Position Overview:
The Platform for Peace and Humanity is currently seeking Kazakh nationals interested in volunteering as researchers and outreach officers under its Central Asia programme. This volunteer role will focus on research, analysis and writing about the latest human rights, human security and humanitarian issues affecting the Central Asia region, together with Kazakhstan-specific stakeholder engagement and community outreach activities. The activities of the volunteer Research and Outreach Officer will contribute to the Central Asia programme’s investigative reports, regular blog, and other Platform publications/projects.
This is a voluntary, unpaid role, ideal for early-career professionals in international law, international relations, or investigative journalism. Applicants must have a keen interest in the vision and objectives of the Platform.
Deadline to apply: 19 June 2026
Number of positions: 2
Start date: ASAP
Duration: minimum 12 months, including a one-month probationary period
Location: Home office (remote)
Time commitment: 5-10 h/week, flexible work hours
Duties and responsibilities:
Research and Writing:
- Regularly monitor regional geopolitical developments in Central Asia, together with their impacts on human rights and human security;
- Research and analyse human rights, human security and humanitarian issues in the Central Asia region using available, open-source secondary data/information.
- Write at least one well-researched, high-quality 1,500-word blog post with actionable policy recommendations on a quarterly basis.
- Contribute to the investigative research reports of the Central Asia programme and other publications or projects based on regional developments as mutually agreed with the Programme Director and Project Coordinator.
- Perform other research and writing tasks as requested.
Outreach and Project Development:
- Support the design and implementation of primary research, data and information collection from stakeholders and community members on the ground in Kazakhstan.
- Initiate and maintain contact with key interlocutors based in Kazakhstan (such as civil society organisations, universities, experts, and journalists) for potential research collaboration and funding.
Collaboration and Participation:
- Collaborate closely with the Project Coordinator, Programme Director and other researchers to ensure the regular production of high-quality research, analysis and writing.
- Participate in team planning meetings, check-ins and peer review processes.
- Support the finalisation of blog posts, investigative reports and other publications, and contribute to their promotion online.
- Participate in projects, fieldwork, and wider Platform activities as requested.
Required Qualifications:
- Demonstrated passion and dedication to the mission and values of the Platform.
- A solid understanding of the Central Asia region, including the geopolitical situation and human rights, human security and humanitarian issues.
- Master’s or PhD (candidate or completed) in a related field; suitably qualified Bachelors will be considered.
- Professional-level English written and oral communication skills (C1 minimum) and the ability to convey complex information and messages in a straightforward way for the target audience.
- Professional-level Russian and Kazakh language skills (written and oral).
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Commitment to meeting reasonable deadlines and producing high-quality deliverables.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Teams) and Google Workspace.
Desirable qualifications:
- Experience with investigative research, academic writing and/or civil society report writing.
- Direct experience engaging communities and other stakeholders in relation to human rights, human security and humanitarian issues.
- Entrepreneurial mindset and openness to proposing new research or publication ideas.
- Existing network of relevant contacts in Kazakhstan and the wider Central Asia region.
What we offer:
- Coaching and mentoring to improve research and writing skills
- Building a portfolio of research and investigative work, with authorship duly credited
- Opportunities to use the Platform as a launchpad for your own research
- Opportunities to represent the Platform at online or offline events, in various professional networks and global events
- A profile on the Platform’s website
- Opportunities to gain valuable experience in an international NGO context and expand one’s professional network internationally.
How to apply
Applicants are encouraged to review the details of the opportunity and upload their CV and cover letter in English via our application portal (https://peacehumanity.org/join-us).
In your cover letter, please indicate your experience in the Central Asia region, and explain why your professional background and aspirations make you the perfect candidate for the rol