Posting Date: 14 January 2026

Deadline for Applications: 4 February 2026

Duty Station: Vienna, Austria

Start Date: 15 March or 1 April 2026

Contract Duration: 6 months

Organisational Overview:

The International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) is an international organisation with 21 Member States. Active in more than 90 countries worldwide, it takes a regional approach in its work to create efficient cooperation and partnerships along migration routes. Priority regions include Africa, Eastern Europe and Central Asia, Mediterranean, Silk Routes, Western Balkans and Türkiye. Its approach to migration management – structurally linking policy, research, migration dialogues and capacity building – contributes to better migration policy development worldwide. The Vienna-based organisation has a mission in Brussels and is locally represented in 30+ countries worldwide. The organisation’s greatest assets are its 500+ staff members, who personify its values of commitment, integrity, partnership, respect and innovation in actions and decisions.

Unit and Job Description:

ICMPD invites all interested candidates to apply for the Policy Internship position in the Policy Unit. The Policy Unit was established in 2017 and is ICMPD’s institutional home for its policy analysis, engagement, and advisory function. The Unit’s approach combines analytical policy work with the monitoring of migration policy trends and developments, provision of expert advisory services and building of networks and partnerships both inside and outside of ICMPD that together aim to improve and support better migration policy and practice. The Policy Unit’s priority topics for 2026 include labour and skills mobility, temporary protection, and return. The Policy Unit also leads the organization of the Vienna Migration Conference (VMC), ICMPD’s annual flagship conference, which brings together a range of stakeholders to discuss key issues in migration policymaking.

Interns will gain practical experience with an intergovernmental organisation in conducting research, analysing and synthesising findings, drafting written products, communicating about migration, and organising events on topical migration issues.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

• Conduct background research and gather data on a variety of topics, such as skills mobility partnerships, talent attraction and retention, temporary protection, integration, and return, to provide input into the production of internal and external written outputs; 
• Assist the team in the organisation of online and in-person events, including background research, identification of potential participants, and notetaking;
• Support the team in staying up to date by monitoring new publications, taking notes at external webinars, and sharing information internally;
• Contribute to policy outreach and communications activities, with the aim of widely disseminating products and findings, ensuring visibility, promoting accomplishments and engaging with policymakers; and
• Otherwise participate in the implementation of day-to-day activities.

Reporting Lines

On a regular basis, the Intern will report to Ms. Caitlin Katsiaficas, who will be in charge of overall supervision both in terms of administrative and content issues.

Qualifications and Experience:

• A recently completed university degree or current enrolment in a master’s/PhD programme in a relevant field, such as migration studies, public policy, political science, sociology, or economics; 
• Knowledge of migration policy issues;
• Understanding of research methods and migration data sources;
• Solid oral and written command of English, including excellent writing and editing skills;
• Strong organisational skills, excellent communication skills, and attention to detail;
• Advanced computer literacy and practical experience using Microsoft applications;
• Strong time management skills, including managing conflicting priorities and working with tight deadlines;
• Interest in working in a multidisciplinary team and an international environment; and
• Excellent interpersonal skills, proactive work approach, adaptability, and flexibility.

Compensation:

ICMPD offers a monthly fee of EUR 500,00 and will provide accident insurance for the duration of the internship. However, the candidate is responsible for obtaining personal health insurance and covering own travel expenses.  If selected, the candidate must have the right to live and work in Austria/Schengen countries.

The internship does not constitute a commitment to future employment with ICMPD.

PLEASE NOTE: An intern is not a staff member of ICMPD. An intern who is a non-citizen of the country in which the duty station is situated is responsible for obtaining any necessary visas and for complying with local laws regarding registration with the local authorities.

Application Procedure:

Interested candidates should email their CV and Motivation Letter (in English) to policy@icmpd.org

Subject Line: Please use: Application: Intern – Policy Unit – [Your Full Name] 

Deadline: Applications must be received by midnight (CET) on the closing date. 

Format: Please submit documents in PDF format. Applications received after the published deadline will not be considered.

Due to the high volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Applicants are expected to be available for an online interview.

General Information:

ICMPD retains the discretion to re-advertise the vacancy or to cancel the recruitment. Selected candidates will have to provide a signed statement of exclusivity and availability, as well as evidence supporting the educational and professional experience record as per their application.