Tätigkeitsprofil:

The European Centre of Excellence for Civilian Crisis Management e.V. (CoE) is offering a Political Assistant position (f/m/div) in full-time. The position is initially limited to two years with the possibility of extension by mutual agreement. The place of work is Berlin, however, travel within the EU may be necessary occasionally. The position is foreseen to be filled as soon as possible.

The CoE, located in Berlin, is a member-based association founded in February 2020. Created following an invitation from the German Federal Foreign Office to all European Union (EU) Member States (MS), the CoE focuses on enhancing capabilities (national systems, structures and processes) to strengthen civilian crisis management within the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP).

The Centre is a service provider, supporting its 24 current members (EU MS) and working closely with the European External Action Service (EEAS), its Preferred Partner, in implementing their commitments under the Civilian CSDP Compact: 1.) Providing tailored, expert advice to members to help them address specific challenges, so they can strengthen their national capabilities and better contribute to EU civilian crisis management. This includes the facilitation of thematic working groups amongst EU MS - so-called “NIP Clusters”, as set out in the Civilian CSDP Compact; 2.) Offering an informal platform to MS and Preferred Partners - outside of formal configurations – to openly discuss key issues relevant to enhancing the EU’s civilian crisis management; 3.) Facilitating the exchange of good practices, with CoE analysis and advice, to promote mutual learning amongst members and develop concrete ideas and practices to enhance European civilian crisis management.

The team of the CoE consists of contracted staff as well as personnel seconded to the CoE from its members.

The advertised position is line-managed by the Head of Sector / Strategic Coordinator for Political Content and Focus Management (HoS PCFM).

The main responsibilities of the Political Assistant at the CoE are:

• Assist senior Seconded National Experts in advancing the CoE’s thematic work areas by supporting research activities and outreach to the CoE members, preferred partners, and stakeholders.
• Provide support to senior Seconded National Experts with the planning, development, and delivery of “NIP Clusters” activities.
• Monitor and analyse political developments and their implications for CSDP and the work of the CoE.
• Prepare and support regular meetings with CoE colleagues or external stakeholders, including drafting agendas, speaking points, decision papers, visit briefings, statistical analysis and presentations.
• Support conceptualisation and implementation of the CoE’s events (i.e., workshops, conferences, General Meetings of the association, etc.).
• Assist in managing processes, schedules, and content preparation in coordination with the HoS PCFM.
• Take into account aspects of gender equality in the execution of tasks.
• Carry out other tasks as required.

Anforderungsprofil:

Required profile:

• Bachelor's degree in political science, international relations, foreign and security policy, law, economics or equivalent degree in a related field.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
• Proven interest in and demonstrable knowledge of European policy issues, especially CSDP and crisis management.
• Experience assisting in the planning, organization, and execution of projects and / or events.
• Excellent research and analytical skills.
• Ability and readiness to take into account aspects of gender equality and human rights in the execution of tasks.
• Adaptive and responsible, with a collaborative working style and ‘can-do’ attitude.
• High political and intercultural sensitivity and diplomatic skills.
• Familiarity with policy frameworks relevant to hybrid, cyber and FIMI would be an asset.
• Eligibility to work in Germany.

Additional skills and experience:

• German language skills are an asset.
• Study-related internships or work experience in multilateral contexts or member-based organisations, ideally directly in the field of, or related to, CSDP would be an asset.

Our offer:

• A position of responsibility with room for manoeuvre in a young and dynamic organisation
• Collegial atmosphere in an international team
• 30 days’ annual leave, 24 and 31 December are non-working days
• State of the art equipment and spacious, wheel-chair accessible office in the heart of Berlin
• Options for remote work (currently two days per week) as well as flexitime around core hours
• Opportunities for vocational training
• The CoE as a recipient of institutional funding from the Federal Government is bound to not exceed the conditions of the collective agreement for the public sector (TVöD Bund). Remuneration, pay grade and tier level are based on qualifications and relevant experience as predefined in the TVöD and are non-negotiable. The maximum pay grade for this position is E9b/1-2.

We value diversity and therefore expressly welcome all applications - regardless of cultural, social or ethnic origin, gender, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual identity. Applicants with disabilities are given preferential consideration in the case of equal suitability in accordance with the legal requirements.

Please note that a valid work permit for Germany is a prerequisite to be considered for the position.

Your application (in English) should include the following documents and evidence:

• Letter of motivation (max. 1 page) answering the following two questions:

1. What is your motivation for applying to join the CoE and how does working for CoE align with your career goals? (max. 300 words)

2. Why are you applying for this specific position and what skills and experience will you bring to the role? (max. 300 words)

• Curriculum vitae
• University degree certificate (and proof of recognition in Germany, if applicable)
• Work or internship references and further evidence such as language certificates or, alternatively, well-founded statements on the knowledge and competences mentioned in the job profile

Please submit your application using the online application form on our website under Political Assistant (f/m/div) by 23:59 (CET) on 24 September 2025 at the latest. Only applications submitted via the online application system will be considered.

If you have any questions about the position, please address all your enquiries exclusively to application@coe-civ.eu

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