Director of the Historical Archives of the European Union - European University Institute (AD10, Florence)
About this position
The summary below is published by European University Institute on the official vacancy notice. Our own analysis — salary realism, comparable openings, career trajectory, language profile — follows further down the page.
1
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official repository for the historical documents of the institutions, bodies and agencies of the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. T he 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.
Learn more about the European University Institute. 2
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 & Strategic Insight
The Director acts as subject matter specialist, staying abreast of best practice in archival science, digital innovation in the field, including Artificial Intelligence, and research trends in European integration history. They define the vision, mission, strategy and objectives of the Historical Archives of the European Union and contribute to the EUI’s overall strategy by advising senior management.
External Leadership & Institutional Representation
The Director represents the HAEU externally, strengthens the visibility, public recognition and impact of the HAEU’s operations, and acts as a leading advocate for historical research on European integration and the European project. They communicate and engage with the public by organising events, open days, and educational and cultural activities. They also organise workshops on archival science and practice in the European Union, and host academic workshops and conferences on the history of European Union and European integration. Furthermore, they negotiate and liaise with high -level stakeholders in EU institutions, bodies and agencies, and other European organisations and individuals that deposit their archives at the HAEU. As Co-Director of the ADG, the Director partners with universities and research institutes, and contributes to the preparation of applications and the management of research grants.
Governance, Autonomy & Accountability
Under the supervision of the Secretary General of the EUI, the Director provides reports on HAEU activities to EU institutions, depositors and the general public. They operate with a high level of autonomy and are fully accountable for the work performance and financial compliance of the Historical Archives of the European Union. 3
People Leadership & Organisational Development
The Director supervises, manages and develops the staff of the HAEU. They oversee staff leadership, assessment and professional development, and ensure effective management of people, budgets and programme activities. For the ADG, they contribute to the Centre’s work programme, staff and budget management, in cooperation with the Co-Director.
Financial Stewardship & Resource Management
The Director acts as authorising officer by sub-delegation and is responsible for the implementation of the HAEU budget. They establish and execute the annual budget and work programme, and sign annual reports.
Operational Oversight & Regulatory Compliance
The Director supervises the work programmes, projects and operations of the Historical Archives of the European Union. They define, in close cooperation with the Secretariat General of the European Commission, the HAEU’s strategic objectives within the multi-annual Framework Partnership Agreement, ensuring that all activities of the HAEU fully conform with applicable regulations and uphold the highest standards of archival practice, institutional transparency and public accountability.
Your Key Competencies
All staff at the EUI share the following competencies:
• Ethics and integrity
• Working in a multicultural environment
• Accountability
• Delivering quality and results
Competencies specific to the role include the following:
• Strategic thinking
• Negotiation skills
• Leadership and Team management
• Change Management
• Project and stakeholder management
• Creativity and innovation
The competencies mentioned above may be assessed at the written test and/or interview stage.
Read more on EUI Competency Framework
What We Offer
• A vital role in creating a conducive environment for scholars in Europe’s research university with a focus on master’s, doctoral and post-doctoral studies in the social sciences and humanities;
• 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; 4
• 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 .
How To Apply
Applications must be submitted electronically using the AD/HAR/1/2026 online application form available at Open competitions for administrative posts • European University Institute
CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS:
Wednesday, 23 September 2026 at 23:59 CEST
Before completing the online application form you are invited to read ANNEXES I &
II that represent an integral part of this vacancy notice.
***
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. 1
> 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 .
5
2. Specific conditions
2.1.
Position details
- Reference
- HAR.1.2026
- Last Verified
- 6 August 2026
Position overview
This is the official EU Careers listing for Director of the Historical Archives of the European Union at EUI based in Florence at the AD10 grade level. The vacancy reference is HAR.1.2026.
1
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. T he 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.
Learn more about the European University Institute. 2
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 & Strategic Insight
The Director acts as subject matter specialist, staying abreast of best practice in archival science, digital innovation in the field, including Artificial Intelligence, and research trends in European integration history. They define the vision, mission, strategy and objectives of the Historical Archives of the European Union and contribute to the EUI’s overall strategy by advising senior management.
