Junior Policy Officer Civilian Crisis Management (f/m/div)

Tätigkeitsprofil:

The European Centre of Excellence for Civilian Crisis Management e.V. (CoE) is looking for a Junior Policy Officer Civilian Crisis Management (f/m/div) in full-time. The position is foreseen to be filled ideally by 01 October 2026. The position is initially limited to two years. The place of work is Berlin, however, travel within the EU may be necessary occasionally.
The CoE 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 25 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.

Structurally, the advertised position is line-managed by the Head of Sector / Strategic Coordinator for Political Content and Focus Management (HoS PCFM), however, during an interim period the successful candidate will be reporting to the Head of Sector for Process and Project Management (HoS PPM).

The main responsibilities of the Junior Policy Officer Civilian Crisis Management at the CoE are:
• Researching, analysing, and reporting on current policy developments in civilian CSDP for the Director, HoS PCFM and seconded senior advisors with a focus on enhancing civilian capabilities among CoE members and partners.
• Analysis and advisory services for the members of the CoE on various topics of the work programme, in cooperation with the Operations team.
• Planning, conception and implementation of CoE event content/programmes, for example, within the framework of the CoE's annual "Civilian CSDP Forum" under coordination of the HoS PCFM.
• Preparation of drafts for publications on strategic developments in the field of civilian CSDP
• Further develop and strengthen the CoE’s partnerships and networks as well as liaise with key stakeholders, including the German Federal Foreign Office, EEAS, EU Member States, parliamentary offices, civil society, and EU missions.
• Preparation of presentations and speaking points for (high-level) engagements of the Director, HoS PCFM and or seconded staff in English.
• Carrying out other tasks as required.

Anforderungsprofil:

Required profile:
• Bachelor's degree in political science, European studies, international relations, foreign and security policy, or equivalent degree in related fields. A Master’s degree in these fields would be an advantage.
• Minimum 2 years’ full-time professional experience.
• Proven interest in and demonstrable knowledge of European issues, especially CSDP (preferably a thesis on a European topic, especially related to CSDP).
• Understanding of European political processes, policies, and institutions.
• Strong analytical abilities, strategic planning, and abstract thinking skills.
• Ability to initiate, structure and implement outcome-oriented, complex work processes.
• Excellent knowledge of English (minimum C1 Level)
• Strong organisational, teamwork and communication skills.
• High political and intercultural sensitivity and diplomatic skills.
• Ability and readiness to take into account aspects of gender equality and human rights in the execution of tasks.
• Eligibility: Mandatory requirement of a valid legal right to reside and work in Germany at the time of application; the CoE cannot provide visa sponsorship or relocation assistance.

Assets and additional skills:
• German, French and/or other European 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.

Our offer:
• A responsible position dealing with interesting and topical European policy issues in a dynamic, international team
• 30 days’ annual leave, 24 and 31 December are non-working days
• State of the art equipment and spacious, wheelchair-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 is a recipient of funding from the DE Federal Government, and the non-discrimination rule (Besserstellungsverbot) applies in relation to comparable federal employees. While the CoE is not directly bound by collective agreements, remuneration is based on the TVöD (Bund) pay scale as an upper limit. The salary range for this position is equivalent to pay group TVöD E11, step 1 or a maximum of step 2, depending on relevant experience. It is non-negotiable.

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.

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 add European Centre of Excellence for Civilian Crisis Management Opportunities (https://www.coe-civ.eu/about/opportunities) by 18:00 (CET) on 28 August 2026 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