Executive Secretary

About Us:

The European Sociological Association (ESA) is a non-profit, Europe-wide academic association dedicated to facilitating sociological research, teaching, and collaboration. With over 3,500 members across Europe, ESA fosters scientific exchange through biennial conferences, academic journals, thematic research networks, and its e-magazine The European Sociologist. Our mission is to give sociology a strong voice in European public and policy arenas.

Position Overview:

The ESA is seeking a proactive and well-organised Executive Secretary to support its Executive Committee and oversee daily operations. This is a central role within a small, international team, suited to a candidate who is motivated by service to the academic community and skilled in high-level administrative coordination. The position involves a mix of strategic planning and hands-on tasks, offering the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to a dynamic sociological organisation.

Key Responsibilities:Administrative and Financial Coordination

• Maintain financial records and and to produce and monitor budgets in collaboration with the Treasurer and external bookkeeper.

• Oversee administrative processes including personnel, insurance, bank and service provider management in collaboration with the ESA Office.

• Assist with planning and logistics for ESA events, including conferences and summer schools.

• Co-manage registration for ESA conferences using the ConfTool platform.

• In coordination with the President and Treasurer, review, evaluate, and coordinate contracts with venues and conference sites, ensuring terms support the logistical and budgetary needs of ESA events.

• Coordinate with the Local Conference Organising Committee and work with temporary administrative staff.

Communication and Membership Support

• Act as the first point of contact for ESA members and external stakeholders.

• Manage membership subscriptions and support engagement across Research Networks.

Event and Meeting Coordination

• Organise Executive Committee meetings and support conference and event logistics.

• Take minutes and manage post-meeting follow-up.

Information and Records Management

• Format internal and external communication materials such as memos, reports, and presentations.

• Organise and maintain digital filing and archiving systems, ensuring clear and accessible records.

• Manage the flow of information accurately and in a timely manner.

Other Duties

• Undertake additional tasks as agreed with the ESA President, Treasurer, or General Secretary.

Essential Qualifications and Experience:

• A Bachelor's or Master's degree in administration, public management, or a related field.

• Demonstrated experience in administrative coordination or executive support roles.

• Fluency in English and French, both written and spoken.

• Proficiency with MS Office and CRM/database systems.

• Experience in financial administration and reporting.

• Excellent organisational and time-management skills.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a small team.

Desirable Qualifications and Experience:

• Experience in supporting the organisation of events and conferences.

• Familiarity with the workings of membership-based organisations.

• Experience in international work environments.

Work Conditions and Benefits:

• Full-time position with some flexibility in working hours.

• The position is based in Paris (75% in the office) and acquire some travelling in Europe

• Salary: circa €30,000 per year, depending on qualifications and experience.

• Additional benefit: Ticket Restaurant.

• Contract governed by the Convention Nationale Collective (Classification 371).

Diversity Statement:

The ESA is dedicated to cultivating an inclusive, equitable, and diverse professional environment. We actively seek to broaden the range of perspectives within our team and therefore invite applications from individuals with varied personal histories, career trajectories, and academic experiences. We particularly encourage candidates from communities and groups that remain underrepresented in academic and professional sociological contexts.

Application Procedure:

Applications should be submitted to in English as a single PDF file and include:

• A cover letter (max. 2 pages) outlining motivation, qualifications, and relevant experience.

• A curriculum vitae, including language certifications if applicable.

Incomplete applications or those not submitted in English will not be considered. Interviews will be conducted in English. For questions, please contact the general secretary at

Application Deadline: 16 January :00 CET)

Starting Date: As soon as possible

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: From 30,000.00€ per year

Work Location: In person

Application Deadline: 16/01/2026