1. Introduction
The Association of European Schools of Planning (AESOP) invites applications for the position of Secretary General for the term 2027–2031.
According to the AESOP Charter, “Representing the Association and managing its current affairs (...) shall be delegated to the President and the Secretary General.”
The current mandate of the Secretary General runs from August 2023 to July 2027. In accordance with the Charter, elections for the next Secretary General will take place one year before the beginning of the new term. During this transition year, the elected candidate will serve as Vice Secretary General, attending meetings of the Executive Committee.
The official mandate of the AESOP Secretary General 2027–2031 will commence on 1 August 2027 and end on 31 July 2031.
2. Eligibility Requirements
In accordance with Article 22b of the AESOP Charter:
- Only an academic from a European school of planning represented within AESOP is eligible to be elected Secretary General.
- The Secretariat General will be hosted by the University of the elected Secretary General. Therefore, the host institution must provide a formal written commitment to support the AESOP Secretariat, including:
- Office facilities (room, internet access, telephone, etc.);
- Management of the AESOP SG account under transparent institutional conditions, including submission of annual financial statements to the AESOP Treasurer and Auditors;
- Allocation of staff working hours (e.g., accounting, legal office, administration);
- Archiving of financial and administrative files;
- Assistance in compliance with the national legal framework;
- Use of university postal services for official correspondence;
- Professional printing of AESOP documents (preferably through the university’s printing facilities).
The Secretary General must hold a senior and permanent position at the host institution.
A fundamental and necessary condition for eligibility is that the candidate’s home institution must be in good standing with AESOP, having fully paid its membership fees up to the year preceding the application.
3. Workload and Conditions
The expected workload of the Secretariat General is approximately 20 hours per week. The service to AESOP members must be ensured continuously.
The Secretary General is expected to travel regularly to attend official AESOP events, including:
- Executive Committee Meetings
- Council of Representatives Meetings
- Heads of Schools Meetings
- Annual AESOP Congresses
Please note that this is a voluntary position: no financial remuneration will be provided. A budget is allocated for the appointment of a Secretary General’s Assistant.
4. Required Qualifications and Skill
Candidates must:
- Have active involvement in AESOP and a thorough understanding of the Association, its members, and its activities;
- Be fluent in English, the official language of AESOP;
- Be proficient in standard office and database software;
- Possess excellent communication and organisational skills.
5. Main Responsibilities - (For a full overview of the Duties and Responsibilities, click here)
The Secretary General is responsible for the overall management of AESOP’s daily operations, including but not limited to:
- Representing the Association, together with the President or on their behalf;
- Managing membership affairs and AESOP online database (as administrator of the website);
- Preparing official documents and correspondence (minutes, resolutions, statements, certificates, guidelines, etc.);
- Maintaining and archiving AESOP files and records;
- Preparing and distributing the AESOP Newsletter and other communications;
- Supervising elections of National Members of the Council of Representatives and of the Young Academics Coordination Team;
- Organizing meetings of the Executive Committee, Council of Representatives, and the General Assembly;
- Supporting AESOP publications and contributing to disP – The Planning Review (AESOP section);
- Managing calls for AESOP positions, events, and hosting institutions;
- Collaborating closely with the Treasurer and other AESOP Officers;
- Assisting members and Thematic Groups in using interactive website functions and subpages.
6. Application Procedure
Interested candidates must submit the following documents:
- Letter of Motivation
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Official Confirmation Letter from the candidate’s university agreeing to host the AESOP Secretariat General and to operate the AESOP SG account under conditions of institutional transparency.
Applications (in .doc or .pdf format) must be sent by email to the AESOP Secretary General at
Deadline: 31 March 2026.
All application materials will be made available to the AESOP Council of Representatives.
7. Election Process
The Council of Representatives will elect the AESOP Secretary General for 2027–2031 during its meeting in Helsinki, Finland, in July 2026.
Applicants will be invited to present their candidacy in person during the meeting.
Please note that AESOP will not reimburse travel costs for applicants attending the CoRep meeting.
8. Further Information
For any questions or further details, please contact:
Giancarlo Cotella
AESOP Secretary General
