Director of the Historical Archives of the European Union

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As part of the EUI, the Historical Archives of the European Union (HAEU) is the single, official repository for the historical documents of the institutions, bodies and agencies of the European Union.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 & 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 Europea