Recruitment of Support Staff for the Referendum Observation Activity to Kazakhstan

The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) is the leading agency in Europe in the field of election observation. The Office co-ordinates and organizes the deployment of numerous observation and assessment missions every year to assess the compliance of elections in OSCE participating States with OSCE commitments and other international obligations and standards for democratic elections, as well as with national legislation. ODIHR’s unique methodology provides in-depth insights into all elements of an electoral process, allowing the Office to offer concrete recommendations to further improve electoral processes. Further details about ODIHR’s election work can be found at www.osce.org/odihr/elections.

Following an official invitation to observe the upcoming referendum in the Republic of Kazakhstan, in accordance with its mandate, and pending the publication of the findings and a recommendation of the Needs Assessment Mission deployed from 17 to 20 February 2026, ODIHR is conducting recruitment of national support staff for the below mentioned positions on a full-time basis:

Programmatic positions:

• ROA/KAZ Executive Assistant to Head of Mission/Senior Administrative Assistant to Deputy Head of Mission     – 1 position 
• ROA/KAZ Senior Political Analyst Assistant                                   – 2 positions
• ROA/KAZ Senior Legal Analyst Assistant                                        – 1 position
• ROA/KAZ Senior Election Analyst Assistant                                   – 1 position
• ROA/KAZ Senior Media Analyst Assistant                                       – 1 position     

For more information about the responsibilities and requirements of the post, please read the terms of reference under the link below.

Start date of employment for programmatic positions: 2 March 2026 (approx.)

Approximate duration of employment: 3 weeks (approx.)

Location:  Astana, Kazakhstan (exact location of the office to be confirmed)

Remuneration is commensurate with the qualifications of the incumbent and requirements of the post, and is similar to those offered under the United Nations Common System for general services employees (in accordance with established OSCE rates). Social security will include participation in the OSCE life and accident disability insurance scheme.

Application procedure: Those interested in applying should send the most recent curriculum vitae in English to ensure an equal and transparent treatment during the recruitment/appointment process to: hr-kazakhstan@odihr.pl indicating the position for which you are applying (e.g. ROA/KAZ Senior Political Analyst Assistant).

Each candidate is eligible to apply for up to three positions should they wish so. Application for each position should be sent in separate emails. Please do not attach motivation letters and certificates, they should be submitted upon request. 

Applications received after the deadline or with no indication of the position for which the candidate applies, will not be taken into consideration.

Application deadline for programmatic positions: 27 February 2026, 12:00 PM local time 

ODIHR retains the discretion to re-advertise the vacancy, to cancel the recruitment, to offer an appointment at a lower grade or to offer an appointment with a modified job description or for a different duration.

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all religious, ethnic and social backgrounds to apply.

Note: No application fees are required by ODIHR for its recruitment process at any stage (application processing, interview meeting, training or any other fees).

Please note that for these positions ODIHR does not reimburse expenses such as travel in connection with interviews, tests and relocation.