Open Positions
- Research Assistant – Justice and Home Affairs Unit – deadline 17 January 2022
About us
Founded in Brussels in 1983, CEPS (Centre for European Policy Studies) is a leading think tank and forum
for debate on EU affairs, which has been consistently ranked among the top 10 world’s best think tanks.
CEPS’ distinguishing features include its strong in-house research capacity and an extensive international
network of partner institutes. CEPS’ funding comes from a variety of sources, mainly research grants,
public procurement, but also from membership and conference fees.
One of the key EU objectives of the Union isto build a common Area of Freedom, Security and Justice
over the next years without internal frontiers and in full respect for fundamental rights. The CEPS
Justice and Home Affairs Section examines the implications of EU Justice and Home Affairs policies
on Rights, Security and Rule of law. Research covers issues related to migration, free movement,
asylum, Schengen, fight against terrorism and crime, e-surveillance and privacy, as well as police and
criminal justice cooperation. For more information about the Section you may visit https://www.ceps.eu/cepsunit/justice-and-home-affairs/
“Research Assistant – JHA Unit”
Main tasks
• You will become a member of CEPS’ staff and work in the JHA unit
• You will conduct research activitiesin the field of the EU Area of Freedom, Security and Justice policies
or Justice and Home Affairs
• You will participate in international research teams that carry out projects for the European
Commission and other funding organisations
• You will assist with ongoing research activities and carry out independent research
• You will assist in project-related activities and the organization of events
• You will follow policy developments and research debate in own field of research
• Assist in project management/administration of projects
• You will assist in the acquisition of new research projects
Your background and qualifications
• Holding a Masters Degree (M.A. or LL.M) in law, social sciences or political science. Specialization in
the EU Area of Freedom, Security and Justice policies or Justice and Home Affairs law or holding a PhD
would be an asset
• Being very familiarwith, and show writing skills on, EU affairs and particularly Justice and Home Affairs
law
• Ability to work independently and in a team
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• You are able to critically read and comment on research reports and academic publications
• You have a proven record of writing and presentation skills
• You are willing and able to organise, moderate and contribute to events at CEPS and its partners
• You are willing to assist in writing funding proposals and in carrying out externally funded projects
• You are familiar with the rules and procedures for research projects, including those financed by the
European Commission under its Horizon 2020
• Excellent proficiency in English (at least another EU language would be desirable)
Your profile
• You are eager to invest in building and maintaining a growing research network
• You are able to work in a research team involving junior and senior colleagues and can organise your
own activities
• You have a good understanding of the need to be outgoing and to use all possibilities of knowledge
dissemination as a means of profiling your own work and that of the organisation
• You are able to handle stress, respect deadlines and are able to juggle multiple tasks and changing
priorities
• You enjoy teamwork and are open to giving and receiving feedback
• You have, or are willing to develop insights into ongoing legislative and policy debates
What CEPS can offer
We offer full-time employment for 1 year. The contract is renewable. The salary will be in accordance
with your previous experience as well as the CEPS salary scale. We also offer a benefits package (group &
hospitalisation insurance, meal tickets, public transport reimbursement, 20 dayslegal holiday entitlement
per year plus additional days when CEPS is closed during the Christmas-New Year period). We would like
the preferred candidate to start her/his activities by March 2022.
Career development prospects
This position will give you the opportunity to progress on your career path and gain the valuable skills,
training and experience. CEPS offers a Learning and Development Programme for all staff to develop the
necessary skills for their position.
Application and deadline
Applications should include a one-page letter of motivation, CV and names of two references. For the CV,
please use the Europass template (https://europass.cedefop.europa.eu/). They should be e-mailed to
applications@ceps.eu by 17 January 2022 with the job title and unit name in the subject line (“Research
Assistant – JHA Unit”).
Internships
Open internship positions
- Intern – Energy, Resources and Climate Change Unit – deadline 2 January 2022
About us
Founded in Brussels in 1983, CEPS (Centre for European Policy Studies) is a leading think tank and forum
for debate on EU affairs, which has been consistently ranked among the top 10 world’s best think tanks.
CEPS’ distinguishing features include its strong in-house research capacity and an extensive international
network of partner institutes. CEPS’ funding comes from a variety of sources, mainly research grants,
public procurement, but also from membership and conference fees.
The Energy, Resources and Climate Change unit of CEPS consists of a research team specialised in today’s
energy, circular economy, climate change, and geopolitical challenges. It provides a forum that stimulates
discussions among both EU and non-EU stakeholders and decision-makers. The main activities of the unit
consist of policy research and events, which it often carries out in cooperation with universities, research
institutes and consultancies.
“INTERN – Energy, Resources and Climate Change”
Main tasks
You will become a member of the Energy, Resources and Climate Change team and contribute to the
work and projects of the unit.
• You will participate in international teams that carry out research projects.
• You will monitor the regulatory framework for low-carbon transition, circular economy, climate
chabnge and/or energy in the EU and selected member states.
• You will do desk research on relevant topics.
• You will assist in data collection and summarise findings in written form.
• You will assist in identifying and acquiring new research projects.
• You will assist in organising seminars, workshops and other events and performing communication
activities.
• Other related tasks as required.
Your background and qualifications
• You are enrolled as a student for the full duration of the internship, and about to complete a Master
in economics, international relations, political/social sciences, or equivalent. A particular focus on
sustainability, climate change, renewable energy, ecological/environmental economics, energy or
equivalent would count as a plus.
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• You have a demonstrable interest in resources/circular economy, climate change and/or energyrelated issues policy. You have conducted research assignments on one (or more) of these topics.
• You have experiencewith data gathering and a good command of Excel. Knowledge of otherstatistical
programmes is a plus.
• You have an excellent command of English, both orally and in writing.
• Experience in providing presentations and organising events will be considered as a plus
Your profile
• You are able to work in a research team comprising junior and senior colleagues and work under the
supervision of a CEPS researcher.
• You enjoy teamwork and are open to giving and receiving feedback.
• You are flexible, organised and respect deadlines.
What CEPS can offer
We offer a full-time internship for between 4 to 6 months. The selected candidate will be eligible to
receive expense reimbursement up to 500 EUR/month upon receipt of justifying documents during the
internship. We would like the preferred candidate to start her/his activities in the third week of January
2022. Given the current circumstances, the internship can take place either in-person or remotely. This
position will give you the opportunity to gain the valuable skills, training and experience that would
potentially allow you to take on the role of Research Assistant or beyond.
More information
Further questions/enquiries regarding the position can be e-mailed to monica.alessi@ceps.eu.
Application and deadline
Applications should include: i) a one-page letter of motivation (you would need to specify in the letter
that you are enrolled as a student for the full 4-6 month duration of the internship), ii) a CV and iii) two
written examples of work in the fields relevant to this post (e.g., a project report, a university assignment
etc. – if the paper has more than one author, please specify in the letter of motivation your contribution).
All documents should be in English. All the above documents should be integrated in one pdf document.
For the CV, please use the Europass template (https://europass.cedefop.europa.eu/). Please send your
application in a single PDF file to isabelle.tenaerts@ceps.eu with “Intern January 2022 – Energy,
Resources and Climate Change” in the subject line by 02 January 2022