Volunteer as a Research Coach

*Disclaimer: Applications for the programme running in Autumn 2025 are now closed.

Are you an EUI researcher, student, fellow or staff member looking to make a meaningful impact in the community while enhancing your own skills? U-LEAD offers a unique opportunity to engage in a transformative program that brings together unaccompanied minors, local youth, and researchers in Florence to foster inclusion, build leadership, and generate actionable change.

Why volunteer with U-LEAD? 

• Gain experience in participatory research and working with diverse populations. 
• Strengthen your skills in leadership, teamwork, mentoring and facilitation. 
• Invest in your local community and be part of building a welcoming and inclusive community. 
• Support young people in building job skills to help prepare them for the future.  
• Connect with young people and the U-LEAD team in Florence to explore real problems, find solutions, and advocate for change. 
• Receive a certificate as a Research Coach 

Roles and Responsibilities

As a volunteer Research Coach you will: 

• Co-facilitate a small group of youth researchers, working to build relationships and teamwork and helping to ensure that youth have the tools and support to complete the programme.
• Guide youth researchers in designing and conducting research.
• Foster an inclusive environment so that youth researchers feel confident and supported.
• Assist in the preparation and rehearsal of advocacy presentations, focusing on clarity and effectiveness of messaging.
• Act as a bridge between youth researchers and facilitators, ensuring smooth communication and addressing any technical questions or concerns.

Key Programme Components

• Training & Preparation: Research Coaches will receive training on working with diverse youth, research facilitation, and safeguarding, focusing on participatory methods and mentoring skills.
• Youth Participant Recruitment & Group Formation: Youth researchers, including unaccompanied minors and local high school students, will be recruited through partnerships with schools and reception centers, creating mixed teams to encourage collaboration.
• Research & Learning Process: Youth researchers will choose topics, formulate questions, and conduct research with support from Research Coaches.
• Advocacy & Presentation: Findings will be transformed into advocacy messages, culminating in a public presentation to local authorities and community leaders in Florence.
• Ongoing Support & Reflection: Research Coaches will attend daily debriefs to discuss progress, challenges, and adaptations. Safeguarding and consent will be reinforced throughout the programme to ensure a safe and inclusive space for all

Qualifications

We welcome any EUI researcher, student, fellow or staff is: 

• Experienced in either working with youth OR conducting research**
• Strong communicators with a passion for mentoring and facilitation
• Committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment
• Flexible and adaptable to meet the diverse needs of participants
• Proficient in Italian at a B1/B2 level.

**Coaches do not need advanced research training; but need to understand key research components, methods, and processes  

 Requirements 

• Attend U-LEAD training sessions 
• While some flexibility is allowed, volunteers are kindly asked to commit to attending the weekly meetings as consistently as possible to ensure steady support for youth participants
• Sign and uphold the binding U-LEAD Code of Conduct and Youth Safeguarding Plan

Applications for the programme running in Autumn 2025 are now closed.