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

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

Office Berlin

Employment type Permanent Schedule Full time

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 profile

In addition to exciting work in a dynamic and highly relevant research environment, we offer the following additional benefits:

• A company pension scheme based on the Hamburg pension model
• Individual training opportunities as part of our IFSH staff development program
• Flexible working hours and the opportunity to work up to 60% from home, depending on your personal situation and job context
• Additional incentive pay based on our collective agreement (TV AVH) in the form of a tax-free non-cash 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 ).