EU-MENA Observatory

Call for Applications 2025-2026

As a member of the Observatory for EU-MENA Relations, you will be engaging with the numerous factors and geographical dynamics shaping the relationship between the EU and the MENA region. Beyond research, you can get involved in projects as webinars, discussions and podcasting, working together with volunteers from both regions.

We are currently looking for 8 members to join the Observatory:

🔎 4 in the Research Desks: Sahel (1), Gulf and Iran (2), Turkiye (1)

📢 4 in Communication, focusing on the newsletter, the podcast, and graphic design

As a member of a Research Desk, you will:

  • Conduct research and author different types of content, including blog articles, newsletter contributions, and single publications.
  • Collaborate with the other members to produce collective publications, like policy dossiers and special issues.
  • Contribute to the organization and lead the Observatory’s events

As a member of the Communication team, you will:

  • Help disseminate the research outputs of the Observatory via digital channels
  • Create social media posts, edit the newsletter and produce podcast episodes
  • Develop and implement the Observatory’s communication strategy to increase outreach

You bring:

  • A background knowledge of the EU-MENA relations, and/or specific knowledge in one of the geographical areas (Levant & Turkey, Gulf & Iran, North Africa & Sahel)
  • Experience in conducting research in the field of international relations and/or in communication strategy and content creation
  • Excellent command of English and strong drafting skills

⚠️ Please note that, for the daily functioning of the EST, all members once selected for a specific position will be required to pay a €5 fee.

If you are interested, please apply by October 12th, 23:59 CET filling out this form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeDl6fJkLqgjWK8vGFExlykVC3zqHNuJTV7PJzrbr2CCfmdDQ/viewform?usp=header

 

Ambassador

Being an EST Ambassador means becoming an integral part of a dynamic international network. Your role and contributions as an Ambassador are essential to the continued success and expansion of EST. As the primary point of contact for EST in your country, you will play a pivotal role in fostering a diverse and inclusive community. Together, we will collaborate to build and strengthen this network, ensuring that EST continues to thrive and make a meaningful impact.

👉 Please note: Due to logistical reasons and all online meetings being scheduled according to Central European Time (CET), this call is only open to people residing in countries with a maximum of ±2 hours difference from CET. While the role is primarily aimed at students, motivated non-students are also welcome to apply.

Role Description

As an Ambassador, you will acquire first-hand experience working within a think tank and become involved in the European policy-making process. Your main objective will be to engage people in your country in online and offline debates and to collaborate with peers across Europe. Your responsibilities will include:

  • writing articles and creating infographics on today’s political issues;
  • organising events and discussions at your university or within your community;
  • promoting EST (e.g. via social media) in your country and at your university, and building a national network;
  • updating the EST International Officers on the activities you organize and submitting monthly reports.

There is also plenty of room for your own ideas and initiatives, so if you have any project proposals, don’t hesitate to include them in your application!

Application

The EST is looking for motivated, proactive candidates who have an excellent command of English and strong written, verbal, and social skills.

For the daily functioning of the EST, all members, once selected for a specific position, will be required to pay a €5 fee. 🗓️ The deadline for applications is October 12th, 23:59 CET.

If you are interested, please upload your CV and motivation letter here: https://forms.gle/zX5dXn2E13cZPEkn8 

 

 

Applications for Working Group Members 2025/2026 (OPEN)

Are you passionate about European affairs and eager to contribute to impactful research in your area of interest? This is your opportunity to make a difference by joining a Working Group of the European Student Think Tank (EST).

As a Working Group Member in 2025/2026, your primary responsibility will be to conduct research on a sub-topic relevant to your working group’s focus area. This research will be published on the organisation’s website in various formats, including articles, papers, policy briefs, or in collaboration with our communications team through graphics, videos, and podcasts. You will also have the opportunity to help organise and attend workshops, participate in debates, and engage with policy-makers.

You may choose to apply to one of the following Working Groups:

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

Joining an EST Working Group means becoming part of a dynamic network of motivated students and young professionals while developing essential skills in academic writing, analysis, and project management. Upon completing your term and the set requirements of activity, the EST will also happily provide a recommendation letter in recognition of your contributions.

To learn more about the previous activities of our working groups see here.

Requirements:

–       Excellent command of written and spoken English.

–       Strong research abilities, with prior research experience and publications seen as valuable assets.

–       Demonstrated interest and enthusiasm for the chosen working group’s theme.

–       Effective presentation skills, with the ability to communicate ideas clearly and professionally.

–       Proven ability to meet deadlines consistently.

–       Capability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team.

