The Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, also known as the U.S. Helsinki Commission, is an independent commission of the U.S. Federal Government. For over 45 years, the Commission has monitored compliance with the Helsinki Accords and advanced comprehensive security through promotion of human rights, democracy, and economic, environmental, and military cooperation in the 57-nation OSCE region.
The Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe seeks candidates for its Max Kampelman Fellowship program. Named for a longtime U.S. Ambassador to the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe, Kampelman Fellows represent the next generation of American leaders in security policy, human rights, and strategic communications.
Kampelman Fellows join a team of world-class experts at a U.S. government commission that advances American national security and national interests by promoting human rights, military security, and economic cooperation in 57 countries in Europe, Eurasia, and North America. Kampelman Fellowships last three months, with fellows expected to work 30 hours per week in-person at our office in Washington DC.
Policy Fellowships
Policy fellows will work in political and military affairs, economic and environmental matters, and human rights and fundamental freedoms, based on their areas of interest, expertise, and needs of the Commission. Under the direction of commission policy advisors, policy fellows research topics and trends relating to international military, economic, and human rights issues throughout the 57-country OSCE region; assist staff advisors with hearings, briefings, congressional delegations, legislation, and publications; attend congressional hearings, panels, and events; and perform administrative duties. Each fellow is expected to write at least one article for potential publication on the commission website during his or her fellowship period.
Communications Fellowships
Communications fellows support projects and initiatives in all areas of the commission’s portfolio. Communications fellows assist with media outreach activities; help publicize Commission hearings and briefings; staff Commission events; develop web content; and craft creative and engaging content to be shared on social media. They also assist with other special communications projects and perform administrative duties. Each fellow is expected to write at least one article for publication on the commission website during his or her fellowship period.
Eligibility
The Kampelman Fellowship program is open to current or registered graduate students; applications may be accepted from recent undergraduates (the beginning of the fellowship term should be less than one year since graduation), and in exceptional circumstances, undergraduate students with previous internship experience.
Policy Fellows: Applicants should demonstrate excellent writing, analysis, research, and oral presentation skills, as well as an interest in government, international relations, and human rights.
Communications Fellows: Applicants should demonstrate excellent writing and editing skills, a basic understanding of WordPress, knowledge of social media platforms, and an interest in government. Photography skills are a plus.
