Director of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Service

 VACANCY NOTICE AD/ICT/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 Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Service (Temporary Agent, type 2g CEOS, AD11[1])

Be the technological architect of Europe’s research university in the social sciences and humanities.

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.

We seek a forward-thinking leader to manage the digital infrastructure that supports our University’s vital mission to provide orientation to the development of Europe through research, engagement, and communication. The new ICT Director will also contribute to the development of the EUI’s new Tech Hub and Research Map.

This pivotal role requires driving digital transformation and ensuring a truly multicultural community of over 1000 academics has the technological foundations to research, learn, debate, and communicate about the future of Europe.

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the advancement of a leading academic institution by driving innovation, establishing digital sovereignty pathways, and ensuring excellence in ICT at the very heart of the European project.

Who We Are  

The European University Institute (EUI) at a glance:

• an international organisation set up in 1972;
• a research university focusing on post-graduate, doctoral and post-doctoral studies, and advanced research;
• located in the hills overlooking the city of Florence, Italy.

The Institute also hosts the Historical Archives of the European Union.

Learn more about the European University Institute.

Our Unit

The EUI Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Service provides the digital infrastructure and essential technology services that enable the Institute’s academic and administrative activities. It ensures secure, reliable and high-performance data, visual and voice communication across the EUI community and with external partners. It supports both centralised and decentralised applications, providing the flexibility required by diverse institutional needs. It operates identity and access management services, user support functions, and a central Helpdesk to maintain high-quality service delivery. It also supports learning technologies, audiovisual environments, enterprise systems, integrations, and campuswide networks to ensure efficient, modern and accessible digital operations. The Service ensures the security, integrity and resilience of the Institute’s systems and digital assets, and contributes to robust business processes, management information systems, and IT governance. 

Your Key Responsibilities

The European University Institute (EUI) is seeking an outstanding, forward-thinking leader with strong management capabilities to head its Information and Communication Technology Service.

This strategic role is pivotal in shaping and delivering a comprehensive IT strategy that supports the EUI’s academic mission and operational excellence, and in driving its digital transformation agenda.

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the ICT Director provides strategic leadership and direction for all ICT operations and infrastructure.

The Director leads a team of 29 highly skilled professionals in delivering secure, resilient, and forward-looking digital systems and services that support the Institute’s teaching, learning, research, and administrative activities. The Service is currently organised into five technical sectors, (Systems and Networks, Administrative Systems, Information Security, User Support, and Web), and is supported by a Budget, Finance and Administration team. In addition, the teams are reinforced by 19 full-time equivalent outsourced staff.

The Director ensures the provision of robust and responsive IT services to the academic community, guarantees the availability of efficient and agile systems for administrative functions, and establishes and maintains a strong technical support framework.
The Director is also the driver of the Institute’s digitalisation roadmap, ensuring that ICT capabilities evolve in line with institutional priorities and emerging technological needs.
Finally, the Director ensures the availability of internal expertise on European software and solutions, supporting the assessment of their operational performance, security, and strategic relevance vis‑à‑vis offerings from leading non‑European providers.

The main responsibilities of the role include:

Strategic Planning & Policy Development: Defining and implementing the ICT Service’s strategic direction in alignment with EUI strategic objectives, ensuring performance, security, innovation and business continuity. Advising senior leadership on ICT matters and contributing to the overall EUI Strategy, in particular by driving digital transformation processes and enabling the digital tools required for research and educational excellence and agile and efficient administration. Contributing to the development of the EUI’s new Tech Hub and Research Map. Defining digital sovereignty pathways in light of evolving European regulatory frameworks, data governance requirements, and institutional risk management.

Operational Oversight: Approving, prioritising, and leading projects and the project portfolio as they relate to the selection, acquisition, development, and installation of major information systems. Maintaining and further developing a robust digital infrastructure and technical support for communication, collaboration, research, and learning.

Leadership & Staff Management: Developing and maintaining an  ICT organisational structure that supports the priorities and needs of the EUI. Supervising and developing ICT Service staff, overseeing recruitment and performance management, and fostering a motivated, high-performing team, working environment and job satisfaction.

Representation & Communication: Representing the ICT Service internally and the EUI externally, engaging with international and academic ICT networks, and managing relationships with external suppliers and high-level stakeholders.

Governance & Accountability: Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, being a member of the EUI Management Team, and ensuring sound financial management, including ICT budget and procurement responsibilities.

Expertise & Innovation: Providing executive-level guidance grounded in current best practice for the ICT Service’s areas of responsibility. Staying abreast of emerging technologies, trends and risks in the IT sector – in particular regarding academic technology-driven innovative research – and providing informed guidance to senior leadership on their academic, competitive, and financial implications.

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:

• Technological awareness
• Strategic thinking
• Leadership and Team management
• Project and stakeholder management
• Change management
• Creativity and innovation
• Problem solving

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;
• 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.

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted electronically using the AD/ICT/1/2026 online application form available at https://www.eui.eu/About/JobOpportunities/Open-competitions-for-administrative-posts

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS:  MONDAY, 16^th MARCH 2026 at 23:59 CET  

Before completing the online application form you are invited to read ~ (clickable links below) ANNEXES I & II that represent an integral part of this vacancy notice.

Annex I – Eligibility and Selection Criteria

Annex II – Selection procedure and conditions of employment

Do not use the ‘Apply now’ button. Please follow the application guidelines provided in the vacancy. Applications submitted via the button will not be considered