EU-MENA Observatory

Call for Applications 2026-2027

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:

  1. Levant and Türkiye
  2. Gulf and Iran
  3. 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 as Researchers or Communication Assistants, 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 and submit this form 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.

Please, download the complete calls for application for the role you are interested here: Researchers

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

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 organise 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

EU-MENA Observatory (2)Download