GPPi Seeks Research Assistant in Peace & Security

The Global Public Policy Institute (GPPi), an independent, non-profit think tank, seeks a part-time or full-time research assistant (minimum 20 hours per week) to join its Peace & Security team. The role is particularly well-suited for someone who has recently graduated from their bachelor’s degree (but has not yet completed a master’s) and has some initial internship or work experience. 

The focus of this role will be to support the Stabilization Lab, a multi-year project funded by the German Foreign Office to improve key instruments for crisis prevention, conflict resolution and peacebuilding. The successful candidate will contribute to dialogue (workshops and public events) as well as research, primarily on the European Union’s external action and crisis management architecture.

We are looking for an entrepreneurial and creative individual with a passionate interest in European security policy, institutions, budgets, and in bringing people together to support policy change. Our new colleague will play a key role in running policy workshops and will be closely engaged in research design, data collection (through desk research and analyses of both qualitative and quantitative data), and drafting research-based policy outputs (in English). The role will also involve stakeholder interactions with the German Foreign Office and other institutions involved in stabilization policy. Like all GPPi staff members, the successful candidate will also be expected to perform related administrative duties and contribute to operational tasks within the institute.

We offer a fixed-term contract until April 2025, with the possibility of extension. The position will be based at GPPi’s Berlin office – while limited periods of remote work are possible, the successful candidate is expected to work from Berlin.

The successful candidate will have:

  • A strong academic background (ideally a bachelor’s degree) in European politics, international relations, peace and conflict/​security studies, or a related field. More than the name of the university you attended, we value your drive and your ability to educate yourself. 
  • A keen interest in European security policy. Familiarity with debates around EU external action and crisis management structures (and similar topics) is a plus.
  • Excellent analytical skills and an interest in applying them to real-world policy issues. Initial internship or work experience (up to one year after completing your bachelor’s degree, if applicable) in relevant organizations is a plus. 
  • Experience in designing and running workshop formats that facilitate open and productive debate – and comfort with the nuts and bolts of logistics and administration – is also desirable. 
  • Excellent spoken and written command of English. Knowledge of further languages such as German or French is an asset.
  • Strong time-management skills and the ability to independently handle several tasks and in parallel.
  • The ability to conduct research and project work with the guidance and support of the project manager (with progressively greater independence over time) and a willingness to work as part of a mutually supportive project team.

Starting date: ideally by September 1, no later than October 1, 2024. An even earlier start would be possible but is not an assessment criterion. 

Additional Information

GPPi offers a dynamic, collaborative work environment in the center of Germany’s capital and an international team working in a strong global network. Our working language is English, and while some communication with project partners will take place in German, German language skills are not required for this position. We encourage applications from anywhere in the world and will support the right candidate with the relevant visa and work permit procedures.

  • Full-time remuneration is set at a minimum of 2,800 euros per month, with proportional adjustments for lower time commitments (as per our framework of roles and salary brackets, which we apply across the institute).
  • GPPi strives to be an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace for colleagues of all backgrounds. We welcome and encourage applications from interested individuals regardless of age, sex, gender identity, disability status, sexual orientation, race, religion, or belief.
  • We also know that there are great candidates who will not fit all criteria we have described above, or who have important skills that we have not mentioned. If that is you, please do not hesitate to apply and tell us about yourself.

How to Apply

To apply, please send a single PDF document to applications-​ps@​gppi.​net with:

  • Your CV (no Europass and no pictures, please); 
  • A brief letter of interest (tell us about your thematic interests and what you hope to bring to this role); 
  • Informal transcripts indicating your academic courses and grades; 
  • Two writing samples (neither of which should exceed 3,000 words). Feel free to use excerpts, e.g., from your bachelor’s thesis, and to submit one piece significantly shorter than this limit. If possible, please choose your samples with a view to demonstrating your suitability for the specific role and thematic focus outlined above.

Please make sure to clearly state​​“Research Assistant, Stab Lab EU” in the subject line.

Closing date for applications: we will start reviewing applications on August 7 and will continue to do so on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Early applications are encouraged. You can expect a confirmation that we have received your application within a few working days. After that, or if you have questions about the formal requirements for the position, you are welcome to inquire via email to applications-​ps@​gppi.​net. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview via video conference.

Please do not call with questions or to inquire about the status of your application, and please do not submit paper applications.