Vacancy Announcement Number: 21-02
OPEN TO: Austrian or other Non-U.S. Citizen students, ideally from within the European Union, with a valid permanent residence permit for Austria, who are enrolled as full-time students at one of the Universities or “Fachhochschulen” in Austria. Students must be at minimum 18 years of age.
MISSION: U.S. MISSION TO THE OSCE
SECTION/OFFICE: Political Section
HOURS: Upon agreement, usually not less than 20 hours per week
DURATION: Minimum three months, maximum four months
START DATE: Upon agreement, throughout the year
BASIC FUNCTION:
The United States Mission to the OSCE consists of a multi-agency team with more than thirty staff members from the Department of State and the Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, as well as the joint Congressional/Executive Branch Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (“U.S. Helsinki Commission”).
The Mission coordinates with the rotating OSCE Chairpersonship-in-Office and the OSCE’s Secretariat, negotiates with the other national delegations in Vienna, and works closely with U.S. embassies and the OSCE field presences situated throughout the Balkans and the former Soviet Union.
Within the OSCE, the Mission represents the United States in the Permanent Council, the Organization’s principal policy-making body, as well as in the Forum for Security Cooperation (FSC) and the OSCE’s Committees. The Mission also monitors implementation of the Conventional Armed Forces in Europe (CFE) Treaty in the Joint Consultative Group (JCG).
The United States supports the work of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR). ODIHR’s election observation methodology remains the standard for election monitoring around the world.
The Political section offers an internship which provides the opportunity to become familiar with the work of a multilateral diplomatic mission and with the variety of OSCE matters and the Mission’s support of OSCE. The interns assist Political Officers as needed, including through longer-term analytical/research projects related to policy matters. Internship responsibilities may additionally include, among other things, the following: accompanying officers to informal and official OSCE meetings or attending these events as a member of the Political section; providing written and oral readouts of those events; and assisting with visits by U.S. officials.
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:
Studies: Major in one of the following University studies: Political Science; International Relations; American Studies; Russian; or a related field.
Languages:
- English: Fluency in speaking/reading/writing (equivalent to a good C1 level) is required.
- Russian would be an asset but is not required.
Knowledge/Abilities/Skills: Good computer skills (MS Office, Internet)
APPLICATION PROCEDURES:
Application language is English. Interested applicants should submit an e-mail with the following attachments:
- The completed form “Application for Internship”: please see website of the U.S. Embassy for downloading the form: Application for Internship.
- A Statement of Interest describing the applicant’s objectives and motivations in seeking an internship with the U.S. Mission.
- Documentation of status as a full-time student at a University or “Fachhochschule” in Austria (i.e. “Inskriptionsbestätigung”).
- For non-Austrian students: Documentation of legal residency in Austria
SUBMIT APPLICATIONS TO: E-Mail: vacanciesvie@state.gov
SELECTION PROCESS:
After an initial application screening, qualified applicants will be invited for an interview.
ADDITIONAL SELECTION CRITERIA:
- Students must have a valid health insurance in Austria.
- Successful candidates will be required to pass a security certification.
All selections are made consistent with the State Department’s Non-Discrimination Policy and with the Austrian Gleichbehandlungsgesetz to not discriminate among applicants on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, handicap, age or sexual orientation.