Call for New Members: Diversity Advisory Body at the European Society of International Law (ESIL), One Seat, Two Year Term

The European Society of International Law (ESIL) is a scholarly society of academics, practitioners, judges and students of international law, with its secretariat hosted at the European University Institute in Florence. It runs an annual conference, a research forum, more than twenty interest groups, the ESIL Reflections series and the ESIL book prizes.

The Diversity Advisory Body (DAB) was established after ESIL adopted its Statement on Diversity, Equality and Inclusion at the 2021 Annual Conference in Stockholm. It provides independent advice to the ESIL Board on matters relating to diversity, equality and inclusion across the Society, and supports ESIL's efforts to promote best practices and to build a more inclusive and representative international law community. The body currently has five members, appointed in September 2025 following an open call.

ESIL is now calling for one (1) new member to join the DAB.

The call states that DAB members contribute to ESIL's diversity, equality and inclusion objectives by:

• providing independent advice and recommendations to the ESIL Board
• reviewing and discussing ESIL initiatives relating to diversity, equality and inclusion
• identifying opportunities to improve ESIL's policies and practices
• supporting diversity related activities at ESIL flagship events

• Seats available: one (1)
• Mandate: two years
• Extension: a further one year is possible, subject to approval by the ESIL Board

On remuneration, be aware of what the source does and does not say. The call sets out the role, the term and the eligibility, but it says nothing about payment, honorarium or expenses. This is an advisory seat in a scholarly society and should be approached as service to the Society rather than as a paid appointment. If pay or expenses matter to your decision, ask the secretariat before you apply rather than assuming either way.

The call says applicants should ideally:

• demonstrate recognised integrity and experience in diversity related issues
• have experience in international professional or scholarly societies
• contribute to the diversity of the DAB and the wider ESIL community
• be current ESIL members, or be willing to join ESIL before appointment

Current members of the ESIL Board are not eligible to serve on the DAB.

Yes. The call sets no nationality, residency or institutional restriction, and ESIL states that membership of the Society is open to individuals, organisations and institutions with an interest in international law and a willingness to contribute to the realisation of the Society's goals. Despite the name, ESIL membership is not confined to Europeans or to people working in Europe.

The one condition that will actually bind you is membership. You must either already be an ESIL member or be willing to join before appointment, and membership is a paid annual subscription. For 2026 individual membership is EUR 120 for a regular member and EUR 40 for a student member. ESIL offers reduced rates, EUR 60 regular and EUR 20 student, to members who study or work in lower income countries, and states that eligibility for the reduced rate turns on where you study or work rather than on nationality or place of residence. Check the current country list on the membership page before selecting a reduced rate.

Practically: you do not need to pay before applying, since the call accepts a willingness to join before appointment. Do not apply, however, if you are not prepared to take up ESIL membership should you be selected.

Applications must be submitted as a single PDF containing your CV and a motivation letter.

• Email the PDF to esil.secretariat@eui.eu
• Use the subject line: 2026 ESIL DAB Application – Name SURNAME
• Deadline: 7 August 2026, 23:59 Rome time. That is roughly 03:29 on 8 August 2026 Indian Standard Time, but do not cut it fine across time zones.

The call asks applicants to read it carefully before applying. Use the motivation letter to show concrete work on diversity, equality and inclusion and any experience you have inside international professional or scholarly societies, since those are the two criteria the call names first.