The European University Institute (EUI) is offering the Policy Leader Fellowship (PLF), a prestigious residential program designed for mid-career professionals from various policy fields, such as politics, civil service, media, and NGOs. Hosted at the Florence School of Transnational Governance (STG), this fellowship provides a unique opportunity to gain an insider’s perspective on European Union policymaking processes. The program invites professionals from around the world to bring their hands-on policy experience, without requiring an academic background, and to engage in shaping public policy for global challenges.

Program Overview:

Fellows will spend either 5 months (September 2025 – January 2026 or February 2026 – June 2026) or 10 months (September 2025 – June 2026) at STG. During their time at the EUI, fellows will craft policy recommendations based on their expertise, engage in professional skills training, and participate in the EUI’s academic activities. They will also contribute to teaching, training, and networking, thereby enriching the STG community with their real-world experience.

The fellowship program is open to applicants from all nationalities, with no age limit. Applicants must have at least 10 years of professional experience in the relevant policy field.

Key Benefits:

• Stipend: A monthly stipend of €2,500.
• Family Allowances: A family allowance of €300 per month and €200 per month for each dependent child (if applicable).
• Travel Reimbursement: First-class rail or economy airfare for the principal applicant (not family) to Florence, up to €1,200 including both incoming and outgoing travel.
• Removal/Re-installment Expenses: Coverage for costs associated with relocation.
• Networking Opportunities: Engage with policymakers, fellows, and academic staff, while also attending a variety of sessions, conferences, and workshops.

Eligibility Criteria:

Applicants must:

• Have at least 10 years of professional experience in a policy-related field (e.g., politics, media, civil service, or NGOs).
• Have the potential for future impact in policy, demonstrated through prior work or leadership in the field.
• Be able to complete the fellowship in Florence and participate in-person, as the program cannot be completed remotely.
• Have proficiency in written and spoken English (minimum C1 CEFR level), demonstrated by certificates like TOEFL, IELTS, or Cambridge English exams.
• Be able to manage the program’s tasks independently and work collaboratively within a diverse, international team.

Program Expectations:

• Residency Requirement: Fellows must reside in the Florence region during the program to participate in the EUI and STG activities.
• Work Plan: Fellows are expected to work on a fellowship project related to public policy, presenting their findings to both the STG group and a broader policy audience. A clear work plan detailing the project objectives, milestones, and relevant activities is required.
• Fellows must participate in EUI seminars and workshops, and may engage in policy-related discussions and other activities to further their professional growth.
• Health Insurance: Fellows must have valid health insurance during the fellowship.

Required Documents:

Applicants must submit the following documents:

• CV (maximum three pages) showcasing their professional experience.
• Short Biography (maximum 350 words).
• Motivation Letter (maximum 1000 words) explaining the applicant’s reasons for applying, their interest in transnational policy issues, and future career aspirations.
• Work Plan (maximum 2500 words) detailing the proposed research or policy project, including title, objectives, milestones, and relevant activities.
• Reference Letters: Two references from non-academic professional contacts, submitted online by the referees.
• Work Samples: Optional submission of work samples (maximum of two).
• English Proficiency Certificate (if applicable).
• Educational Certificate: The most recent degree or transcript.

Evaluation Criteria:

Applications will be evaluated based on:

• Achievements and Potential in policy-related work.
• Area of Work/Focus and relevance to the fellowship program.
• Motivation for applying and future career plans.
• Diversity in professional experience and perspectives.

How to Apply:

Applicants must complete their application via the online application portal. It is important to:

• Register as soon as possible to allow referees to submit their recommendation letters.
• Submit all required documents by the application deadline (January 21, 2025).
• Ensure that they meet all technical requirements for submitting the application (use a PC and a compatible web browser).

Note: Although an English proficiency certificate is not required to submit the application, selected applicants may be invited for an interview in English and may need to present additional supporting documents at registration.

Application Deadline:

• Application Deadline: January 21, 2025.
• Deadline for References: January 31, 2025.

Apply Now