Research Assistant Programme at the NATO Parliamentary Assembly Location: Brussels

The NATO Parliamentary Assembly usually employs twelve paid Research Assistants from NATO member and Associate nations each year. In general, six of these start in late January and finish in early June. The second group starts in August and finishes in late November or early-December.



All applications from candidates with the appropriate qualifications are placed on a list for consideration. Their names remain on the list for consideration for about twelve months. Candidates are requested to inform the Assembly if they cease to be available to take up a position during that time.
The Assembly receives well over two hundred applications per year from very well qualified candidates.
Every effort is made to assess applications objectively, but many factors must be taken into account. These include the need for a regional balance among participants in the programme. Consequently, it is rare to select two candidates from the same nation for the same intake. Due to the large number of applicants, only candidates selected to participate will be contacted. The names of those selected will be published on this website. See below for further details regarding candidates from NATO Member Countries and from Associate Delegation Nations.
Information for all candidates
The NATO Parliamentary Assembly is the parliamentary consultative organization of the Atlantic Alliance, comprising 257 members of the national parliaments of the 28 NATO member countries, as well as legislators from 14 Associate Member Nations.
The Assembly is divided into five committees: the Committee on the Civil Dimension of Security, the Defence and Security Committee, the Economics and Security Committee, the Political Committee and the Science and Technology Committee. The full Assembly meets twice a year in different member countries at the invitation of national parliaments. Sub-committees and Special Groups examine specific issues and conduct fact-finding missions throughout the year.
The International Secretariat of the Assembly is based in Brussels and is staffed by some 30 people from the various NATO member countries. The main task of research assistants is to contribute, at the request of Committee Directors or Senior Management, to the research necessary for the drafting of the Assembly reports and other documents. The job occasionally entails some administrative work, but most tasks are research oriented.
Research assistants are recruited for a four to five-month period with a one-month probationary period. Due to the Assembly's work schedule, research assistants are usually requested to commence work either in late January or late August. The stipend is EURO 720 net per month. The Assembly provides a spacious and recently renovated shared five-bedroom townhouse in the European quarter of Brussels free of charge for the Researchers, as well as a basic health insurance policy for the duration of the internship.
Candidates should be completely fluent in oral and written English and/or French. If neither is mother tongue, certified evidence of proficiency level will be required. Knowledge of other European languages is a further asset.
Applicants should apply by typewritten or word-processed letter, indicating their areas of interest and competence, nationality, and period of availability. A curriculum vitæ and two letters of recommendation from referees well acquainted with the applicant's recent work should also be forwarded to the International Secretariat. All documents should be forwarded in one package only, either by post or by email, to the address below.
Please note that the Assembly receives a very large number of applications for only a few places. The names of those selected will be posted on this website.
Qualifications for candidates from NATO member countries
Candidates must possess a first degree and a Master's degree (or equivalent) in Political Science, International Relations or related subjects. Preference will be given to candidates who have recently completed their Master's degree. Ph.D. candidates and those who have recently completed their doctoral work are also welcome to apply but should recognize that during their tenure with the NATO PA, their workday will be dedicated to Assembly defined projects.

Qualifications for candidates from Associate delegation countries
Candidates with backgrounds in academia, government, policy research institutions or journalism are considered. In general, candidates should have a Master's degree (or equivalent) in Political Science, International Relations or related subjects.
Applications or requests for information should be sent to:
Director of Research Assistant Programme
NATO Parliamentary Assembly
3 place du Petit Sablon
B - 1000 BRUSSELS
or by E-mail:

http://www.nato-pa.int/Default.asp?SHORTCUT=76