ICMPD Internship – Policy Unit (Vienna, Austria)
Vacancy Reference: VA26P006V01 | Duty Station: Vienna | Contract Duration: 6 months | Start Date: 15 March or 1 April 2026

The International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) is inviting applications for a Policy Intern to join its Policy Unit in Vienna, Austria. This ICMPD internship offers a unique opportunity for students, recent graduates, and early-career professionals to gain practical experience within a leading intergovernmental organisation working on migration policy, research, and international cooperation.

About ICMPD

ICMPD is an intergovernmental organisation with 21 Member States and operations in more than 90 countries worldwide. The organisation works along key migration routes and priority regions including Africa, Eastern Europe and Central Asia, the Mediterranean, the Silk Routes, the Western Balkans, and Türkiye.

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ICMPD supports governments and partners by linking policy development, research, migration dialogue, and capacity building into a single integrated approach. This model contributes directly to evidence-based policymaking and stronger migration governance. Headquartered in Vienna, with a mission in Brussels and field representation in over 30 countries, ICMPD employs more than 500 staff members who are guided by the values of commitment, integrity, partnership, respect, and innovation.

Through the ICMPD internship programme, the organisation invests in the next generation of migration policy professionals by providing structured learning, exposure to international cooperation, and practical engagement with real policy challenges.

Internship Programme Overview

The ICMPD internship programme is designed for:

• Undergraduate and postgraduate students
• Recent university graduates
• Early-career professionals seeking a career transition
• Candidates enrolled in Erasmus-based or academic work-placement programmes

Interns work in a multidisciplinary and international environment and gain exposure to policy analysis, research, project implementation, and cooperation with regional and global partners. An ICMPD internship provides insight into how migration policies are developed, monitored, and implemented across different regions and institutional contexts.

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Organisational Unit and Role Description

This ICMPD internship is based within the Policy Unit, established in 2017 as the organisation’s institutional hub for policy analysis and expert advisory services. The Unit supports evidence-based policymaking by producing analytical outputs, monitoring migration trends, and engaging with policymakers and stakeholders.

For 2026, the Policy Unit’s key thematic priorities include:

• Labour and skills mobility
• Temporary protection
• Return and reintegration

In addition to analytical work, the Policy Unit leads the organisation of the Vienna Migration Conference (VMC), ICMPD’s flagship annual event that brings together policymakers, practitioners, researchers, and civil society actors to address critical migration policy challenges.

Through this ICMPD internship, the selected candidate will gain hands-on experience in research, drafting, policy communication, and event organisation related to contemporary migration issues.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Policy Unit, the intern will contribute to a wide range of operational and analytical activities, including:

• Conducting background research and collecting data on issues such as skills mobility partnerships, talent attraction and retention, temporary protection, integration, and return
• Providing research inputs for internal reports, policy briefs, and external publications
• Assisting with the organisation of online and in-person events, including background preparation, participant identification, and notetaking
• Monitoring new publications, attending webinars and policy discussions, and sharing relevant information within the team
• Supporting outreach and communication activities to strengthen the visibility and dissemination of ICMPD’s work
• Participating in the daily activities of the Policy Unit and contributing to team deliverables as required

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This ICMPD internship is particularly suited to candidates who wish to deepen their understanding of European and international migration policy while working in a professional policy environment.

Reporting Lines

The intern will report directly to Ms. Caitlin Katsiaficas, who will provide both administrative and substantive supervision. Guidance will include support on research tasks, policy outputs, and professional development throughout the internship period.

Qualifications and Experience

Applicants for this ICMPD internship are expected to meet the following criteria:

• Recently completed a university degree or currently enrolled in a Master’s or PhD programme in migration studies, public policy, political science, sociology, economics, or a related field
• Demonstrated interest and knowledge of migration policy and governance
• Understanding of research methodologies and migration data sources
• Excellent command of written and spoken English, with strong drafting and editing skills
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
• Advanced computer literacy, including proficiency in Microsoft Office applications
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet competing deadlines
• Interest in working in a multidisciplinary and multicultural environment
• Strong interpersonal skills, adaptability, initiative, and flexibility

This ICMPD internship is ideal for candidates who are motivated to contribute to policy-oriented research and who wish to build professional experience in an international organisation.

Compensation and Conditions

ICMPD offers the following conditions for this internship:

• Monthly allowance of EUR 500
• Accident insurance for the full duration of the internship

Interns are responsible for:

• Their own health insurance
• Travel and accommodation expenses
• Holding the legal right to live and work in Austria or within the Schengen area

Please note that participation in an ICMPD internship does not constitute a commitment to future employment with ICMPD.

Application Procedure

Interested candidates should submit the following documents:

• CV (PDF format)
• Motivation letter (PDF format, in English)

Applications must be sent by email with the subject line:
Application: Intern – Policy Unit – [Full Name]

All applications must be received by midnight (CET) on 4 February 2026. Late applications will not be considered. Due to the expected high volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited to participate in an online interview.

Important Notice

ICMPD does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process. All vacancies are advertised exclusively through official ICMPD channels, and all communication with candidates is conducted via official ICMPD email addresses.

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This ICMPD internship represents a valuable opportunity to gain direct exposure to migration policy analysis, international cooperation, and high-level policy dialogue. For candidates seeking to build a career in migration governance, public policy, or international affairs, this ICMPD internship provides both practical experience and professional development within a respected international institution.

Disclaimer: The Business Pulse shares verified opportunities from trusted sources. We are not a recruiting agency and do not request any payment for applications.

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