External Leadership & Institutional Representation
The Director represents the HAEU externally, strengthens the visibility, public recognition and impact of the HAEU’s operations, and acts as a leading advocate for historical research on European integration and the European project. They communicate and engage with the public by organising events, open days, and educational and cultural activities. They also organise workshops on archival science and practice in the European Union, and host academic workshops and conferences on the history of European Union and European integration. Furthermore, they negotiate and liaise with high -level stakeholders in EU institutions, bodies and agencies, and other European organisations and individuals that deposit their archives at the HAEU. As Co-Director of the ADG, the Director partners with universities and research institutes, and contributes to the preparation of applications and the management of research grants.
Governance, Autonomy & Accountability
Under the supervision of the Secretary General of the EUI, the Director provides reports on HAEU activities to EU institutions, depositors and the general public. They operate with a high level of autonomy and are fully accountable for the work performance and financial compliance of the Historical Archives of the European Union. 3
People Leadership & Organisational Development
The Director supervises, manages and develops the staff of the HAEU. They oversee staff leadership, assessment and professional development, and ensure effective management of people, budgets and programme activities. For the ADG, they contribute to the Centre’s work programme, staff and budget management, in cooperation with the Co-Director.
Financial Stewardship & Resource Management
The Director acts as authorising officer by sub-delegation and is responsible for the implementation of the HAEU budget. They establish and execute the annual budget and work programme, and sign annual reports.
Operational Oversight & Regulatory Compliance
The Director supervises the work programmes, projects and operations of the Historical Archives of the European Union. They define, in close cooperation with the Secretariat General of the European Commission, the HAEU’s strategic objectives within the multi-annual Framework Partnership Agreement, ensuring that all activities of the HAEU fully conform with applicable regulations and uphold the highest standards of archival practice, institutional transparency and public accountability.
Your Key Competencies
All staff at the EUI share the following competencies:
• Ethics and integrity
• Working in a multicultural environment
• Accountability
• Delivering quality and results
Competencies specific to the role include the following:
• Strategic thinking
• Negotiation skills
• Leadership and Team management
• Change Management
• Project and stakeholder management
• Creativity and innovation
The competencies mentioned above may be assessed at the written test and/or interview stage.
Read more on EUI Competency Framework
What We Offer
• A vital role in creating a conducive environment for scholars in Europe’s research university with a focus on master’s, doctoral and post-doctoral studies in the social sciences and humanities;
• 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; 4
• 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 .
How To Apply
Applications must be submitted electronically using the AD/HAR/1/2026 online application form available at Open competitions for administrative posts • European University Institute
CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS:
Wednesday, 23 September 2026 at 23:59 CEST
Before completing the online application form you are invited to read ANNEXES I &
II that represent an integral part of this vacancy notice.
***
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. 1
> 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 .
5
2. Specific conditions
2.1.
Salary at this grade
Basic monthly salary at AD10 runs from €11,408 (step 1) to €12,907 (top step), giving an annual range of roughly €136,896 to €154,884 before tax and allowances. Steps increase automatically every two years; the figures here are taken from the salary grid in the EU Staff Regulations.
Eligible staff posted away from their country of nationality also receive an expatriation allowance worth 16% of basic salary (around €1,825 per month at step 1 of AD10) together with household, dependent-child, and education allowances where applicable. Take-home pay is then adjusted by the country correction coefficient for Florence. For a worked example see our correction coefficients guide and the EU salaries overview.
Application timeline
This vacancy was first listed on 31 July 2026, 6 days ago.
The application deadline is 23 September 2026, 47 days from today. Late applications are not accepted, so submit through the official EU Careers portal well in advance.
Last verified against the EU Careers feed on 6 August 2026.
Where to learn more
For full responsibilities, requirements, and career progression at AD10 see our AD10 grade page; for headcount, mission, and other open vacancies at EUI see the EUI institution page; for the cost of living, correction coefficient, and other postings in Florence see our Florence location page.
New to EU careers? Our beginner's guide walks through entry routes, EPSO competitions, and what to prepare. For application logistics see application tips and EPSO competitions.
Net pay at this grade
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Career trajectory
Language profile
Application cadence
Visit the official European University Institute website
Source: This job listing was sourced from the officialEU Careers portal (EPSO). First published: .Salary estimate based on EU Staff Regulations.