Call for Applications 2026-2027

Welcome to EST’s 2026–2027 Recruitment Wave!

Below, you will find a summary of the positions available across EST’s different departments. We strongly encourage you to download and read the full call for applications for the position you are interested in, as it contains the detailed role description, requirements and application instructions.

Please note that all positions have the same application deadline: 12 October 2026, 23:59 CEST.

EU-MENA Observatory

Background

The Observatory on EU-MENA Relations is the department of the European Student Think Tank dedicated to research and policy analysis on the relations between the European Union and the extended MENA region, including South West Asia, North Africa, and Sahel, as well as on the latest development in this region. The Observatory is divided in two teams: the Researchers and the Communication team.

Researchers

Research Desks are the core of the Observatory. Researchers are divided in Desks depending on their geographical area of expertise. There are three Research Desks:

Levant and Türkiye
Gulf and Iran
North Africa and Sahel

At the moment, 8 Researcher positions in the Research Desks are open:

2 for Sahel
2 for Gulf
2 for Iran
2 for Türkiye

The main responsibilities the position of Researcher entails are the following:

Regularly contributing to the bimonthly newsletter InsideMENA;
Developing independent research and/or policy analysis on topics relevant to their area of expertise;
Contributing to collecting contributions and projects at their Desk-, Observatory-, or EST-level.

Desk Heads

In each Desk, one researcher also acts as Desk Head and is responsible for overseeing the work of fellow researchers and assisting with revision and editing. In your application please indicate if you are also interested in the role of Desk Head for the Desk(s) you are applying for, in addition to that of Researcher.

Communication

The Comms team of the Observatory works together with the EST Comms and assists with the digital outreach of all Observatory’s research and policy outputs.

At the moment, 3 positions in the Comms team are open. The main responsibilities that each position entails are the following:

Comms Head: supervises the Comms team, revises and edits the bimonthly newsletter InsideMENA, reviews all comms products, coordinates the content calendar with EST Comms.
Graphic Designer: produces visuals and carousels to disseminate the Observatory’s outputs, designs the infographics and posts for the bimonthly newsletter InsideMENA.
Podcast: Develops, records and produces podcast episodes, potentially in collaboration with other Observatory’s members.

Deputy Heads

The Observatory’s work is overseen by the Head of the department. Two members of the Observatory are, in addition to their primary role in the Research Desks or the Communication team, responsible for supporting the Head.

This role entails the following responsibilities:

Assisting the Head with revisions of outputs;
Being part of the editorial taskforce for the annual Observatory’s special issue;
Support with the development of projects and external collaborations;
Contributing to the overall strategy and direction of the Observatory.

In your application please indicate if you are interested in the role of Deputy Head of the Observatory, in addition to the main role you are applying for.

How to apply

In order to process your application, we kindly ask you to fill out the google form and submit by 12 October. There will be space for you to upload:

your CV (max 2 pages);
your motivation letter (max 1 page);
if you are applying for a Research Desk, your written sample (max 3 pages).

You are not allowed to use a format other than Word or PDF, of no more than 100MB per file. Please name the files according to the requested naming convention.

In case of any questions or concerns, please email us at: observatoryeumena@esthinktank.com

Download the full call here.

Treasury and Fundraising Team

EST is recruiting for four positions within its Treasury & Fundraising team, supporting the organisation’s financial sustainability, grant development and donor engagement.

As EST continues to grow, the team will help build the financial and fundraising systems needed to support larger projects, strengthen international engagement and ensure long-term sustainability.

Head of Treasury and Fundraising

A Board-level role overseeing EST’s financial management and fundraising strategy.

Key Responsibilities

Oversee accounts, payments, reimbursements and financial records
Support organisational and project budgeting
Lead EST’s grant and funding strategy
Coordinate funding opportunities and grant applications
Develop grant-development and fundraising processes
Build the foundations of EST’s donor-engagement strategy
Advise the Board on financial sustainability

Requirements

Excellent English
Strong financial awareness and attention to detail
Understanding of budgeting and financial management
Strong organisational and analytical skills
Interest in grants, fundraising or non-profit finance
Ability to coordinate across departments
Proactive, ideas-driven approach
Previous relevant or EST experience is an advantage; EST experience is strongly preferred

Grant Development Officer

The Grant Development Officer will help EST build a more structured grant-development capacity, working closely with the Head of Treasury & Fundraising.

