Project Manager, ISD Germany

ISD is an independent, non-profit organisation dedicated to safeguarding human rights and reversing the rising tide of polarisation, extremism and disinformation worldwide.

Why work for ISD?

ISD is not your ordinary think tank. We turn research into action that changes the world. Our insights don't gather dust on shelves - they power the fight to protect democracy and human rights on the front lines. We're committed to delivering real change, from the grassroots to the highest levels of global institutions. And we're looking for passionate individuals who share our commitment to making a difference. Join us and be part of an organisation that's making an impact.

ISD's Guiding Principles of  integrity, collaboration, agility and courage  define who we are as a team and an organisation. These principles reflect our culture and guide the way we work and the choices we make.

Our benefits

• Flexible and remote working based on ISD's Time Principles of trust, communication and flexibility.

• 24 days annual leave, plus all Berlin/Brandenburg bank holidays.

• 1 week of additional paid time off over Christmas, outside of your annual leave entitlement.

• Additional paid time off for development.

• Sick pay and enhanced family friendly policies and compassionate leave.

• Annual personal development budget.

• Remote working budget.

• Employee Assistance Programme and dedicated counsellors for those working with potentially traumatic content.

• Inclusive wellbeing programme with regular wellbeing initiatives e.g. early finish on a Friday.

Salary

Up to TvÖD E13.3 depending on experience. 

Location

You may work from our office in Berlin, from home, or on a hybrid arrangement to suit you. Please note you will be required to attend the office occasionally for team meetings.

Hours

This is a full-time position, 40 hours per week. We are open to considering flexible working arrangements.

Contract type

One-year fixed term (with extension subject to funding), full time. 

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

ISD is committed to promoting diversity throughout its workforce and aims for its team to be truly representative of all sections of society. We make a concerted effort to ensure our workplace, employment policies and organisational culture creates an inclusive, positive and progressive environment in which all members of our team are treated with dignity and respect. For further information about this policy or our recruitment practices, please email vacancies@isdglobal.org.

We strongly encourage applications from people of colour, the LGBTQ+ community, people with disabilities, neuro-divergent people, carers, and people from diverse socio-economic backgrounds.

The role

We are seeking a highly organised and motivated Project Manager to oversee the successful delivery of a single, high-impact project monitoring compliance with the European Union’s Digital Services Act (DSA). The Project Manager will coordinate all aspects of the project, ensuring timely delivery of outputs, efficient collaboration among team members, and effective communication with external partners and stakeholders. The ideal candidate will have strong experience managing EU contracts and grants, and a solid understanding of data protection regulations and understanding of the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), its goals, provisions, and implications for digital platforms and compliance monitoring would be beneficial for this role.

Key responsibilities include:

• Project Management & Delivery (70%) - including overseeing the management and delivery of DSA project, ensuring it aligns with organisational goals and timelines and is compliant with EC rules and procedures and contractual requirements.
• Resourcing & Safeguarding (20%) - including collaborating with the Operations Lead to identify resourcing needs, manage workloads, and coordinate with HR to support recruitment processes for the project; and overseeing team structures, allocating responsibilities, and ensuring efficient use of resources while meeting project timelines.
• Stakeholder Communication & Coordination (10%) - serving as a key point of contact for internal and external stakeholders, ensuring effective communication and collaboration tailored to the nature of the relationship; and supporting senior project leads in managing high-level engagement with the European Commission (EC), focusing on operational updates and project delivery milestones.

To view a full job description, please  click here. 

Requirements

The ideal candidate

The ideal candidate will have three or more years of project delivery experience, with a proven ability to manage complex and large projects involving external partners. Previous experience managing projects for the European Commission/European Union institutions is desirable but not essential. The candidate must have exceptional problem-solving and risk management capabilities, and outstanding interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build and maintain productive relationships with diverse stakeholders. A strong working proficiency in English and German are also required. In order to excel in this role experience with compliance monitoring or regulatory frameworks such as the DSA is a plus but not essential. 

The role requires outstanding attention to detail, and the ability to be flexible, multi-task, and respond proactively in a fast paced environment. The ability to work well independently and in a team is also essential. 

Please review our  job description for essential criteria, and keep in mind that no candidate will meet every requirement in the advert. If your experience looks a little different from what we've identified, but you think you can bring value to the role, we'd love to hear from you.

How to apply

Please submit your application by Friday the 10th of January 2025. ISD reserves the right to interview and appoint candidates prior to the advertised closing date.

If you have any further questions about this vacancy or want to speak to a member of our recruitment team, please contact vacancies@isdglobal.org.