Call for Applications: The EU Knowledge Hub is seeking Thematic Panel Leaders

The European Commission, supported by a consortium led by the Danish consultancy NTU International, launched in June 2024 the EU Knowledge Hub for the Prevention of Radicalisation.

This initiative aims to support Member States in preventing radicalisation through a comprehensive, whole-of-society approach. It will bridge the gaps between policymakers, practitioners, and researchers at EU level, fostering the exchange of knowledge and best practices.

Thematic Panels

The Thematic Panels are a key component of the Knowledge Hub. The Hub is seeking applications for Thematic Panel Leaders to drive efforts in various Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism& (P-CVE) areas. The panels will provide a platform for practitioners, policy makers as well as researchers, to network, discuss, and brainstorm and exchange knowledge on preventing radicalisation.

The Knowledge Hub will comprise seven thematic panels focusing on the following areas (in line with the main priorities set out in the Strategic Orientations for 2024-2025):

1. Ideologies and Conspiracy Narratives
2. Prisons Rehabilitation and Reintegration
3. New Technologies and the Online Dimension
4. Local Dimension, Polarisation, and Resilience Building
5. Lone Actors and Mental Health Issues
6. Management of Foreign Terrorist Fighters, Volunteers, and Their Families
7. Global and Geopolitical Factors and Undesirable Foreign Influences

Role of the Thematic Panel Leaders – find additional Q&A at the end of this page

There will be two co-leaders selected for each thematic panel. The selected leaders will:

• Craft a comprehensive strategic plan for their panels.
• Identify discussion topics and expected deliverables.
• Organise and chair panel meetings, guiding discussions.
• Monitor panel activities and ensure the completion of results.
• Contribute to the creation of outputs, such as roadmaps, recommendations, best practices, toolkits, and reports.

Responsibilities

• Act as the primary liaison of the thematic panel and collaborate with the Contractor and the European Commission.
• Identify and recommend members of the thematic panel, consulting the Commission on their selection.
• Inspire and drive the work of the thematic panel.
• Collaborate with the Contractor and the Commission to prepare the agenda for each panel meeting.
• Develop and review discussions and conclusion papers.
• Identify and share good practices and lessons learnt.
• Represent the Knowledge Hub at external events and conferences.
• Contribute to annual and summary reports.

Requirements

• Be a national of an EU Member State working/affiliated with an entity also based in the EU or, exceptionally in the United Kingdom, Norway, or Switzerland.
• The EU Knowledge Hub is seeking candidates with proven expertise in Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (P-CVE), in particular, on one of the seven topics for thematic panels that the candidate is applying for. This should be demonstrated through publications, conference participation, and relevant professional experience.
• General Knowledge and experience in strategic communications and evaluation will be an advantage.
• Fluency in English (C1 level) as per the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

Time Commitment and Remuneration

Thematic panel leaders are expected to dedicate approximately 20 workdays per year with a remuneration of €450 per working day. This includes representation at external events when applicable. Leaders will participate in up to four meetings annually, each lasting 1 or 2 days. NTU will provide the compensation to the Panel Leader for their work.

Application

Interested candidates are invited to apply via the application form and submitting their CV in the Europass format. Application deadline is 8 November 2024. The selection process will take into account geographical and gender balance, and a mix of policymakers, practitioners with a strong field expertise. Candidates will be selected in November.

For questions or additional information, contact eukhntu [dot] eu (eukh[at]ntu[dot]eu).

Record keeping

Records and other supporting documentation to prove compliance with the experts obligations (original supporting documents, in particular on travel and other expenses) must be kept for at least three years after the final payment under a contract (5 years for contracts above 60 000  EUR).In case of on-going checks, audits, investigations, litigation or other pursuits of claims, the records and other supporting documentation must be kept until the end of these procedures.

Q&A

What is the role of the co-leaders?

The co-leaders have an advisory role by guiding discussions, introducing topics, and providing feedback on supporting documents (agenda, discussion, and conclusion papers). They will also co-chair thematic panel meetings. Each panel will have a dedicated secretariat, staffed by an expert in the topic, responsible for logistics, drafting documents, and consulting with the co-leaders and the Commission.

I'm concerned that the 20-day requirement may not be compatible with my current role.

Co-leaders are only required to attend meetings (4 meetings per year, up to 2 days each, totally 8 days). Additionally, a few hours per quarter should be dedicated to meeting preparation (agenda setting and reviewing conclusion papers). If invited to external events (e.g., in Member States, Conferences, UN events), the secretariat will first contact the co-leaders. If the co-leader is unavailable, the invitation will be passed to other panel members. Co-leaders may be invited to draft a report, for which they will be remunerated. If one or both of the co-leaders are unavailable, the request will be passed to other panel members.

My national legislation does not permit me, as a civil servant, to receive any financial compensation beyond my salary. Can I still apply?

Yes, for the persons who cannot receive a financial compensation, this will not apply. They can still be co-leader.

The application form requests my experience in strategic communication on P-CVE topics. What does this mean?

Strategic communication is an essential tool in preventing and countering violent extremism (P-CVE). It refers to using communication as a policy tool to influence behaviours away from radicalisation, violent extremism, and terrorism by promoting alternative narratives that challenge the harmful messages coming from violent extremists. It seeks to answer key questions: What do we need to communicate, to whom, and how, to achieve the desired outcomes? The goal is to engage with and influence people in a way that discourages radicalisation.

This involves delivering communication, both online and offline, to provide alternatives to extremist content or directly counter extremist propaganda. This could target specific audiences and be disseminated through various channels, such as face-to-face interventions, online platforms, social media, blogs, or classrooms. The effectiveness of this communication often depends on credible messengers, such as governments, civil society, victims and survivors of terrorism, former extremists, or young people.

In line with the Strategic Orientations document, strategic communication is a key priority for Member States in 2024/2025. It is classified as a mainstream topic, meaning it will be integrated across all thematic panels in the Knowledge Hub. This is why it is important for us to understand if you have relevant experience in strategic communication. This experience is not mandatory to become a thematic panel leader but it is an asset, because it will be relevant to the work of all thematic panels.