CEPS, the Centre for European Policy Studies, is hiring a Research Assistant for its Enlargement Programme in the Foreign Policy Unit in Brussels, Belgium. The job is full-time, starts initially for one year with a renewable contract, and focuses on research on EU enlargement and the Eastern Neighbourhood. At Youth Works Hub, we reviewed the full vacancy: applications close on 08 November 2026 at 23:59 CET.
Vacancy at a Glance
🏢 Employer: CEPS, Centre for European Policy Studies
💼 Position: Research Assistant, Enlargement Programme (Foreign Policy Unit)
📍 Location: Brussels, Belgium
📄 Contract: full-time, initially one year, renewable
💶 Salary: in line with previous experience and the CEPS salary scale (no amount stated)
📅 Preferred start: ideally January 2027
🎓 Education: MA in international relations, European studies, political sciences or a related field
🗣️ Language: excellent English, spoken and written
What Is the CEPS Enlargement Programme?
The Enlargement Programme sits inside the CEPS Foreign Policy Unit. It conducts research on EU enlargement and the Eastern Neighbourhood, organises high-level policy discussions and contributes to shaping policy developments through evidence-based research, innovative ideas and policy recommendations.
About CEPS
CEPS was founded in Brussels in 1983 and describes itself as a leading think tank and forum for debate on EU affairs, consistently ranked among the world's top 10 best think tanks. One of its distinguishing features is a strong in-house research capacity and an extensive international network of partner institutes. Its funding comes from a variety of sources, mainly research grants and service contracts, but also from membership and conference fees.
What Will You Do as a Research Assistant?
You will become a member of CEPS staff and work in the Enlargement Programme. The vacancy lists these main tasks:
🧭 Conduct research in the field of EU enlargement and Eastern neighbourhood policies
🌐 Participate in international research teams that carry out projects for the European Commission and other funding organisations
📝 Assist in background research and writing of interim and final project reports
💡 Assist in the acquisition of new research projects
📆 Assist in the organisation of meetings and events
Which Qualifications and Skills Does CEPS Ask For?
🎓 An MA in international relations, European studies, political sciences or a related field
🇪🇺 A good knowledge of EU affairs and EU enlargement
🔍 The ability to critically read and comment on research reports and academic publications
✍️ A proven record of writing and presentation skills
🎤 Willingness and ability to organise and contribute to events at CEPS and its partners
📑 Willingness to assist in writing funding proposals and in carrying out externally funded projects
📚 Familiarity with the rules and procedures for research projects financed by the European Commission under its Horizon
🗨️ An excellent command of English, both orally and in writing
Which Skills Count as an Advantage?
The vacancy names two advantages:
🌍 Knowledge of the languages of the EU candidate countries
📊 Knowledge of statistics and experience working with Excel
What Does the Ideal Candidate Look Like?
CEPS describes the profile of the ideal candidate with these points:
🔥 Passion and enthusiasm for working on EU enlargement and the Eastern neighbourhood
👥 Ability to work in a research team with junior and senior colleagues and to organise your own workload
🏛️ Willingness to develop insights into ongoing legislative and policy debates
🤝 Eagerness to invest in building and maintaining a growing research network
⏳ Respect for deadlines, with the ability to juggle multiple tasks and changing priorities
🎯 A high level of accuracy and attention to detail
🚀 A proactive, self-motivated, result-oriented, creative and enthusiastic attitude
💛 Kindness, deep respect for diversity and a strong sense of empathy towards colleagues
💬 Enjoyment of teamwork and openness to giving and receiving feedback
🏢 Enthusiasm to contribute to the success of the Enlargement Programme, the Foreign Policy Unit and CEPS as a whole
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🌍 All opportunities in Belgium →
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What Does CEPS Offer?
CEPS offers full-time employment, initially for one year, with a renewable contract. The salary will be in accordance with your previous experience as well as the CEPS salary scale; the vacancy does not state an amount. The role is based in Brussels, and CEPS would like the preferred candidate to ideally start in January 2027.
Which Benefits Come With the Job?
