The former scholarship holder of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung's support program for young journalists studied Catholic theology, German studies and political science in Trier and Jerusalem. After completing his studies, he worked as a research assistant at the Emil-Frank-Institute and the Faculty of Theology in Trier, focusing on German-Jewish history and the Middle East conflict. He received his doctorate in 2001 from the University of the Federal Armed Forces, Munich-Neubiberg.

Ostry joined the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) in 2001. His initial assignment with the foundation was in Benin, followed by postings in Tunisia in 2003 and Jordan in 2005. Here he oversaw the KAS Middle East/Mediterranean regional program. In 2008, he assumed the role of department head for the Africa/Middle East team within the KAS main department of ‘European and International Cooperation’ in Berlin. From 2012 until 2016, he was responsible for the Foundation’s work in Tunisia and Algeria. In 2017, Ostry assumed the role of director at the KAS European Office in Brussels. Since April 1, 2024, he has been serving as the head of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung office in the United States, based in Washington, D.C.