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Vacancy

Research Policy Officer

The President and Board of CEP are seeking to recruit a new Research Policy Officer to take up the post in May 2026.
The post will be:

  • Part-time role (20 hours per week);
  • For an initial one-year term with the possibility of an extension;
  • The basis for employment may be, with the agreement of the CEP Board,
    • as a secondment by a member organisation, Ministry or other body,
    • an alternative contract model.
  • Preference will be given to the CEP member countries candidates.

Candidates with appropriate skills, knowledge and experience are encouraged to submit an application for this unique and important international position that is central and vital in the development of justice, rights and citizenship across Europe.

 

Job description

The position of Research Policy Officer is a newly established role within the CEP Office, operating under the management of the CEP Secretary General who is directly responsible to the CEP Board. The RPS supports the implementation of the Research and Development strategy, monitors CEP research-related policies and strategies. The role ensures compliance with the RSD, CEP, EC and CoE objectives, promotes best practices in research governance, and provides, with support of the Expert Group on Research, an evidence-based advice to CEP members.

The successful candidate will closely cooperate with the members of the Expert Group on Research, the leading researchers and co-authors of key probation studies in Europe.

CEP Research Activities Coordination

  • Coordinate the Expert Group on Research, actions and activities related to the work of the group.
  • Provide, with support of the Expert Group members, regular feedback to the Board and Secretary General.
  • Coordinate the implementation of the CEP Research and Development Strategy.
  • Coordinate the work on the update of the Probation in Europe.
  • Coordinate the research projects on behalf of CEP.
  • Manage CEP involvement with the research and development projects.

Policy Development & Analysis

  • Research, draft, and review institutional research policies and procedures.
  • Monitor changes in national and international research regulations and assess their impact.
  • Provide policy advice and recommendations to CEP Secretary General.

Research Governance

  • Ensure compliance with ethical, legal, and funding requirements.
  • Support initiatives to strengthen research integrity and responsible conduct.

Stakeholder Engagement

  • Liaise with CEP members, government agencies, funding bodies, and academic partners.
  • Prepare briefing papers, reports, and presentations for internal and external audiences.

Strategic Support

  • Contribute to the development of research strategies aligned with organizational goals.
  • Analyze trends and emerging issues in research policy to inform decision-making.

Communication & Reporting

  • Responsible, in coordination with the CEP Communication Officer, for the research communications.
  • Promote and disseminate relevant research news, publications and information among CEP members.
  • Draft policy documents, consultation responses and contribute to drafting other relevant reports (such as the EC Technical Report, CEP annual report).
  • Deliver clear and timely updates to senior management on policy developments.

Administration

  • Full administration of the CEP research related activities including the Expert Group meetings and activities.
  • Draft basic research-related documents and templates (e.g. CEP call for proposals, explanatory note, assessment forms).

 

Apply

Skills & Qualifications

Education:

  • Master’s degree in social science or humanities subjects relevant to probation research – essential.
  • A PhD qualification in social science or humanities subjects relevant to probation research – desirable

Experience:

  • Knowledge of the probation field – essential.
  • Clear understanding of relationships between practice (ideally within the criminal justice system), research and knowledge exchange – essential.
  • Knowledge of and/or experience of social research methods – essential.
  • English proficiency (both written and oral) – essential. Knowledge of other languages (desirable).
  • Ability to work effectively in partnership with probation professionals and probation researchers – essential.
  • Experience in developing, managing, and monitoring project budgets;
  • Strong background in policy development and research governance.
  • Understanding of research funding landscape – desirable.
  • Familiarity with higher education or research funding environments – desirable.

Skills:

  • Excellent analytical and research skills.
  • Excellent communication skills — written and verbal, in-person and online.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
  • Proficiency in MS Office and data analysis tools.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess risks and propose effective solutions to complex issues.
  • Experience with web-based tools and platforms (e.g. Zooms, MS Teams).

Personal Attributes

  • Detail-oriented and organized.
  • Demonstrates a high level of discretion, professionalism, and integrity in all activities.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
  • Ability to combine a hybrid working (work from home and local office when needed)
  • Strong interpersonal and stakeholder management skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple competing priorities while maintaining professionalism under pressure.

Process of recruitment

1. Principles

CEP ensures that the selection process is open, fair, and transparent. While preference will be given to qualified candidates who are members of CEP, the position will be offered to the best candidate from whatever background, gender, sexual orientation, race, experience, religion or country. The successful candidate will not necessarily be a whole-time resident in the Netherlands and can be facilitated in undertaking the appointment at an office or home base other than Utrecht.

2. Preliminary Timetable

    • b) Preliminary Timetable
      • Wednesday 1 April 2026 – deadline to sent application
      • From 2 April 2026 – applications to be sifted against essential criteria and candidates to be considered for shortlisting will be circulated to the selection panel.
      • By mid-April 2026 – the Executive Officer will collate the selection panel’s scores. Shortlisted candidates will receive invitations, and unsuccessful candidates will be notified and offered feedback from the selection panel.
      • 27 April 2026 and 29 April 2026 – an interview with selected candidates.
      • Beginning of May 2026 – appointment of the Research Policy Officer and contract procedure.

How to apply for the position

Applicants are invited to submit their application in English only, for consideration by the selection panel by noon (European Time Zone) Wednesday 1 April 2026. The applications should be sent electronically to: hrm.cep@cep-probation.org.

Subject to the email: Research Policy Officer – to Jana Spero Kamenjarin, Secretary General.

Receipt of all applications will be acknowledged by email.

Apply for the job!

Please complete the form and attach your motivation letter and CV.

Good luck!

Application form

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