CALL FOR APPLICATIONS: Researcher and Outreach Officer – Central Asia Programme | Apply by 19 June 2026

The Platform for Peace and Humanity is inviting applications from qualified Kazakh nationals for the position of Researcher and Outreach Officer under its Central Asia Programme. This remote volunteer opportunity is designed for individuals passionate about human rights, humanitarian affairs, human security, and regional development in Central Asia.

The organization is seeking two motivated professionals who can contribute to research, stakeholder engagement, and community outreach initiatives while helping to produce impactful publications and investigative reports focused on the region.

About the Opportunity

This volunteer position offers an excellent opportunity for early-career professionals, graduate students, researchers, and aspiring policy analysts to gain hands-on experience within an international NGO environment.

Successful candidates will support the Platform’s efforts to monitor and analyze developments affecting human rights and human security across Central Asia while building relationships with key stakeholders in Kazakhstan.

Position: Researcher and Outreach Officer

Organization: Platform for Peace and Humanity

Location: Remote (Home-Based)

Number of Positions: 2

Duration: Minimum 12 Months

Time Commitment: 5–10 Hours per Week

Application Deadline: 19 June 2026

Start Date: ASAP

Supporting Human Rights and Human Security Research

The selected volunteers will play an important role in monitoring and analyzing regional developments across Central Asia. Their work will contribute to the Platform’s publications, research projects, and advocacy efforts.

Research responsibilities include:

• Monitoring geopolitical developments across Central Asia
• Investigating human rights and humanitarian issues
• Analyzing human security challenges affecting communities
• Conducting open-source research using reliable data sources
• Producing evidence-based analysis and policy recommendations
• Supporting investigative reports and regional publications

Volunteers will also be expected to produce at least one high-quality, 1,500-word blog article every quarter, addressing current issues and proposing actionable policy solutions.

Outreach and Stakeholder Engagement Responsibilities

In addition to research activities, the role includes outreach and partnership-building responsibilities within Kazakhstan.

The successful candidates will help:

• Engage civil society organizations
• Connect with universities and academic institutions
• Collaborate with journalists and researchers
• Build relationships with human rights stakeholders
• Support community-based data collection initiatives
• Identify opportunities for future research collaborations and funding

These activities will strengthen the Platform’s ability to gather local insights and expand its network across Kazakhstan and the wider Central Asia region.

Collaborative International Work Environment

The Researcher and Outreach Officer will work closely with a team of international professionals dedicated to advancing peace, human rights, and humanitarian action.

Key collaboration activities include:

• Participating in team meetings and planning sessions
• Contributing to peer-review processes
• Supporting publication development
• Assisting with online promotion of research outputs
• Participating in special projects and fieldwork initiatives when required

This collaborative environment provides valuable exposure to international research and advocacy practices.

Required Qualifications

The Platform for Peace and Humanity is seeking candidates who possess a strong understanding of regional issues and a commitment to human rights principles.

Applicants should have:

• A Master’s degree, PhD, or be a current postgraduate candidate in a related field
• A Bachelor’s degree with significant relevant experience may also be considered
• Strong knowledge of Central Asian geopolitics and human rights issues
• Professional-level English language skills (minimum C1 proficiency)
• Professional-level Russian language skills
• Professional-level Kazakh language skills
• Excellent writing, communication, and analytical abilities
• Strong organizational and time-management skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace

Candidates should also demonstrate dedication to producing high-quality research and meeting agreed deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications

While not mandatory, the following qualifications will strengthen an application:

• Experience in investigative research
• Academic or policy writing experience
• Civil society reporting experience
• Stakeholder engagement expertise
• Existing professional networks in Kazakhstan
• Experience working on human rights or humanitarian issues
• Entrepreneurial thinking and initiative in developing research ideas

Applicants with these additional qualifications may be particularly well-suited for the role.

Benefits of Joining the Programme

Although the position is voluntary and unpaid, participants will gain valuable professional development opportunities and practical experience.

Benefits include:

• Personalized coaching and mentoring
• Development of advanced research and writing skills
• Authorship credit on publications
• Opportunities to publish original research
• Representation opportunities at international events
• Professional profile on the Platform’s website
• Exposure to global NGO operations
• Expansion of international professional networks

For individuals pursuing careers in international law, human rights advocacy, humanitarian affairs, public policy, or investigative journalism, this opportunity can provide meaningful experience and professional growth.

Why This Opportunity Matters

Central Asia continues to face complex challenges related to governance, human rights, security, and humanitarian concerns. The Platform for Peace and Humanity aims to amplify evidence-based analysis and foster constructive dialogue around these issues.

By joining the Central Asia Programme, volunteers will contribute to important research and outreach initiatives while helping to promote human dignity, peacebuilding, and informed policymaking across the region.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their application through the organization’s online application portal.

Applicants must provide:

• An updated CV in English
• A cover letter in English

The cover letter should clearly explain:

• Experience working in or studying Central Asia
• Relevant professional and academic background
• Interest in the role
• Long-term career aspirations

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Disclaimer: Remote Job Opportunities (RJO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the responsible organization directly. Please do not send your applications to RJO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of  emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.