Key Responsibilities

Identify and research funding opportunities
Support grant applications and proposal development
Coordinate grant-specific teams and inputs
Develop internal grant-development processes
Support grant-writing training for members
Build institutional knowledge and systems around grants

Requirements

Excellent English
Strong research, writing and organisational skills
Ability to manage requirements and deadlines
Interest in EU/international funding or NGO financing
Strong attention to detail and reliability
Previous grant-writing experience is an advantage

Fundraising and Donor Relations Officer

The Fundraising and Donor Relations Officer will help EST develop a structured approach to donor engagement and turn its growing external network into sustainable funding opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

Map potential institutional and philanthropic donors
Support EST’s donor-engagement strategy
Prepare donor profiles and outreach materials
Maintain donor records and engagement plans
Identify funding opportunities through existing relationships
Coordinate with the Partnerships Office
Support fundraising campaigns and donor materials
Contribute to long-term relationship management

Requirements

Excellent English and communication skills
Strong research and stakeholder-management skills
Interest in fundraising, philanthropy or international organisations
Professional and tactful approach to external relationships
Strong organisation and follow-through
Previous fundraising experience is an advantage

Treasury and Financial Operations Officer

The Treasury and Financial Operations Officer will support EST’s day-to-day financial operations and help strengthen its internal financial systems.

Key Responsibilities

Track membership fees and maintain financial records
Manage payment, invoice and reimbursement documentation
Support project budgets and financial tracking
Prepare financial information for internal reporting
Support financial procedures and templates
Flag inconsistencies or financial risks
Support financial administration for major projects and events

Requirements

Strong organisational and administrative skills
Financial awareness and attention to detail
Comfort with spreadsheets and structured records
Reliability and discretion
Basic budgeting or accounting knowledge is an advantage
Previous EST experience is an advantage

Application Process

Candidates may apply for a maximum of two positions

Submit your application through the designated google form uploading:

CV: maximum 2 pages, PDF format

Include a concise motivation letter and explain what you would like to build in the role(s).

Expected start: November 2026

All positions are voluntary and unpaid, open to students and young professionals

Application Deadline: 12 October 2026, 23:59 CEST

Download the full calls here.

International Office

International Officers

The International Officers (IOs) coordinate and support EST Ambassadors in collaboration with the Head of the International Office.

The role combines team coordination, mentoring, project management and strategic development. IOs help Ambassadors stay engaged, develop projects and make the most of opportunities within EST, while contributing to the development of the International Office and EST’s international presence.

Responsibilities

Coordinate and support a team of EST Ambassadors throughout the term
Hold regular check-ins, provide guidance and follow Ambassador progress
Support Ambassadors in developing and delivering projects and content
Keep Ambassadors informed about EST initiatives and opportunities
Encourage collaboration across Ambassador team
Support Ambassador onboarding and development
Help improve the International Office’s structures, activities and processes
Contribute to strategic EST initiatives and cross-departmental projects

Requirements
We are looking for candidates who:

Are students or young professionals
Have strong leadership, interpersonal and communication skills
Have excellent English (C1–C2)
Are organised, reliable and able to manage multiple responsibilities
Can provide constructive feedback and support
Take initiative and work well independently and collaboratively
Are interested in European affairs, international cooperation, public policy or related fields

Previous experience in youth-led initiatives, student organisations or volunteering is an advantage, but not required. Motivation, reliability and willingness to take responsibility are most important.

What You Can Expect
As an International Officer, you will:

Develop practical experience in leadership, team coordination and project management
Work with Ambassadors and EST departments across Europe
Contribute to strategic EST projects
Develop and implement your own ideas
Gain experience in an international, youth-led think tank environment
Help strengthen EST’s Ambassador network and international presence

Time Commitment

Approximately 5–7 hours per week, with workload varying during recruitment, onboarding and major EST activities. Regular availability and communication are essential.

Eligibility and Practical Information

Due to EST’s CET/CEST-based schedule, applicants should reside within ±2 hours of this time zone.

All EST positions are voluntary and unpaid. Selected members are required to pay a small membership fee contributing to the organisation’s administrative costs.

Application Process

Complete the google form by the 12th of October.

Upload your CV and motivation letter

Applications are assessed on a rolling basis. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview.

