06/08/2026
CALL FOR RESEARCH AND COMMUNICATION OFFICER
The Observatory seeks to appoint a Research and Communications Officer to support its research and its communication and outreach activities.
The Magna Charta Universitatum, a document first signed in 1988 and revised in 2020, enshrines the fundamental values of academic freedom, university autonomy and service to society. To date, more than 1000 universities from 94 different countries have committed themselves to living according to its values. More details about the MCO and the MCU 2020 can be seen at http://www.magna-charta.org
The Magna Charta Observatory (MCO) is an independent organisation that promotes and protects the fundamental values of higher education institutions worldwide, including academic freedom, institutional autonomy, integrity, and social responsibility. Through research, policy development, events, publications, programmes and engagement with higher education stakeholders, the Observatory supports universities and signatories of the Magna Charta Universitatum in addressing contemporary challenges facing higher education.
The Research and Communications Officer will support both its research activities and its communication, capacity building and outreach activities in accordance with its strategic plan: https://www.magna-charta.org/about-us/strategy
The Research and Communications Officer will also play a key role in leading the planning and implementation of its communication activities.
The successful candidate will contribute to research projects, data collection and analysis, policy development and report writing, while also ensuring effective dissemination of the Observatory's work through communication channels, including publications, digital and media outreach.
This is an ideal position for a person who combines strong analytical and research skills with experience in strategic communication and public engagement.
Main Responsibilities:
Research Support:
The postholder will:
• Compile and maintain a bibliography on responsiveness and responsibility in higher education
• Compile and maintain a searchable database and repository of existing and developing work and bibliographies on related topics, for example academic freedom, civic engagement, research impact, sustainability and work on the UN Sustainable Development Goals
• Provide ongoing assistance to the Secretariat and Research Committee of the MCO.
Communication, capacity building and Outreach:
The postholder will:
• Develop and implement communication plans supporting the Observatory's strategic objectives;
• Manage and update the Observatory's website and digital communication channels;
• Create, edit and publish communication materials, including news items, reports, brochures and promotional content;
• Manage social media activities and monitor engagement metrics;
• Prepare communication campaigns to disseminate research findings and Observatory initiatives;
• Coordinate communication related to events, conferences and public activities;
• Support engagement with universities, signatory institutions, and partner organisations;
• Assist in media relations and external communications;
• Ensure consistency of messaging and visual identity across communication activities;
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of communication activities and propose improvements.
In addition, the post holder will assist the Secretary General and MCO Administrator with other aspects of the work of the MCO and will be invited to engage with other projects relevant to the MCO’s strategy.
The appointee will report functionally to the Secretary-General of the MCO, and strategically to the Chair of the MCO Research Committee. It is envisaged that the appointment will be made for an initial period of up to three years, subject to 3 months’ notice by either party.
Required Qualifications
Applicants must demonstrate:
A postgraduate degree (Master's level or equivalent) in Higher Education Studies, Education, Public Policy, Political Science, International Relations, Communications, Journalism, Social Sciences or a related field.
Experience
• Experience in research, policy analysis or project support within higher education, public policy or a related sector;
• Experience in communication, outreach, public relations or stakeholder engagement;
• Experience drafting reports, policy papers, communication materials or publications;
• Experience managing websites, social media platforms or digital communication tools;
• Experience organising events, workshops or conferences.
Skills and Competencies
• Excellent research, analytical, statistical and writing skills;
• Ability to synthesise complex information for different audiences;
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills;
• Strong organisational and project management abilities;
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities;
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail;
• Competence in the effective use of IT systems, Microsoft Office, AI-enabled technologies, digital collaboration platforms, and data analysis tools.
• Familiarity with website content management systems and social media platforms.
Languages
• Excellent written and spoken English is essential.
Desirable Qualifications
Preference may be given to candidates with:
• Knowledge of international higher education systems and policies;
• Familiarity with issues related to academic freedom, institutional autonomy and university governance;
• Experience in international organisations, NGOs or higher education associations;
• Experience in survey design and data analysis;
• Knowledge of graphic design, video production or digital marketing tools;
• Experience with EU-funded or internationally funded projects;
• Competence in additional languages.
The place of work will be remotely under arrangements approved by the MCO. Candidates must be able to undertake international travel.
The MCO is willing to consider engagement through a contract of employment, a service contract or via secondment from their current employer, most likely a university.
The indicative gross salary for the role is €30,000 pa. The precise salary will depend on the experience of the successful applicant and the mode of employment adopted.
The application deadline is 21 September.
Applications or expressions of interest should be uploaded to https://forms.gle/4HE3hYJZCz6YFRik9
Applications must contain:
a. A curriculum vitae
b. A cover letter explaining their suitability for the position
b. Details of his/her global experience
c. Details of his/her experience of working in higher education
d. Details of his/her experience of undertaking or administering research
e. Examples of any previous assignments of a similar nature
f. Contact details of two referees
g. The date on which you would be available to start, your preferred contractual basis and your preferred working location.
Please note: because the application requires the upload of supporting documents, Google Forms requires applicants to sign in with a Google account.
Meetings will be held with short-listed applicants in the week commencing 5 October. 2026
NOTES
1. Communications will be in English
2. The contract will be issued by the MCO and will be executed under the Italian jurisdiction.
3. The contract is for a period of up to 3 years, subject to successful completion of a probationary period of 6 months and satisfactory performance thereafter.
4. The contract can be ended prematurely by 3 months’ notice or in the event of a breach of performance by either party, following reasonable attempts to resolve the breach.
The Magna Charta Observatory is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from suitably qualified candidates regardless of gender, nationality, ethnicity, disability, religion, sexual orientation or age.
