Project Manager, ISD Germany

About ISD

ISD is a global think and do tank dedicated to safeguarding democracy and human rights, and delivering solutions to weaponised hate, polarisation, disinformation and extremism around the world. Combining research and analysis with government advisory work and the design and delivery of international training, education and communications programmes, ISD works to implement real-world, evidence-based responses to these challenges. ISD has teams in London, Amman, Berlin, and Washington DC.

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

EUR 59,831.40 - EUR 64,710.84 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 ensure the operational coordination of all aspects of the project, ensuring timely delivery of outputs, efficient collaboration among team members, and effective communication with external partners and stakeholders. This role will drive the operational aspects of the project, supporting a team of research leads and analysts responsible for producing the research content. It is central to the successful delivery of the project, and offers the opportunity to gain first-hand exposure to EC DSA compliance monitoring and digital policy more broadly.

The ideal candidate will be process-driven and detail-oriented, with proven experience in the operational management of complex projects involving large teams and/or multiple workstreams. They will demonstrate excellent task management and coordination skills, and an ability to anticipate and mitigate operational risks to timely project delivery. Experience managing EU service contracts or grants, and familiarity with the EU institutional environment, would be beneficial for this role.

Key responsibilities include:

• Project Management & Delivery (70%) - including overseeing the operational management and delivery of DSA project, ensuring timely submission of deliverables, compliance with internal workplans and timelines, and EC rules and contractual requirements. 
• Resourcing & Safeguarding (20%) - including overseeing project team structure, keeping track of overall workload and staff wellbeing, and ensuring regular resourcing reviews in consultation with Research and Operations Leads, ensuring the project has the necessary human and material resources needed to deliver.
• 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 organisational, 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. Candidates must not have worked for a Very Large Online Platform or Search Engine (VLOPSEs) as defined by the European Commission in the three years prior to employment with ISD, and must sign a Conflict-of-Interest Declaration affirming this if appointed.

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 Wednesday the 26th of March 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.