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Research Assistant – DARE Future-Proofing Europe Project (m/f/d) - Job Opportunity at European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR)

Berlin, Germany
Full-time
Entry-level
Posted: July 7, 2025
Hybrid
EUR 35,000-45,000 annually based on Berlin market rates for entry-level research positions at prestigious international think tanks, with potential for performance-based increases and project bonuses

Benefits

Competitive monetary compensation positioned above market standards for research roles in European think tanks
Prime office locations in major European capitals including Berlin, Warsaw, and London providing significant networking opportunities
Hybrid work arrangements offering flexibility while maintaining collaborative productivity in a prestigious pan-European environment
Access to high-level networks across Europe through collaboration with distinguished policy experts and government officials
Professional development opportunities within a renowned think tank with wide recognition in international policy circles
Multicultural work environment with colleagues from 25+ countries fostering diverse perspectives and international experience

Key Responsibilities

Conduct comprehensive research and data analysis on critical European policy issues, directly informing strategic decision-making processes for EU policymakers and international stakeholders
Orchestrate high-level stakeholder engagement by planning and coordinating meetings with senior politicians, policymakers, journalists, and industry leaders, positioning yourself as a key diplomatic facilitator
Lead logistical coordination for strategic research initiatives including international conferences, policy workshops, and expert interviews that shape European foreign policy discourse
Produce authoritative policy documentation through summary reports, interview transcripts, and briefing materials that influence European strategic planning and international relations
Contribute to funding acquisition and strategic planning by assisting in proposal development and presentation design, directly impacting the organization's research capacity and influence
Manage comprehensive stakeholder mapping and relationship management systems, maintaining critical networks that drive policy influence across European institutions
Support cross-programmatic initiatives that span all ECFR offices, contributing to pan-European policy coordination and strategic alignment

Requirements

Education

A Bachelor's or Master's degree in international affairs, political science, public policy or related field

Experience

Previous experience conducting research in a variety of topics. Experience in administrative/project coordination, especially in a research-driven environment is highly desirable

Required Skills

Excellent command of English, both written and spoken (native level) is a must, additional languages are an advantage Strong analysis skills, with the ability to synthesize large volumes of information and find new and original ways of connecting the dots Exceptional writing skills, with the ability to draft reports, briefs, and correspondence to a high standard Highly organized, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and demanding deadlines while ensuring attention to detail Strong problem-solving to approach challenges creatively and proactively, ensuring flexibility to adapt to varying workloads Ability to work independently as well as part of a multi-disciplinary and multi-national team, fostering a positive collaborative culture Excellent interpersonal skills to comfortably interact across various organizational levels and with external stakeholders in a confident and professional manner Discreet and able to handle sensitive and confidential matters Highly proficient in MS Office; and good knowledge of presentation packages Knowledge handling social media, CRM and data analysis software and research databases Experience in navigating AI powered research tools
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

European think tanks are experiencing unprecedented demand for policy research as the EU navigates complex geopolitical challenges including the war in Ukraine, climate transition, and economic security concerns. This has created a significant expansion in research positions focused on strategic autonomy and resilience planning. The integration of AI-powered research tools in policy analysis is revolutionizing how think tanks conduct research, with organizations increasingly seeking candidates who can leverage these technologies for enhanced data synthesis and trend identification across multiple information sources. Climate policy and energy security have become central to European foreign policy following the energy crisis, driving demand for researchers who can analyze the intersection of environmental policy, geopolitics, and economic strategy within the framework of European strategic autonomy.

Role Significance

Likely part of a 8-12 person project team within the broader ECFR structure of 90+ staff, with direct collaboration across multiple European offices and regular interaction with external stakeholders including government officials and industry leaders.
Entry-level position with significant strategic exposure and direct reporting to Distinguished Policy Fellow, offering substantial influence on European policy research despite junior status. The role provides exceptional access to high-level policy networks and strategic decision-making processes typically reserved for more senior positions.