For questions, contact the Head of the International Office at head.international.office@esthinktank.com.

Download the full call here.

EST Ambassador

Becoming an EST Ambassador means joining a pan-European network of students and young professionals and helping connect EST with your local community.

As an Ambassador, you will contribute to EST’s work, develop your own ideas, collaborate with peers across Europe and gain practical experience in a youth-led think tank.

Role Description

Ambassadors act as a link between EST and their local communities while contributing to the International Office and wider EST network.

The role is flexible and designed around objectives rather than fixed monthly tasks. Throughout the term, each Ambassador is expected to complete at least:

2 articles on relevant political, social or European affairs topics
2 infographics on relevant topics
Meaningful participation in at least 1 strategic EST project
1 proposal for a potential external partner, such as a university, NGO, student association or Europe Direct centre
1 collaborative activity with another Ambassador or EST membe

Contributions may overlap where appropriate. Ambassadors are encouraged to go beyond these requirements, develop their own projects and collaborate across the network.

Ambassadors are also expected to:

Participate in monthly Ambassador meetings and check-ins
Participate in EST-wide meetings and activities
Provide regular updates on their work and plans

Trial Period

The first three months constitute a trial period. During this time, Ambassadors are expected to remain actively engaged, communicate regularly with their International Officer and complete at least one contribution or project.

What You Can Expect

The International Office will provide:

Regular meetings and support from your International Officer
Guidance on projects and contributions
Opportunities to collaborate with Ambassadors and EST departments
Information about EST projects and opportunities
Feedback and support throughout your work

Requirements

We are looking for candidates who:

Are students or young professionals
Are interested in European affairs, international relations or public policy
Are proactive and willing to develop their own ideas
Can commit consistently throughout the term
Can work independently and collaboratively
Are willing to engage with EST and their local community
Have a good command of English

Previous experience in student organisations, youth initiatives or volunteering is an advantage, but not required. Motivation, reliability and willingness to contribute are most important.

Eligibility and Practical Information

Due to EST’s CET/CEST-based schedule, applicants should reside within ±2 hours of this time zone.

All EST positions are voluntary and unpaid. Selected members are required to pay a small membership fee contributing to the organisation’s administrative costs.

Application Process

Complete the google form by the 12th of October.

Upload your CV and motivation letter

Applications are assessed on a rolling basis. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview.

For questions, contact the Head of the International Office at head.international.office@esthinktank.com.

Download the full call here.

Partnership Office

Partnerships Officers

12 available positions

As a Partnerships Officer, you will help turn EST’s projects, ideas and policy interests into meaningful relationships and opportunities with external organisations, institutions and professional networks.

The Partnerships Office will work across three main areas:

Strategic partnerships: identifying and developing relationships with organisations, institutions, networks and professionals relevant to EST.
Departmental partnerships: supporting Working Groups, Research Desks, the EU–MENA Observatory, Events Office and other teams in developing external collaborations.
Flagship initiatives: supporting partnerships connected to initiatives such as the EST Academy, NET4U Europe activities and the Youth4CrimePrevention project.

This is not simply an outreach role. Partnerships Officers will have the opportunity to take ownership of relationships, represent EST externally, identify new opportunities and help shape EST’s growing network of partners.

Why This Role Matters

EST’s external engagement has grown significantly, with activities involving institutions, experts, organisations and policy communities across Europe and beyond.

At the same time, EST’s internal structure has expanded, creating more opportunities for external collaboration. The Partnerships Office will help make these relationships more coordinated, strategic and sustainable, while creating new opportunities for EST members.

Responsibilities

Research and identify potential partners and collaboration opportunities
Build and maintain relationships with external organisations and stakeholders
Develop collaboration ideas and coordinate next steps
Support EST teams in connecting with relevant external partners
Develop opportunities for joint events, research, training, publications and other initiatives
Coordinate partnerships linked to EST projects and flagship initiatives
Represent EST professionally in external communication
Maintain an organised overview of current and prospective partners
Support longer-term strategic partnerships
Help develop the Partnerships Office’s tools, processes and outreach strategy
Bring new ideas for connecting EST members with organisations, experts and networks

Requirements

Excellent English

Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Strong organisation and attention to detail
Reliability and ability to follow up and meet deadlines
Interest in public policy, international affairs, European affairs, youth engagement or civil society
Professional communication skills with external stakeholders
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Proactive and solution-oriented approach
Confidence in initiating conversations and building relationships
Previous partnership, outreach, networking or project-management experience is an advantage, but not required

Time Commitment

Partnerships Officers should expect to dedicate approximately 5–7 hours per week to the role. The workload may vary depending on ongoing partnerships, events and projects, with regular availability and communication expected.

