Works effectively with others on common goals and fosters a positive, trust-based working environment
• Planning: Works towards the achievement of goals in a structured and measured manner
• Analysis and decision-making: Analyses available information, draws well-founded conclusions and takes appropriate decisions
• Initiative-taking: Proposes and initiates new ideas, activities and projects
• Flexibility: Responds positively and effectively to changing circumstances

Managerial competencies (for positions with managerial responsibilities) 
• Leadership: Provides a clear sense of direction, builds trust and creates an enabling environment
• Strategic thinking: Identifies goals that advance the organizational agenda and develops plans for achieving them
• Managing performance: Helps to maximize team performance by providing active feedback and skill development opportunities

Tasks and responsibilities
• Assisting in monitoring the implementation of Human Dimension commitments by the OSCE participating States including undertaking desk research and analysis of human rights developments as well as field monitoring as appropriate;
• Writing and/or assisting in the preparation of written materials including reports, briefing papers or other documents on specific human rights issues in general or focusing on specific countries or regions;
• Assisting in the preparation and organization of meetings/conferences/events for which the above-mentioned programmes are responsible;
• Assisting in the implementation of any project or task, including activities and events, of the above-mentioned programmes;
• Note-taking and contributing to drafting reports of various events;
• Entering information in the Human Rights Department thematic database;
• Performing other related tasks as assigned.

Necessary qualifications
• Students in the final year of higher education (university or other accredited institution) at graduate or postgraduate level or recent graduates or postgraduates in political sciences, international relations, law, international human rights law or other related fields;
• The upper age limit for applicants is 30 years;
• Previous exposure and/or experience in dealing with human rights issues is an asset;
• Good working knowledge of English, both oral and written; knowledge of Russian is highly desirable;
• Proven competence in research and analytical writing;
• Demonstrable organizational, communication and reporting skills;
• Cultural sensitivity and judgment; understanding of gender mainstreaming;
• Ability to operate Windows applications, including word processing and e-mail.

Remuneration package
The OSCE is not in a position to pay any remuneration or cover any expenses incurred by the intern during his/her stay nor reimburse travel expenses. Some compensation towards the cost of living may be offered to interns who do not reside in the place of assignment, subject to approval of the 2016 Unified Budget.

The selected intern may participate in the group health insurance scheme at his/her own expense, but the OSCE will cover life and accident/disability insurance. If the intern opts to arrange his/her own medical coverage, he/she shall provide evidence of medical coverage for the duty station he/she applies to, and for any eventual duty trip destinations.
The internship does not constitute a commitment to future employment with the OSCE.

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

Please note that vacancies in the OSCE are open for competition only amongst nationals of participating States.