Program Coordinator – Geoeconomics Training (Berlin Office)

The Kiel Institute for the World Economy is seeking a

Program Coordinator – Geoeconomics Training (Berlin Office)

We are looking for a highly motivated and organized individual to support the high-impact research and policy program on geoeconomics by the Kiel Institute. The main responsibility of this position is to launch and manage the new program “NextGeo: Training the next generation of geoeconomists (NextGeo: Die nächste Generation von GeoökonomInnen ausbilden)”, funded by Stiftung Mercator.

NextGeo is a new Europe-wide training program for young researchers aimed at connecting, training, and supporting the next generation of geo-economists in their research. The junior training program addresses a critical gap by providing structured academic training, policy- and research-oriented networking opportunities, as well as training in science communication and policy advice – thereby supporting the buildup of geo-economic expertise across Europe. The program is embedded in the Kiel Institute’s broader research and policy program on geoeconomics, a fast-growing field at the intersection of economics and geopolitics. The Kiel Institute has established itself as one of the leading institutes for discourse on geoeconomics, both in academic research and in economic policy debate.

We offer a part-time or full-time (75–100%) position, based at our Research Hub in Berlin.

This is a unique opportunity for early-career project management professionals to gain hands-on experience in science management, coordinating externally funded projects and training programs for a career in academia, think tanks, or foundations—working at the interface of administration, research, education, and policy.

Your Role

As Program Coordinator, you will report directly to project lead Professor Christoph Trebesch and work closely with the academic project team. You will play a central role in organizing and managing all aspects of the program and as point of contact for junior researchers as well as senior research and policy fellows. Key responsibilities include:

Project Management

• Overall coordination and day-to-day management of the project, ensure smooth and efficient program operations
• Administration, project budgeting, and reporting
• Monitoring of project deliverables, timelines, and milestones
• Support the academic team in shaping and refining the program

Stakeholder Communication

• Serve as the primary contact for the funder, participants (PhD students and PostDocs), senior research and policy fellows, project partners and internal Kiel Institute units (finance, projects, procurement, communications, etc.)
• Manage project outreach and external communications

Event Management

• Plan, organize, and manage seminars, workshops, and panel discussions (online and in-person)
• Handle participant communication, invitations, and correspondence

Executive Assistance

• Executive assistance to the academic project lead and team

Additional responsibilities

• If employed at >75%: additional tasks beyond the NextGeo program

Your Profile

We are seeking candidates who bring the following qualifications and experience:

• A Master’s degree in a relevant field with good or very good grades
  • An educational background in economics, political science and/or security studies is a plus, but not required
• At least 1 year of professional experience in two or more of the following areas (preferably in academia or think tanks):
  • Managing complex projects with multiple stakeholders
  • Developing training curricula or outreach formats
  • Organizing academic and policy-oriented events (online and in-person)
  • Managing third-party grants, including reporting, budgeting, and deliverables tracking
  • Experience working in the German public sector or with public funding regulations
  • Experience in supporting research projects
• Fluency in English and German (minimum C1 level)
• Proven outstanding organizational skills and ability to meet strict deadlines
• Excellent interpersonal skills and experience in stakeholder communication, particularly with academics or policymakers
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, including drafting and editing of complex texts
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, MS Teams);
  • familiarity with programs such as Overleaf (LaTeX) is a plus
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively, including team coordination skills
• Strong problem-solving abilities, a proactive and solution-oriented mindset, and high attention to detail
• An interest in economics and geopolitics, including topics such as international trade and finance, economic security, sanctions, economic aid, defense and security

The position offers competitive compensation in line with the German public sector pay scale (grade EG 13 TV-L). The contract will be for a limited period of two years (with the option of extension), with a start in November 2025.

The Kiel Institute is an equal opportunity employer with a certified family-friendly policy. We promote the professional opportunities of women and strongly encourage them to apply. Women with equivalent qualifications, competence, and expertise will be given preference. We are committed to employing persons with recognized disabilities and will therefore give them preference over persons without disabilities if they are equally qualified. We welcome all applications, regardless of nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion/belief, age and sexual orientation. 

In order to be eligible for this position you have to hold EU citizenship or need to be able to provide a work permit that is valid throughout the time of your contract. 

Please submit your application online using ID-No. “10-25_NextGeo_Coordinator”. Please include (i) a letter of interest, (ii) your CV, (iii) university transcripts, as well as (iv) proofs of relevant work experience. Ideally submit just one PDF, including “NextGeo” and your family name as file name. The deadline for applications is October 10, 2025. Application photos should not be included.

For additional information, please contact Elisabeth Schröder.

• part-time or full-time (75–100%), based in Berlin
• salary based on the German public sector pay scale (EG 13 TV-L)
• for two years with the possibility of an extension
• ID-No. “10_25_NextGeo_Coordinator”
• Deadline for applications: October 10, 2025