Posting Date: 3 November 2026

Deadline for Applications: 17 November 2026

Duty Station: Vienna, Austria

Start Date: 1 February 2027 or 15 February 2027

Contract Duration: 6 months

Background

ICMPD invites all interested candidates to apply for the Policy Intern position in the Policy Unit, based in Vienna. 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 2027 include labour and skills mobility, temporary protection, post-conflict recovery and reconstruction, and reintegration.

Task and Responsibilities

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 include:

• Conducting background research and gathering data on a variety of topics, such as skills mobility partnerships, talent attraction and retention, temporary protection, and return and reintegration, to provide input into the production of internal and external written outputs;
• supporting the team in staying up to date by monitoring new publications, taking notes at external webinars, and sharing information internally;
• assisting the team in the organisation of online and in-person events, including background research, identification of potential participants, and notetaking;
• contributing to policy outreach and communications activities, with the aim of widely disseminating products and findings, ensuring visibility, and engaging with policymakers; and
• otherwise participating in the implementation of day-to-day activities

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, a proactive work approach, adaptability, and flexibility.

Compensation:

ICMPD offers EUR 500,00 per month for a 40 hours per week internship position, including 1.5 leave days per month. Leave should be requested by email in advance with lead/supervisor. ICMPD will provide accident insurance for the duration of the internship. Travel expenses will not be reimbursed, and health insurance is the intern's responsibility.

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 and in PDF format) to policy@icmpd.org. Please use the subject title: Application: Intern – Policy Unit – [Your Full Name]. Applications must be received by midnight (CET) on the closing date. 

Due to the high volume of applications, only short-listed candidates will be contacted, and applicants are expected to be available for a personal/telephone 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.