Eligibility and Practical Information

Applicants should be students or young professionals and should be able to work within EST’s CET/CEST-based schedule. For logistical reasons, applications are currently accepted from people residing within ±2 hours of this time zone.

Application Process

Candidates may apply for a maximum of two positions

Submit your application through the google form.

CV: maximum 2 pages, PDF format

Include a concise motivation and explain what you would like to build in the role.

Expected start: November 2026

Application Deadline: 12 October 2026, 23:59 CEST

Download the full call here.

Editorial Office

The EST Editorial Office is recruiting students and young professionals to contribute to EST’s publications, research and academic projects. The Office brings together opportunities in editing, research integrity and data-driven research, allowing members to develop practical skills while collaborating with young researchers from across Europe.

Editor

Editors (30 positions) contribute to EST’s website and LinkedIn publications, as well as selected academic articles for European Policy Review.

Key Responsibilities:

Edit at least one submitted article per month
Contribute to the editorial process of European Policy Review
Support editing of reports, event publications and special issues
Participate in editorial workshops and training
Edit publications developed with EST partners

Requirements

Excellent written and spoken English
Strong communication, teamwork and time-management skills
Good command of Microsoft Word and Google Docs
Interest in academic or policy writing
Previous editing experience is an advantage, but not required

Investigator

Investigators (4 positions) support academic integrity across EST publications by reviewing texts for potential AI-generated or AI-assisted content, plagiarism and other research-integrity concerns.

Key Responsibilities

Review at least four papers per month
Conduct structured textual and source analysis
Check references, quotations and factual claims where necessary
Document findings and distinguish evidence from observations
Use relevant research-integrity and AI-related tools
Participate in training on research integrity, AI and investigative methods

Requirements

Excellent written and spoken English
Strong critical-reading and analytical skills
Excellent attention to detail
Good communication and time-management skills
Interest in academic integrity, research ethics, AI or investigative research
Previous experience in research, editing, journalism or fact-checking is an advantage, but not required

Data Analyst

Data Analysts (4 positions) will join EST’s Data Science Groups, focusing on research into misinformation or human trafficking. Members will work with real-world data and learn quantitative and computational methods to develop research outputs.

Key Responsibilities

Collect, process and analyse research data
Contribute to collaborative research projects
Work with online and social media data and relevant APIs
Apply quantitative methods, including statistical analysis, regression, machine learning and network analysis
Contribute to data visualisations, websites, academic papers and conference submissions

Requirements

Strong interest in data-driven research and quantitative methods
Analytical and critical-thinking skills
Willingness to learn technical and computational methods
Good communication, teamwork and time-management skills
Previous experience in programming, statistics or data analysis is an advantage, but not required

What You Can Expect

Across the three positions, members will have the opportunity to:

Develop practical research, editing, analytical and technical skills
Participate in dedicated professional development sessions
Work with young researchers and professionals from across Europe
Contribute to EST publications and major research projects
Build experience relevant to academic, policy and professional careers
Contribute to projects including European Policy Review, the European Policy Prize, conferences and workshops

Application Process

Application requirements vary by position:

Editor: Complete the Google form uploading: CV (max. 2 pages), short cover letter (max. 1 page) and editing exercise

Investigator: Complete the Google form uploading: CV (max. 2 pages), short cover letter (max. 1 page) and investigation exercise

Data Analyst: Complete the Google form uploading: CV (max. 2 pages) and short motivation letter (max. 1 page)

Position-specific application links and exercises are provided through the relevant Google Forms.

Shortlisted candidates may be invited to an interview.

Important Note on AI

For Editor and Investigator applications, AI tools such as ChatGPT must not be used to prepare the CV or cover letter, and must not be used for the respective editing/investigation exercises, except where explicitly permitted under the application guidelines.

Download the full calls here.

Events Office

EST is recruiting for one Vice President for Events and six Event Officers to help develop and deliver the organisation’s growing programme of public, educational and policy-focused activities.

