Research Coordinator – Special Desk on Early Warning

Are you interested in anticipating political, social, and security risks before they escalate? Do you want to help build a new research structure from the ground up within a Europe-wide, youth-led think tank? Then apply for the position of Research Coordinator for the Special Desk on Early Warning at the European Student Think Tank (EST).

The Early Warning Desk is a newly established flagship initiative of EST. It is conceived as a cross-departmental research structure, bringing together mixed taskforces of researchers from the seven EST Working Groups, the International Office, the Editorial Office, and the EU-MENA Observatory. Its mission is to produce EST yearly Early Warning reports addressing emerging risks and trends relevant to Europe and its neighbourhood.

The selected candidate will have the unique opportunity to design, shape, and lead this structure together with the EST Board and the Deputy Working Groups Coordinator.

Time commitment: approximately 6–8 hours per week.

Responsibilities:

Define research priorities and thematic focus for the Desk
Design and coordinate mixed taskforces of researchers across EST departments
Oversee the production of EST’s yearly Early Warning reports
Contribute to the definition of the Desk’s governance and strategic framework in collaboration with the Board and the Deputy Working Groups Coordinator
Ensure methodological coherence and policy relevance of research outputs
Represent the Early Warning Desk internally within EST structures

Requirements:

Excellent command of the English language
Proven experience in policy-oriented and/or applied research
Strong understanding of Early Warning concepts and methodologies (e.g. risk analysis, indicators, horizon scanning, scenario building)
Ability to work strategically and autonomously in a cross-departmental environment
Strong organisational, leadership, and communication skills
Interest in European and international affairs

Application Process

Each candidate may apply for a maximum of two positions
Applications must be submitted via the application form
Applicants will be asked to answer several questions and upload a CV (English, max. 2 pages, PDF)

Deadline: January 7th, 23:59 CEST

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Suitable candidates may be contacted for interviews before the deadline, and EST reserves the right to close the call early.

Expected start date: January 2026

For questions, please contact: wgcoordinator@esthinktank.com

Note: All positions are voluntary and unpaid, and are open to all students and young professionals. A membership fee of 5€ applies to help cover administrative costs.

Research Coordinator – Special Desk on Organised Crime Prevention

The European Student Think Tank recently became a founding member of the European Regional Network of NGOs for the Implementation of the UN Convention against Transnational Organised Crime (UNTOC), launched by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

Within this framework, EST is establishing a Special Desk on Organised Crime Prevention, which will become one of the organisation’s flagship initiatives within the network. We are therefore opening applications for the position of Research Coordinator for the Special Desk on Organised Crime Prevention.

The Desk will function as a cross-departmental research structure, mobilising taskforces of researchers from EST Working Groups, the International Office, the Editorial Office, and the EU-MENA Observatory. Its work will contribute to EST’s growing engagement within the UNTOC NGO network through research outputs, policy analysis, and event-based initiatives.

Time commitment: approximately 6–8 hours per week.

Responsibilities:

Lead the establishment and strategic development of the Organised Crime Prevention Desk
Define research priorities related to organised crime prevention and youth engagement
Coordinate cross-departmental research taskforces and oversee their outputs
Guide the production of policy-relevant research reports and thematic publications
Contribute to EST’s activities within the UNTOC NGO network through research and events
Support the development of external collaborations with partner organisations and institutions
Contribute to the governance design of the Desk in collaboration with the Board and the Deputy Working Groups Coordinator

Requirements:

Excellent command of the English language
Demonstrated knowledge and experience in organised crime research
Familiarity with crime prevention frameworks and youth engagement approaches
Experience in policy-oriented and applied research
Strong organisational and leadership skills
Ability to work in a multidisciplinary and international research environment
Strong interest in European and global security issues

Application Process

Each candidate may apply for a maximum of two positions
Applications must be submitted via the application form
Applicants will be asked to answer several questions and upload a CV (max. 2 pages, PDF)

Deadline: January 7th, 23:59 CEST

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Suitable candidates may be contacted for interviews before the deadline, and EST reserves the right to close the call early.

Expected start date: January 2026

For questions, please contact: wgcoordinator@esthinktank.com

Note: All positions are voluntary and unpaid, and are open to all students and young professionals. A membership fee of 5€ applies to help cover administrative costs.

Deputy Working Groups Coordinator

Are you passionate about Europe and eager to work at the heart of a dynamic, youth-led think tank? Do you enjoy coordinating people, ideas, and research across multiple teams? Then apply for the position of Deputy Working Groups Coordinator at the European Student Think Tank.

The Deputy Working Groups Coordinator oversees, together with the Working Groups Coordinator, the work of all seven EST Working Groups. In addition, this role plays a key operational role in supporting and coordinating EST’s Special Research Desks, including the Early Warning Desk and the Organised Crime Prevention Desk.

Time commitment: approximately 6–8 hours per week.

Responsibilities:

Support the Working Groups Coordinator in overseeing and coordinating the work of the seven EST Working Groups
Serve as a liaison between the Working Groups and other EST departments
Support and guide the Heads of Working Groups and inform them of opportunities for involvement
Co-organise monthly coordination meetings with Working Group Heads
Foster the development of members’ hard and soft skills
Create synergies between departments for internal collaboration
Oversee, together with the Coordinator, the operational coordination of EST’s Special Research Desks
Supervise the creation and functioning of cross-Working-Group research taskforces contributing to Desk outputs
Represent the Working Groups Coordinator at Board Meetings when necessary

Requirements:

Excellent command of the English language
Previous experience in research and publication processes is an asset
Knowledge of European affairs
Strong organisational, leadership, and communication skills
Ability to work with diverse teams and manage multiple workflows
A clear vision for the development of EST

Application Process

Each candidate may apply for a maximum of two positions
Applications must be submitted via the application form
Applicants will be asked to answer several questions and upload a CV (max. 2 pages, PDF)

Deadline: January 7th, 23:59 CEST

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Suitable candidates may be contacted for interviews before the deadline, and EST reserves the right to close the call early.

