Head of the Berlin Office / Transfer and Policy Dialogue (m/f/d)

Berlin

Full-time

Permanent employee

5,298.27 - 7,363.89 € per month

Research for Peace and Security

The Institute for Peace Research and Security Policy at the University of Hamburg has been investigating the conditions for peace and security – on a global, regional and local scale – since 1971. The IFSH aims to contribute actively to peace by conducting outstanding and innovative research. Transferring knowledge from research to politics and society is a fundamental part of the institute's work.

We currently employ around 70 colleagues in research, transfer, teaching and administration at our locations in Hamburg and Berlin. Thanks to funding from the City of Hamburg, we are expanding our science and service teams significantly as part of a growth strategy for the coming years. The IFSH is an international and diverse institution. We combine a culture of openness, agility and short communication channels with the reputation of an established and well-connected research institution.

The IFSH is seeking a strategically minded, highly communicative and politically experienced individual to serve as Head of the Berlin Office / Transfer and Policy Dialogue (m/f/d). This permanent full-time position is based in Berlin, classified at pay grade EG 14 under the TV-AVH collective agreement, and is scheduled to begin on January 1, 2027.

You will be responsible for the strategic development and operational management of the Berlin Office, thereby strengthening the IFSH’s presence in Germany’s political capital. Our goal is to make the Institute’s academic expertise visible, accessible and impactful in federal policy, expert and broader societal contexts. To this end, you will develop suitable dialogue and transfer formats, maintain robust networks, and support the Institute’s leadership and research areas in bringing IFSH research perspectives into political debates in a targeted and audience-appropriate manner.

As Head of the Berlin Office, you will operate confidently at the interface of academia, politics, public administration and the wider public. You will analyse political developments, identify relevant opportunities for dialogue and strategic engagement, and represent the IFSH vis-à-vis ministries, parliament, political foundations, think tanks, the media, academic institutions and civil society organisations. At the same time, you will lead the Berlin Office team and ensure close organisational and substantive links with the Institute’s headquarters in Hamburg.

Your mission

Strategic development and operational management of the Berlin Office, including subject-specific and disciplinary leadership of the team
Strengthening the IFSH’s presence in political Berlin and ensuring close links with the headquarters in Hamburg
Designing, implementing and further developing dialogue, exchange and transfer formats for political and expert audiences
Analysing political and parliamentary developments and deriving recommendations for action for the Institute’s leadership and research areas
Establishing, maintaining and strategically developing robust networks with ministries, parliament, public authorities, political foundations, think tanks, academia, the media and civil society
Representing the IFSH in Berlin and strategically positioning key topics and research perspectives in political, media and expert contexts
Independently securing and contributing to the acquisition of third-party funding for transfer and policy projects
Contributing to policy briefs and other transfer-oriented formats

Your profile

Completed academic university degree in a field relevant to the position; a doctorate in a relevant area is desirable. However, candidates with a convincing profile and correspondingly extensive experience may also fulfil the role without a doctorate.
Several years of relevant professional experience at the interface of academia, politics, public administration, think tanks, foundations, the media or comparable institutions
In-depth knowledge of peace and security policy as well as related policy-relevant subject areas
Very good understanding of political processes, parliamentary procedures and institutional logics at the federal level
Experience in developing and implementing dialogue, transfer, policy or event formats
Robust networks in political Berlin or a proven ability to strategically establish and maintain such networks
Ability to communicate academic expertise in political debates in an audience-appropriate, role-conscious and strategic manner
Strong communication skills, initiative, strategic judgement and a confident professional manner
Strong organisational and coordination skills as well as enthusiasm for cross-departmental collaboration
Leadership skills, team orientation and very good German and English language skills

We offer

You can expect a responsible role with considerable scope for shaping and developing activities at a key interface between research, politics and society. You will assume a central role in further developing our presence in Berlin and work in a highly committed, international and interdisciplinary environment.

An occupational pension according to the Hamburg model
Individual training opportunities as part of our personnel development programme
A family-friendly work environment, flexible working hours and the option, depending on personal situation and task context, to work remotely on a pro rata basis
Performance-based remuneration in the form of a tax-free benefit card

Further information

IFSH is committed to promoting the professional advancement of women and is therefore particularly interested in applications from women in areas where they are underrepresented. In such cases, women will be given preferential consideration in accordance with the Hamburg Equal Opportunities Act, provided they are equally qualified.

We promote diversity and equal opportunities. Applications from people with disabilities or equivalent status are explicitly welcome when suitably qualified.

Your application should include your current CV, relevant certificates and a cover letter. Please apply via our career portal (ifsh.de/en/career).

Contact person for your application

For further information, please contact Carsten Wode (ifsh.de/wode).