OSCE ODIHR Human Rights Internship 2026 in Warsaw: Applications Open for a Six-Month Placement
Overview
The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) is accepting applications for a Human Rights Internship at its Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) in Warsaw, Poland. The placement is full-time and lasts six months, with an expected start in November 2026. The intern supports the Human Rights Department with research, analysis, written reporting, event organization and the implementation of human rights programmes across the OSCE region. The requisition number is ODI000321, and the post carries no grade.
The vacancy data lists two posts, although the main description says the department seeks one intern, so applicants are advised to check the official vacancy page for clarification.
ODIHR supports the human dimension of the OSCE's approach to security by observing elections, supporting democratic institutions, reviewing legislation, promoting the rule of law, monitoring human rights, supporting tolerance and non-discrimination, and training officials, law-enforcement personnel and civil society across the 57 participating States. The Human Rights Department advises states, runs capacity-building and monitors commitments. Its themes include human rights defenders, human rights education, counter-terrorism and human rights, torture prevention, anti-trafficking work, freedom of religion or belief, freedom of peaceful assembly and national human rights institutions.
Who can apply
The placement is aimed at graduate-level students or recent graduates interested in international human rights, political science, law, international relations, human rights monitoring and democratic governance.
How to apply
Applications are made online through the OSCE recruitment portal. Candidates must state their availability dates in their cover letter.
Key dates
The vacancy was issued on 20 August 2026, and the application deadline is 3 September 2026. The internship is expected to start in November 2026.
Links in this posting
- According to the official OSCE vacancy announcement, applications must be submitted by 3 September 2026. Candidates must also state their availability dates in their cover letter.
- ODIHR’s activities are implemented across the OSCE’s 57 participating States. More information about its institutional mandate is available through ODIHR’s official human-dimension overview.
- The complete and current list is available on the official OSCE participating States page.
- The OSCE’s official internship information explains that its internship programme is intended to help graduate and postgraduate students or recent graduates develop professional skills and obtain practical experience in an international environment.
- The OSCE Competency Model identifies commitment, diversity, integrity and accountability as core organizational values. It also emphasizes communication, collaboration, planning, analysis, sound decision-making, initiative and flexibility.