Expected start date: January 2026

For questions, please contact: wgcoordinator@esthinktank.com

Note: All positions are voluntary and unpaid, and are open to all students and young professionals. A membership fee of 5€ applies to help cover administrative costs.

Secretary-General: Position Description

The Secretary-General will be a “senior” administrative officer responsible for ensuring the transparent, compliant, and efficient functioning of the Organisation.
She/He will act as a neutral coordinating figure within the Executive Board, supporting both the President and the Treasurer in the management of official procedures, internal documentation, and compliance matters. This position aims to strengthen the organisation’s internal governance, promote accountability, and facilitate smooth administrative operations.

Main Responsibilities

Governance & Administration

Coordinate the organisation of Board and team meetings, including agendas, minutes, and follow-up actions.
Maintain the official archive of the organisation (minutes, policies, financial documents, contracts).
Ensure procedural consistency across departments and committees.
Monitor compliance with the internal Statute, regulations, and approved policies.

Compliance & Transparency

Serve as a co-signatory (together with the President and Treasurer) for all official policies and financial or regulatory documents.
Review new regulations and internal documents to ensure alignment with organisational standards and legal requirements.
Support the Treasurer in maintaining financial compliance and proper documentation for reporting.
Act as the focal point for ethical and procedural oversight, ensuring accountability and neutrality.

Coordination & Support

Support the President in administrative and coordination tasks, reducing his/her operational workload.
Liaise with other departments (Research, Communication, Finance) to ensure coherence and information flow.
Contribute to the implementation of governance improvements and strategic administrative reforms.

Required Skills and Qualifications

Proven organisational and administrative skills.
Strong attention to detail, accuracy, and document management.
Ability to work impartially and maintain confidentiality.
Familiarity with non-profit governance or youth-led organisations is an asset.
Good understanding of compliance, financial documentation, or reporting procedures.
Excellent communication skills in English (both written and spoken).
Reliability and a sense of responsibility in handling sensitive or official information.
Dutch language skills will be considered a “plus”.
Previous experience within the organisation or in similar roles is preferred but not mandatory.

Reporting Line

Reports directly to the President.
Works closely with the
Treasurer and other Executive Board Members.
Participates in Board meetings as a permanent member.

Application Process

Each candidate may apply for a maximum of two positions
Applications must be submitted via the application form
Applicants will be asked to answer several questions and upload a CV (max. 2 pages, PDF)

Deadline: January 7th, 23:59 CEST

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Suitable candidates may be contacted for interviews before the deadline, and EST reserves the right to close the call early.

Expected start date: January 2026

For questions, please contact: wgcoordinator@esthinktank.com

Note: All positions are voluntary and unpaid, and are open to all students and young professionals. A membership fee of 5€ applies to help cover administrative costs.

Partnerships Officers

The Partnerships Officer will be responsible for supporting the development, management, and consolidation of strategic partnerships for the European Student Think Tank (EST). Working under the supervision of the Vice President for Partnerships, the Partnerships Officer will contribute to expanding EST’s external network, strengthening its institutional presence, and supporting the organisation’s activities through collaborations with external partners. This position aims to enhance EST’s outreach, credibility, and impact by building sustainable and value-based partnerships aligned with the organisation’s mission.

Time commitment: approximately 6–8 hours per week.

Applicants may apply for the following Partnerships Officer positions:

Partnerships Officer – Institutions & Multilateral Organisations
Partnerships Officer – Academia & Research
Partnerships Officer – NGOs & Civil Society
Partnerships Officer – Private Sector & Foundations
Partnerships Officer – Media, Think Tanks & Student Networks

Responsibilities:

Identify and map potential partners relevant to EST’s mission and activities.
Assist in negotiating and maintaining partnerships with external organisations.
Support the drafting, implementation, and monitoring of partnership agreements.
Work closely with the Vice President for Partnerships to implement the partnerships strategy.
Ensure that partnerships contribute concretely to EST activities (events, publications, outreach).
Maintain accurate records of partnerships and related documentation.
Support transparent reporting on partnerships activities and outcomes.
Ensure that partnerships are aligned with internal policies and governance standards.

Requirements:

Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Good organisational skills and attention to detail.
Professional and reliable approach to external relations.
Interest in policy, international affairs or non-profit work.
Proactive and results-oriented mindset.
Excellent command of English (written and spoken).
Teamwork and collaboration.
Adaptability and problem-solving skills.
Previous experience in partnerships, external relations, or student organisations

Application Process

Each candidate may apply for a maximum of two positions
Applications must be submitted via the application form
Applicants will be asked to answer several questions and upload a CV (max. 2 pages, PDF)

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Suitable candidates may be contacted for interviews before the deadline, and EST reserves the right to close the call early.

Expected start date: January 2026

For questions, please contact: vicepresident-partnerships@esthinktank.com

Note: All positions are voluntary and unpaid, and are open to all students and young professionals. A membership fee of 5€ applies to help cover administrative costs.