Key Projects

Pan-European strategic autonomy research initiatives examining EU resilience across multiple sectors Climate policy integration studies analyzing the intersection of environmental goals with geopolitical strategy Economic security assessments focused on supply chain diversification and de-risking strategies Stakeholder engagement projects involving coordination with government officials, industry leaders, and international organizations

Success Factors

Exceptional analytical capabilities combined with the ability to synthesize complex geopolitical information into actionable policy recommendations that can influence European strategic planning and international relations. Strong diplomatic and communication skills enabling effective interaction with high-level stakeholders across government, industry, and academia while maintaining confidentiality and professional discretion in sensitive policy discussions. Adaptability and cultural intelligence necessary for working effectively in a multicultural, pan-European environment while managing competing priorities and deadlines across multiple time zones and organizational structures. Technical proficiency in modern research methodologies including AI-powered tools and data analysis platforms, combined with traditional research skills to produce comprehensive policy analysis that meets the highest academic and professional standards.

Market Demand

High demand driven by increased EU focus on strategic autonomy, climate policy integration, and the need for specialized research on European resilience and de-risking strategies

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Advanced analytical and synthesis capabilities are essential as the role requires processing vast amounts of complex geopolitical information and identifying strategic connections that may not be immediately apparent, directly influencing European policy recommendations and strategic planning processes. Native-level English proficiency combined with exceptional writing skills forms the foundation for producing high-quality policy documents that meet the rigorous standards expected by government officials, EU institutions, and international stakeholders who rely on ECFR research for strategic decision-making. Organizational excellence and project management abilities are crucial for coordinating multiple research initiatives simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail and meeting demanding deadlines that align with European policy cycles and international conference schedules.

Beneficial Skills

Additional European language skills significantly enhance stakeholder engagement capabilities and research access, particularly German given the Berlin location and the importance of German political and economic perspectives in European policy formation. Experience with AI-powered research tools provides competitive advantage in efficiently processing large volumes of policy documents and identifying emerging trends across multiple information sources, enabling more comprehensive and timely policy analysis. Background in climate and energy policy offers significant value given the central role of environmental considerations in current European strategic planning and the project's focus on decarbonization as a key component of European resilience strategies.

Unique Aspects

Direct access to Distinguished Policy Fellow mentorship providing exceptional professional development opportunities typically unavailable in entry-level positions at other organizations
Cross-programmatic project scope spanning all ECFR offices and programs, offering broad exposure to European policy issues and international relations across multiple domains
Integration of the "3 D's" framework (de-risking, diversifying, decarbonizing) representing cutting-edge policy thinking on European strategic autonomy and resilience planning
Opportunity to influence emerging EU policy frameworks during a critical period of European integration and strategic planning following recent geopolitical developments

Career Growth

Typical progression to mid-level policy analyst roles within 2-3 years, with potential advancement to program management or senior research positions within 4-6 years depending on performance and strategic networking success

Potential Next Roles

Policy Analyst positions within ECFR or similar European think tanks with increased research independence and stakeholder management responsibilities Program Coordinator roles managing larger research initiatives and leading cross-functional teams across multiple European offices Government relations positions within EU institutions or national governments leveraging policy research experience and stakeholder networks Senior Research positions at international organizations such as the OECD, World Bank, or UN agencies focusing on European affairs and international development

Company Overview

European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR)

ECFR stands as Europe's premier pan-European think tank, uniquely positioned with offices across seven European capitals and a network spanning all 27 EU member states. Founded in 2007, the organization has established itself as a critical bridge between academic research and policy implementation, regularly influencing European foreign policy through direct engagement with government officials, EU institutions, and international organizations.

Recognized as one of the most influential foreign policy think tanks in Europe, ECFR maintains exceptional access to senior policymakers and government officials across European capitals. The organization's research regularly influences EU policy decisions and international relations strategies, positioning it as a premier destination for policy professionals seeking to impact European strategic planning.
The Berlin office serves as a crucial hub for ECFR's engagement with German government institutions and EU policy networks, providing exceptional access to European political and economic decision-making processes. Berlin's position as a major European capital offers unique opportunities for policy influence and stakeholder engagement.
ECFR fosters an intellectually rigorous environment that combines academic excellence with practical policy application. The organization's multicultural team promotes diverse perspectives and collaborative problem-solving, while maintaining high professional standards and discretion in handling sensitive policy matters.
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