Additional requirements for Heads of Working Groups:

–       A clear vision for guiding the research direction of the working group.

–       Strong leadership skills, with prior experience in managerial roles considered highly beneficial.

–       Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to manage and motivate team members effectively.

Application process

You can submit your application by filling out this form. You will have to answer a few short questions, and upload your CV (max. 2 pages) and a writing sample (1000-3000 words). 

The Call for Applications will be open until 12th of October 2025 (23:59 CEST). Applications will be screened on a rolling basis, so you can be contacted for an interview as of the beginning of October. If we find suitable candidates before the deadline, the EST reserves the right to close the call earlier.

Expected start date is October/November 2025 

If you have any queries about the role, please contact wgcoordinator@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.

 

Call – Fundraising Officer 2025-2026

What is the prospect?
 Are you a young professional or student passionate about the EU and European Affairs? Do you want to gain experience in raising funds and creating partnerships for an international youth-led organisation? Then you should apply to become the next Fundraising Officer of the European Student Think Tank (EST)!

What’s my role?
 As a Fundraising Officer you will be working directly under the supervision of the Treasurer and in close collaboration with all the relevant departments. You will play a key role in steering the work of the organisation in two main areas:

Fundraising:

  • Identify and suggest fundraising opportunities, including sponsorships and donations;
  • Create and propose innovative fundraising strategies and campaigns (including online fundraising initiatives and events);
  • In collaboration with the Treasurer, help track the incoming and outgoing finances related to fundraising activities.

Partnership:

  • Suggest partnership opportunities to grow the EST’s network;
  • Maintain contacts with potential sponsors, partners and donors, including organising and participating in meetings.

What’s the EST looking for:

  • Public speaking and networking skills;
  • Negotiating skills to establish partnerships and discuss sponsorship terms and conditions;
  • Creative skills to develop fundraising initiatives;
  • Experience in fundraising, communication, or NGO work is a plus (not obligatory);
  • Excellent command of English (level C1);
  • Commitment to work for 4–5 hours per week throughout the whole term.

What’s next?
 If we sparked your interest and you believe that you would be a good fit, please apply by October 12th at 23:59 CET by sending the following documents (in English) through this form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe79pkNx4cPk5K9fko5cMPKS9p3wenK3KwXsAyqdJGuUCwTHw/viewform?usp=header

  • Your CV (2 pages maximum);
  • A cover letter of 1 page, outlining your motivation, interests, and skills.

Profiles will be examined on a rolling basis, and the call may be closed earlier than expected if all positions are filled!

Note: please be aware that the EST will request a symbolic 5€ membership fee per term to contribute to the administrative costs of the organisation.

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

 

Call – Grant Officer 2025-2026

What is the prospect?
 Are you a young professional or student passionate about the EU and European Affairs? Are you eager to gain hands-on experience in identifying, drafting and managing grant applications for an international youth-led organisation? Then you should apply to become the next Grant Officer of the European Student Think Tank (EST)!

What’s my role?
 As a Grant Officer you will be working directly under the supervision of the Treasurer and in close collaboration with the relevant departments. You will play a central role in ensuring the organisation’s sustainability by focusing on grants and funding opportunities.

Grants:

  • Research and identify relevant grant opportunities at the EU and international level;
  • Draft, edit, and support the submission of grant applications;
  • Collaborate with different EST departments to gather content for applications and reporting;
  • Support the monitoring and evaluation of ongoing projects funded by grants.

Strategy and Support:

  • Work closely with the Treasurer to align grants strategy with the organisation’s financial needs;
  • Contribute to building long-term funding strategies and donor relations.

What’s the EST looking for:

  • Strong writing and analytical skills;
  • Ability to conduct independent research on funding opportunities;
  • Attention to detail and organisational skills for application drafting;
  • Previous knowledge of EU and international grants is a strong asset, but not mandatory;
  • Excellent command of English (level C1);
  • Commitment to work for 4–5 hours per week throughout the whole term.

What’s next?
 If we sparked your interest and you believe that you would be a good fit, please apply by October 12th at 23:59 CET by sending the following documents (in English) through this form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe79pkNx4cPk5K9fko5cMPKS9p3wenK3KwXsAyqdJGuUCwTHw/viewform?usp=header

  • Your CV (2 pages maximum);
  • A cover letter of 1 page, outlining your motivation, interests and skills.

Profiles will be examined on a rolling basis, and the call may be closed earlier than expected if all positions are filled!

Note: please be aware that the EST will request a symbolic 5€ membership fee per term to contribute to the administrative costs of the organisation.

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