The NATO Parliamentary Assembly employs ten research assistants every year. The majority of these positions are given to candidates from NATO member countries but the International Secretariat also accepts candidates from non-NATO members as part of the Loïc Bouvard Scholarship, which was created in tribute to Loïc Bouvard (France), President of the NATO PA from 1992 to 1994, who played a vital role in establishing partnerships with NATO non-member countries.
Among the ten research assistants who work each year at the International Secretariat, five start in late January and finish in early June. The other five start in August and finish in late November/early December.
Applications are assessed objectively and various factors are taken into account. The NATO PA looks at educational background as well as professional experience, including internships and other projects. Due to the changing nature of topics that the Assembly covers, the Assembly often looks for candidates that have specific experience in areas that compliment current research being conducted at the NATO PA. However, we also look for candidates that are flexible and interested in conducting research on a wide range of topics. In addition, there is a need to reach a regional balance among candidates. It is, therefore, rare that two candidates of the same nationality are chosen for the same programme period.
Qualifications
Candidates must have a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Political Sciences, International Relations or a related field. Experience in government or policy research institutions is a further asset.
Preference is given to candidates who have recently completed their Master’s degree.
Candidates must be fluent in oral and written English and/or French. If neither is a mother tongue, certified evidence of proficiency level will be required. Knowledge of other languages is a further asset.
Tasks
The research assistant’s main task is to contribute, at the request of Committee Directors or Senior Management, to the research necessary for the drafting of Assembly reports and other documents such as background information documents and drafts of speeches. Research assistants attend the parliamentary Sessions of the Assembly and are asked to assist in note taking and summary writing. As part of the larger NATO PA team, research assistants are occasionally asked to complete basic administrative tasks.
Conditions
Research assistants are hired for a 3.5 to 5-month period, depending on the Assembly’s yearly calendar. The programme begins in either January or August, with a one month probation period. Research assistants receive a monthly stipend of 750€ and the Assembly provides spacious shared accommodation in a recently renovated, five-bedroom house in the European quarter of Brussels. The programme also includes a basic health insurance policy for the duration of the internship. The possibility of reimbursement for travel to and from Brussels is considered on a
case-by-case basis and must comply with the financial procedures of the Assembly.
More details about the conditions for the programme will be provided to selected candidates upon receipt of an official offer from the Director of the Research Assistant Programme.
How to apply ?
The next application period for the January-June 2015 research assistant programme is from 29 September – 9 November 2014.
In order to be considered for this application period, your application must be received by 18:00, 9 November 2014.
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