Vice President for Events

1 available position

The Vice President for Events is a Board-level role leading the Events Office and shaping EST’s overall events strategy.

Key Responsibilities

Lead and coordinate the Events Office
Develop EST’s annual events strategy and calendar
Establish processes for planning, delivering and evaluating events
Coordinate Event Officers and distribute responsibilities
Develop a balanced portfolio of flagship, educational, thematic and member-focused events
Coordinate with EST departments on joint initiatives
Develop collaborations with universities, think tanks, NGOs and international organisations
Support the growth of successful events and flagship initiatives
Represent events-related priorities in Board discussions

Requirements

Excellent English
Strong event and project-management skills
Excellent organisation and attention to detail
Strong communication and stakeholder-management skills
Ability to lead, delegate and motivate a team
Strategic, proactive and solution-oriented approach
Confidence working with external partners
Previous event, project-management or coordination experience is an advantage
Previous EST experience is strongly preferred

Submit your application through the designated application form uploading:

CV: maximum 2 pages, PDF format

Download the full call here.

Event Officers

Event Officers (6 positions) will help turn EST’s ideas, partnerships and policy interests into concrete events and opportunities for members and external audiences.

The team will support member training and activities, departmental events, and flagship initiatives such as the EST Academy and NET4U Europe-related projects.

Key Responsibilities

Plan and deliver EST events
Take ownership of individual events or workstreams
Coordinate logistics, speakers, partners and participants
Work with Communications on event promotion
Collaborate with EST departments and teams
Support flagship and external events
Develop ideas for new event formats and collaborations
Help improve event-planning systems and processes

Requirements

Excellent English
Strong organisational and communication skills
Reliability and ability to meet deadlines
Interest in events, public policy, international affairs or youth engagement
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Proactive and solution-oriented approach
Previous event or project-management experience is an advantage, but not required

Application Process

Candidates may apply for a maximum of two positions.

Submit your application through the designated application form uploading:

CV: maximum 2 pages, PDF format

Include a concise motivation and explain what you would like to build in the role.

All positions are voluntary and unpaid, open to students and young professionals.

Application Deadline: 12 October 2026, 23:59 CEST

Download the full calls here.

Working Groups

EST’s Working Groups (WGs) bring together students and young professionals interested in specific policy areas and European affairs. Working Groups provide a space to research, discuss and develop ideas, while contributing to EST’s wider research and policy work.

Members have the opportunity to collaborate with peers across Europe, contribute to publications and projects, participate in events and develop their own initiatives within their area of interest.

For the 2026–2027 term, EST is recruiting members for the following Working Groups:

Environment
Migration
Gender Equality
Digital Policy
Security and Defence
Public Health and Policy
Human Rights

Each Working Group has its own focus, activities and expectations. Please download the specific call for applications for the Working Group you are interested in for full details.

Application Process

Applicants may apply for a maximum of two positions

Please consult the relevant Working Group call for specific application requirements.

Applications should be submitted through the designated application forms.

All positions are voluntary and unpaid and are open to students and young professionals

Application Deadline

12 October 2026, 23:59 CEST

Download the individual calls for applications below:

Communications Team

EST is recruiting new members for its Communications Department, helping shape how the organisation communicates its work, events, projects and ideas.

The team works across four areas:

Social Media Coordinators : manage EST’s social media presence, content planning, promotion and audience engagement.
Communications Officers – Events & Special Projects: coordinate communication around EST events, partnerships and special projects.
Website Coordinators : maintain and develop EST’s website, publish content and improve its accessibility, structure and visibility.
Videographer: produce and edit video content for events, projects, campaigns and digital platforms.

Communications members work as a coordinated team, while taking ownership of their respective areas. The role involves approximately 4 hours per week, organised flexibly around studies and other commitments.

What We Are Looking For

We are looking for motivated students, recent graduates and young professionals with an interest in communication and EST’s work.

Across all positions, we value:

Good written and spoken English
Creativity and attention to detail
Strong communication and organisational skills
Reliability and ability to meet deadlines
Ability to work independently and collaboratively
Willingness to take ownership of tasks
Ability to work effectively in an international, predominantly online team
Relevant experience in social media, event communication, website management, video production, graphic design or digital communication is an advantage, depending on the position, but not required for all roles.