ERGO Network is Looking for National Focal Points!
Deadline for applications: 25 July 2026, 23:59 CET
Are you a committed Roma civil society representative or independent expert with expertise in Roma rights, human rights, antigypsyism and equality?
ERGO Network is seeking National Focal Points to contribute to the implementation of the Roma Inclusion, Participation and Equality (RIPE) Index, a comparative monitoring initiative assessing the implementation of Council of Europe standards related to antigypsyism and discrimination against Roma and Travellers.
We are looking for National Focal Points for the following Council of Europe member States:
- Austria
- Armenia
- Azerbaijan
- Belgium
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Cyprus
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- Georgia
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- the Netherlands
- Norway
- Portugal
- Slovenia
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- United Kingdom
About the RIPE Index
The Roma Inclusion, Participation and Equality (RIPE) Index is ERGO Network’s comparative monitoring initiative assessing the implementation of Council of Europe standards related to antigypsyism and discrimination against Roma and Travellers.
Building on an established methodology, the RIPE Index combines comparative desk research, structured input from Roma civil society organisations, and analysis of Council of Europe monitoring mechanisms to assess developments across 20 Council of Europe member States.
The methodology examines key thematic areas related to equality, participation and inclusion, including policy frameworks, data collection, education, housing, employment, healthcare, hate speech and hate crime, while also addressing cross-cutting issues such as the history of Roma and Travellers, the situation of Roma women and girls, and structural antigypsyism.
The project aims to strengthen the capacity of Roma civil society organisations to monitor the implementation of Council of Europe standards and mechanisms while generating comparative evidence to inform policy development and advocacy.
Your Role as a National Focal Point
Selected National Focal Points will:
- complete the structured RIPE monitoring questionnaire provided by ERGO Network;
- provide accurate, reliable and evidence-based information on developments in their assigned country;
- submit the completed questionnaire together with any supporting evidence to the Lead Researcher within the agreed deadlines;
- respond to requests for clarification or additional information from the Lead Researcher or the ERGO Secretariat, where necessary;
- participate in the validation process where additional information or clarification is required;
- participate in an online kick-off meeting;
- receive methodological guidance and ongoing support throughout the implementation period.
National Focal Points are expected to carry out the assignment independently and objectively, ensuring that the information provided is accurate, evidence-based and consistent with the established RIPE methodology.
The Lead Researcher will be responsible for the methodological review and validation of all national submissions to ensure consistency and comparability across countries. The Lead Researcher will prepare the final comparative analysis and report based on the validated national submissions and comparative desk research.
Implementation period: July – September 2026, with the possibility of follow-up requests for clarification during the validation process.
Compensation: €500 per National Focal Point.
One National Focal Point will be selected for each country.
Who Can Apply?
We are looking for:
- representatives of Roma civil society organisations or independent experts;
- individuals with demonstrated professional expertise and substantial knowledge relating to one or more of the countries covered by the project;
- strong knowledge of Council of Europe human rights standards and monitoring mechanisms;
- demonstrated knowledge of Roma rights, antigypsyism, equality and anti-discrimination;
- experience in research, monitoring, policy analysis or data collection;
- excellent written English.
Applicants do not need to reside in the country for which they apply. Applications are welcome from individuals with demonstrated expertise and substantial knowledge of the country concerned, regardless of their current country of residence.
Applicants may apply for more than one country, provided they can demonstrate genuine country-specific expertise and substantial knowledge for each country for which they apply. While AI-assisted tools may be used to support drafting or language editing, they do not replace the requirement for professional expertise, country-specific knowledge, independent analysis and evidence-based reporting.
Applicants must be able to issue an invoice or provide proof of VAT exemption.
How to Apply
N.B. Applicants may indicate more than one country of interest. However, ERGO Network reserves the right to appoint each selected applicant as National Focal Point for only one country, taking into account the overall quality of applications and the need to ensure appropriate geographical coverage and expertise across all countries.
Please send the following documents to i.mihalache@ergonetwork.org by 25 July 2026, 23:59 CET:
- A short statement (maximum 200 words) describing your qualifications and relevant experience. If you are affiliated with an organisation, please indicate its name.
- A brief motivation letter outlining your interest in the assignment. Applicants applying for more than one country should clearly indicate each country and briefly describe their relevant expertise and experience in relation to each country.
- A short CV.
For further information regarding the call or the RIPE methodology, please contact:
Isabela Mihalache i.mihalache@ergonetwork.org
ERGO Network promotes diversity and equal opportunities. We strongly encourage applications from Roma women, LGBTQI+ Roma, young Roma, and other underrepresented groups.
