The Global Public Policy Institute (GPPi), an independent, non-profit think tank, seeks a part-time research assistant (14−20 hours/week) to join our team in Berlin. This position is particularly well-suited for current students.

We are looking for a team player who is keen to explore the future of international politics, peace and security using rigorous research and strategic foresight methods. The right candidate will also have an interest in the world of policymaking.

The research assistant will support GPPi’s work on peace, security and strategic foresight. This will include contributing to a project on how state actors such as China and Russia may threaten democracy, peace and EU accession in the Western Balkans and the EU’s Eastern Neighborhood, including Ukraine, in the next decade. Tasks will include academic-style research and support to forecasting and strategic foresight processes. More specifically, this might involve conducting literature reviews, administering expert surveys, organizing online workshops, drafting research outputs and liaising with experts on the above-mentioned regions.

The research assistant will have the opportunity to learn and sharpen their profile and network in this field and shape the institute’s work in strategic foresight and peace & security.

The successful candidate will have:

Excellent analytical skills and a strong academic background in a relevant field (current MA/MSc student, or BA student who has completed at least two years of study).
Familiarity with research methods commonly used in the social sciences. Knowledge of and experience with foresight methods or quantitative data analysis are a plus.
A passion for the future of international and European politics, peace and security. Initial internship or work experience in these fields is a plus.
A keen interest in conducting both academic research as well as liaising with experts and researchers across Europe.
Outstanding communication and writing skills in English.
Attention to detail, excellent time and project management skills, reliability and the ability to handle several tasks independently and in parallel in a mutually supportive team context.

We know that there are great candidates who will not fit all of the criteria we have described above, or who have important transferable skills that we have not mentioned. If that is you, please do not hesitate to apply and tell us about yourself, your interests and any work or volunteering experiences.

Additional Details

GPPi’s working language is English. German language skills are not required for this position.

While periods of flexible ‘remote work’/‘home office’ are normal at GPPi, we are looking for someone to complement our Berlin-based team and will not consider fully remote candidates.

Starting date: Between 15 March and 1 May 2025.

Remuneration: Renumeration for this part-time research assistant position is around 1,100€ — 1,400€ per month, depending on time commitment (2,800€ full-time equivalent, ArbeitnehmerBrutto, sozialversicherungspflichtige Beschäftigung).

GPPi offers a dynamic work environment in the center of Germany’s capital, a young and international team working in a strong global network, and an attractive platform for innovative researchers to develop their interests and sharpen their academic as well as professional profile.

GPPi strives to be an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building an 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.

To Apply

Please send your CV (no Europass and no pictures, please), a brief letter of interest, informal transcripts of your academic courses and grades, and two writing samples (which can be university coursework, and one of which should ideally address a policy-relevant topic) to applications@gppi.net.

Please make sure to clearly state“research assistant, foresight” in the subject line. Also please clearly indicate your availability (starting date and desired working hours per week) and current status of enrollment in university, if applicable.

Closing date for applications: We will keep accepting applications until the position is filled. Early applications are encouraged and you can expect to hear back within two weeks. After that, or if you have questions about the formal requirements for the position, you are welcome to inquire via email to applications@gppi.net.

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

Global Public Policy Institute (GPPi)

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Part-Time Research Assistant in Foresight, Peace & Security