General benefits for all the Board Members

Opportunity to gain experience in a thriving and developing team: The EST was founded in 2010 and has been growing over the years. We now have more than 150 members from a wide range of nationalities and backgrounds.

A Global Network: The EST is your chance to work closely with an international team of ambassadors, writers, researchers, editors and creatives from both European and non-European countries, and to form connections based on your common interests.

Skills: Volunteering for the EST will shape and develop a variety of skills, from your ability to communicate in a team and organise around differing commitments, to strengthening your understanding of events’ management, the different publications and writing styles through our training workshops. 

CV and Recommendation Letter: The EST will look great to an employer, demonstrating a passionate interest in shaping policy and the world around it, and a sustained understanding of international and European affairs! We are more than happy to provide a recommendation letter for our contributors once they finish their terms with us.

Every candidate can apply to max. 2 positions

Applications for Head of Observatory on EU MENA Relations 2025-2026 OPEN

The Observatory EU-MENA Relations is the EST’s branch that monitors, analyses and researches the EU’s engagement with the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Through an innovative and multidisciplinary approach, the goal of the Observatory is to produce rigorous research and analysis on the dynamics that shape EU-MENA relations. In addition to research papers, policy briefs and commentaries, the Observatory produces an annual peer-reviewed issue, a bi-monthly newsletter InsideMENA, a monthly podcast MENA Stories, infographics, and organises events and webinars. The Observatory provides its members with a multicultural space to share their knowledge fruitfully and encourage a prolific dialogue about two different yet interconnected regions.

What is my role?

As the Head of the Observatory, you will be responsible for the formulation and implementation of the Observatory’s research, communication, and partnership strategy. You will lead a team of 15 young professionals, ensuring quality and consistency for the Observatory’s external products, including a monthly podcast, a biweekly newsletter, infographics, as well as publications. In coordination with the Editorial Office, you will also be responsible for the production of an annual peer-reviewed paper series. You will be representing the Observatory and EST in international fora, debates, and policy dialogues to enhance the Observatory’s visibility, increase the outreach and engage with new stakeholders. Additionally, you will attend Board Meetings and take part in decisions relevant to the organisation and your department. 

The Observatory platform allows you to organise events and workshops, participate in debates and interact with young researchers, professionals and policymakers. Being part of the Observatory also means joining a wide-ranging network of engaged students and young professionals, as well as acquiring key professional skills in academic writing, analysis and project management. As a youth-led group, we coordinate online and put great emphasis on granting volunteers a space for their primary responsibilities at university and work. You should expect to commit an average of 6-10 hours per week. 

Requirements

  • Excellent command of English
  • Master’s students, PhDs or young professionals;
  • Graduate or enrolled in undergraduate or postgraduate courses in MENA Studies, Peace and Conflict, Development, Law, International Relations and International Studies, Political Science, Economics, History, Cultural Studies, Linguistics and related courses;
  • Strong interest in the Middle East and North Africa, and excellent knowledge of EU cooperation with MENA. 
  • At least 2 years of experience in writing, editing, communication and independent research in academic and/or professional settings.
  • Professional experience in think tanks and previous publications (also non-academic) are a plus;
  • Previous experience in managerial positions in youth-led organisations, and familiarity with international youth organisations are a plus.
  • Fluency in English (C1 or above); 
  • Working or conversational knowledge of French and/or Arabic is an asset.
  • Strong commitment, originality, curiosity and aptitude for innovation.

Application process

You can submit your application by filling out the form you can find here and uploading your CV (2 pages maximum) and one-page cover letter outlining your motivation, interests and skills.

The Call for Applications will be open until June 29th (23:59 CEST). Applications will be screened on a rolling basis, so you can be contacted for an interview between the end of June and July 2025. If we find suitable candidates before the deadline, the EST reserves the right to close the call earlier. 

Expected start date is August 2025. However, you might be requested to engage in other preparatory tasks during the last 2 weeks of July to ensure a smooth start of your term.

If you have any queries about the role, please contact observatoryeumena@esthinktank.com 

Note: All positions are voluntary and unpaid, and are open to ALL students and young professionals. In order to become a member please take into consideration that there is a membership fee of 5€ to help cover the administrative costs of the organisation.