Virginia Tech School of Public and International Affairs

The Friedrich Ebert Foundation Washington, DC office organizes socio-political programs and events in the form of bilateral meetings, workshops, conferences, discussion groups, and delegation visits with international participants throughout the US. Events and programs serve to foster the economic, political, and social relations between the USA, Europe, and the Federal Republic of Germany. The promotion of social democratic values and ideas as well as the deepening and expansion of the transatlantic partnership stand at the center of this work. Specific policy areas include democracy and pluralism, social-economic and labor affairs, and foreign and security policy.

The FES is Germany’s oldest political foundation and is committed to the advancement of public policy issues in the spirit of the basic values of social democracy through education, research, and international cooperation. The foundation, headquartered in Bonn and Berlin, was founded in 1925 and is named after Friedrich Ebert, Germany’s first democratically elected president. Important working areas of the FES include political education and international cooperation. The FES manages adult education centers and regional offices in Germany, maintains branch offices in over 90 countries and carries out activities in more than 100 countries.

Role Overview: The Program Officer for Foreign and Security Policies is a paid, full-time permanent position to conceptualize and implement international dialogue programs (e.g. political panel discussions, seminars, and conferences on current foreign and security topics) relevant to the transatlantic partnership between members of Congress, the German Bundestag, the U.S. and German governments and think tanks. The right candidate has a deep understanding of German, European, U.S. and transatlantic politics, as well as international policy issues. The applicant enjoys critical thinking and writing and/or editing articles on U.S. American politics. A key element of this position is the ability to build and maintain networks of political partners. The applicant needs to be able to delegate, supervise, and/or support logistical, operational, and communication details for individual projects. Must be able and willing to travel. The ideal candidate will be highly organized, responsible, proactive, professional, and able to multitask; a quick and eager learner, and has extremely high professional standards. Knowledge of German is beneficial but not a requirement.

Education and Work Experience: Minimum qualifications include at least a B.A. or similar degree. Minimum of two years professional experience.

Compensation: Competitive salary, group health insurance, paid vacation and sick leave, as well as SEP IRA (SEP IRA is eligible after 1 year)

Additional Application Instructions

Applicants who are not U.S. citizens must have a valid work permit. A sponsorship by FES is not possible. 

Application Deadline: October 24, 2022. 

Please e-mail your resume and cover letter with the subject line “FES Program Officer for Foreign and Security Policies” to: Ms. Reka Schaumann at r.schaumann@fesdc.org