ZOE Institute for Future-fit Economies is looking for a Communications Trainee (German-speaking)

Who we are

ZOE Institute for Future-Fit Economies is an independent think & do tank active at the EU level and in Germany. We are dedicated to policy-oriented research and evidence-driven advocacy for a future-fit economy. At the interface of politics, research, and civil society in the EU, we develop impulses for an economy that enables people to live well within planetary boundaries.

We are a small communications team handling all aspects of communications and public relations and working to build-up ZOE’s reach and recognition – in Brussels, Berlin and beyond. We value an appreciative atmosphere, close collaboration, and willingness to learn. Further we offer:

• A collaborative, motivating working environment in a small think & do tank that has made it to the top of EU politics in a short space of time

• A strategic, agile, value and purpose-oriented working style

• Flexibility of working time and place, supporting a healthy work-life-balance

• Ways of working to build our organisation together and align individual and organisational purpose

• An office in Cologne and co-working spaces in Berlin and Brussels.

Key Responsibilities

As part of a motivated and impact-driven team you will carry out a variety of tasks, including:

• Drafting and editing content for ZOE channels (website, newsletter, mailings, social media)

• Working with ZOE teams to plan, prepare and disseminate materials, including our newsletter

• Maintenance of the ZOE website (Wordpress) and other digital channels and platforms

• Editing and proofreading ZOE publications and other external comms materials, in both English and German

• Collation of content for the ZOE newsletter

• Basic graphic design and layout and image-sourcing

• Supporting media relations – preparing press materials, updating contacts

• Support for events communications needs and logistics

• Media monitoring, in both English and German, and analytics of all ZOE channels

• Assisting with internal knowledge-management

• Contributing to communications strategic thinking, message development, creative brainstorming and other team processes

• Organisational tasks including project management and planning

This traineeship suits someone with a proven, demonstrable desire to work in public policy communications for social impact. We are able to offer the chance to gain experience of ‘all-round’ communications (strategy, media relations, web and digital, publications and materials, design, events). The specific tasks and responsibilities will be agreed together based on the list above and the selected candidate's specific background, skills preferences and the areas they wish to develop.

Core Competencies

We are looking for people that share our core principles: value orientation, sustainability, agility, self-organisation. Your profile would include the following skills, background, and knowledge:

• Background in communications, public relations, journalism, digital or other related disciplines

• Proven interest and commitment to new economic thinking, systems change, sustainability, EU policy, a green and just transition, etc.

• Excellent writing and communication skills, and an eye for design

• Strong organisational skills, and attention to detail

• Pro-active and responsive with ability to juggle multiple, diverse tasks

• Fluency in written and spoken English and in German

• Must have the right to work in Germany, Belgium, Austria or Netherlands for the duration of the traineeship.

In addition, some of the following competencies fit well into our team but are not a requirement: web design and maintenance, social media and community management, knowledge about EU decision-making processes, knowledge of participative and co-creative processes such as design thinking, and previous experience in the organisation of events.

Conditions

We are looking for someone to join our team for 32-38 hours per week for six months. The position will start as soon as possible, and latest February 2025. We offer the possibility to work remotely and to be regularly present at our offices in Cologne, Berlin, and Brussels.

The gross monthly salary for 38 hours per week is 2,064 euros, prorated for fewer hours. The remuneration for this position is based on our internal salary framework, informed by the collective agreement of the public service of the Länder. For a full-time (38 hours) position, the trainee will be offered 2.5 paid vacation days per month (15 days over the course of a six-month traineeship).

Diversity

We believe that our society’s behaviour disproportionately hurts the most marginalised people – including people of colour, people from working class backgrounds, people with disabilities, women and LGBTIQ people. We are committed to challenge this through our work for socially just development and by creating a diverse workplace at our organisation. Hence, we strongly encourage applications from people who are members of marginalised communities.

Application procedure

Please send: a) your CV (max 3 pages), b) a motivation letter (400–500 words) explaining why you would like to work with ZOE Institute as a Communications Trainee to applications@zoe-institut.de. Please do not attach a photo to your application. Please state “Communications Trainee” in the subject line. If we shortlist you for an interview, we will get back to you as soon as possible with dates for an online interview.

In case of any questions please contact applications@zoe-institut.de.

Thank you very much for your interest in ZOE Institute.