🩺 Group and hospitalisation insurance
🍽️ Meal tickets
🚆 Public transport reimbursement
🏖️ 20 days of legal holiday per year, plus an additional two weeks during the Christmas-New Year period when CEPS is closed
🏠 The possibility to telework in Belgium
✈️ 20 days per calendar year of teleworking from abroad
What Career Development Does the Role Offer?
The position gives the successful candidate the opportunity to progress on their career path and gain valuable skills, training and experience that could potentially allow them to take on the role of Researcher and beyond. CEPS also offers a Learning and Development Programme for all staff to develop the skills needed for their position.
Can I Apply Without Meeting Every Requirement?
Yes, you can. CEPS states that even if you do not strictly have all the necessary competences but believe your experience and skills could be valuable and enable you to fulfil the tasks, it would still highly recommend that you submit an application. CEPS is an equal opportunities employer, values diversity, is committed to an inclusive environment for all staff and welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds.
How Does the Selection Process Work?
📥 Applications are assessed on a rolling basis, so CEPS encourages you to apply as soon as possible
💻 Pre-selected candidates are invited to a short online interview in the week of 16 November 2026
🪑 Shortlisted candidates are then invited to an in-person or online interview in the week of 23 November 2026
📨 Shortlisted candidates may be asked to produce one or two letters of recommendation
🔒 The CV and personal data of non-selected candidates are not shared with anyone outside CEPS and are deleted immediately after the recruitment process
How to Apply
Two steps are required, both by 08 November 2026 at 23:59 CET:
📋 Complete and submit the CEPS recruitment form
📧 Send your CV in English to the CEPS applications mailbox with "Research Assistant – Enlargement Programme" in the subject line
📎 Include a list of your publications, specifying your role in previous research projects, and the names and contact details of at least two referees, including your current or last employer
🧾 Use the Europass template for the CV
⚠️ Applications received after the deadline, incomplete applications, or applications that do not follow these instructions will not be taken into consideration
Looking for more roles like this? Browse the latest Jobs on Youth Works Hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Research Assistant job based?
The role is based in Brussels, Belgium, at CEPS, the Centre for European Policy Studies. The vacancy also offers the possibility to telework in Belgium and up to 20 days per calendar year of teleworking from abroad.
What degree do I need to apply?
CEPS asks for an MA in international relations, European studies, political sciences or a related field. It also expects a good knowledge of EU affairs and EU enlargement.
How many years of experience are required?
The vacancy does not state a number of years. It asks for a proven record of writing and presentation skills and familiarity with the rules and procedures for research projects financed by the European Commission under its Horizon.
Which languages do I need?
An excellent command of English, both orally and in writing, is required. Knowledge of the languages of the EU candidate countries would be an advantage.
How long is the contract and when does it start?
The employment is full-time, initially for one year, and the contract is renewable. CEPS would like the preferred candidate to ideally start in January 2027.
Is the position paid?
Yes. The salary will be in accordance with your previous experience as well as the CEPS salary scale. The vacancy does not state an amount, and it adds a benefits package with insurance, meal tickets and public transport reimbursement.
What do I need to send to apply?
You need to submit the CEPS recruitment form and send your CV in English, using the Europass template, to the CEPS applications mailbox. The CV package must include a list of your publications, your role in previous research projects and the names and contact details of at least two referees.
When do interviews take place?
Pre-selected candidates are invited to a short online interview in the week of 16 November 2026. Shortlisted candidates are then invited to an in-person or online interview in the week of 23 November 2026.
Deadline
⏳ 08 November 2026
Links
🔗 Vacancy (CEPS PDF): https://cdn.ceps.eu/2026/10/Job-advert-enlargement-programme.pdf
📋 Application form: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/7YYyTF9MCz
📧 Application email: applications@ceps.eu
🧾 Europass CV template: https://europass.cedefop.europa.eu/
👩🔬 Questions about the position: Dr. Tinatin Akhvlediani, Head of EU Enlargement Programme, tinatin.akhvlediani@ceps.eu
