Director of the Historical Archives of the European Union
EUI ·
VACANCY NOTICE V/AD/HAR/1/2026 The European University Institute (EUI), based in Florence, Italy is organising a selection procedure based on qualifications and tests to draw up a reserve list for the post of Director of the Historical Archives of the European Union (HAEU) (Temporary agent post, type 2g CEOS, AD 10) Manage the institutional memory of the European Union and steer the future of European historical and archival research.
The European University Institute (EUI), founded in 1972 and located in Florence, Italy, is a treaty-based post-graduate institution dedicated to advanced research and training with a unique European focus. As part of the EUI, the Historical Archives of the European Union (HAEU) is the single, official repository for the historical documents of the institutions, bodies and agencies of the European Union.
We seek an inspiring and forward-thinking leader with outstanding archival qualifications and solid knowledge of the European Union and European integration to manage the Historical Archives of the European Union, lead a multinational and diverse team of archivists, manage its budget and finances, and liaise with high-level stakeholders, including EU institutions, bodies and agencies and other depositing organisations.
The Director will also promote and facilitate historical research on European integration and the European project, while enhancing public awareness, visibility and understanding of the Historical Archives of the European Union, its collections, and its mission.
Finally, the Director will co-direct the Alcide De Gasperi Research Centre of the European University Institute. This is a unique opportunity to shape and advance knowledge of the European Union and its past, steward the preservation of and access to its documentary heritage, enhance institutional transparency, lead innovation and change in response to the modern digital information society, and promote research, education and public engagement in the European Union’s history on a global scale.
Who We Are The European University Institute (EUI) at a glance: an international organisation set up in 1972; a research university focusing exclusively on post-graduate, doctoral and post-doctoral studies, and advanced research; located in the hills overlooking the city of Florence, Italy.
Our Unit Established in 1984, the Historical Archives of the European Union (HAEU) preserves and makes accessible for public interest and research the archives deposited by EU institutions according to the thirty-year rule governing access to their archival material.
It also collects and preserves personal papers of individuals, and the archives of public and private organisations that played a role in European integration. Moreover, it facilitates and promotes research on the history of the European Union, promotes public interest in European integration, and enhances transparency in the functioning of EU Institutions.
As a joint initiative of the HAEU and the EUI’s Department of History, the Alcide De Gasperi Research Centre (ADG) was established in 2015 to foster academic research on the history of European integration. The Centre hosts research projects, facilitates the use of primary sources, supports young researchers, promotes innovative methodologies, coordinates networks of historians, and stimulates public interest in the history of European integration.
Your Key Responsibilities Reporting to the Secretary General of the European University Institute, the Director leads the Historical Archives of the European Union (HAEU), manages a team of 17 highly skilled professionals, and liaises with depositing European institutions.
The selected candidate also acts as Co-Director of the Alcide De Gasperi Research Centre (ADGC). The main responsibilities of the role include: Expertise The opportunity to join a truly multicultural community of more than 1000 academics and professionals at all career stages of approximately 85 different nationalities working on the future of the European project; The commitment to a genuine culture of equality, diversity and inclusiveness, and to attracting, encouraging and retaining a diverse and highly qualified workforce; A world-class research library, the Historical Archives of the European Union, and many other excellent research facilities; Language courses and soft skills training opportunities; Access to all EUI facilities: library, crèche, cafeteria, gym, participation in seminars and workshops; A competitive salary package including health and pension plan; A healthy work-life balance in a family-friendly environment.
Read more on Work and Life of EUI Staff. Closing Date CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: Wednesday, 23 September 2026 at 23:59 CEST Annex I – Eligibility and Selection Criteria ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA On the closing date for online applications, you must fulfil all the following general and specific conditions: 1.
General conditions Being a national of a Member State of the European Union; Enjoying full rights as a citizen attested by a recent extract from judicial records and/or certificate of good conduct proving no previous conviction for a criminal or administrative offence that could call into question his/her suitability for performing the duties of the post; Having fulfilled any obligations imposed by the laws on military service; Being physically fit to perform the duties.
1As a condition for the engagement, the successful candidate shall be medically examined in order for the EUI to prove that they fulfil the requirement of Article 12(2)(d) of the Conditions of Employment of Other Servants. 2. Specific conditions 2.1.