Working Student - Data & Polling (m/f/d)

The European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR) seeks a Data and Polling Working Student to support its growing data and polling work. Through extensive EU and non-EU public opinion polling, policymaker surveys, and other desk-based data collection, ECFR produces evidence-based foreign policy recommendations and connects decision makers to the views and priorities of citizens on salient global issues. The Data and Polling Working Student will provide cross-cutting support to the Data and Polling Team, participating in data research and analysis, preparing graphs and briefings on findings, and other tasks as necessary.

The Working Student will gain insight into the data-backed policy research and advocacy at one of Europe’s leading foreign policy think tanks. Working at the intersection of data analysis and international relations, they will help contribute towards central debates and issues being addressed by ECFR.

Working closely with the Data Centre and Polling Lead and the Research and Data Officer, the Working Student will:

• Analyse the data received from opinion polls, expert surveys, and other collection methods to extract the key results.
• Produce graphs and other data visualisation tools to communicate the data.
• Prepare briefings for ECFR colleagues to present the findings in meetings, workshops, public events, and other fora.
• Other general responsibilities may reasonably be requested over time.

Additional tasks may be assigned in line with broader ECFR organisational priorities.

Education & Qualifications:

• Currently enrolled in a Master’s in the field of Sociology, International Relations, Political Science, or equivalent. Please note that graduates are not eligible.
• Good or Excellent knowledge of Excel; familiarity with SPSS (or another statistical software) as a strong asset.
• Strong interest in data-based research; proven track record in such research as an asset.
• Excellent written and oral communication in English; other languages are a plus.
• Interest in public opinion and European foreign policy, EU affairs, or international relations.

• MS-Office and IT skills, including the use of Excel; familiarity with SPSS (or another statistical software) as a strong asset.
• Flexible and multitasking with the ability to adapt to changing conditions and demanding deadlines.
• Ability to work individually, as well as part of a multi-disciplinary and multi-national team, and to develop effective relationships across the organisation.
• Can-do attitude, self-initiative, curiosity, and willingness to learn.
• Excellent organisation skills with a good eye for detail and accuracy.

• Working Student Contract from September 2026 to June 2027
• Stipend: 14 euros per hour
• Convenient office location in the heart of Berlin
• Stimulating and open work culture at an innovative and renowned pan-European think tank with partly hybrid work opportunities that allow flexibility while maintaining productivity and collaboration.
• Opportunity to collaborate with highly motivated and committed colleagues from diverse backgrounds across Europe, within an organization that holds a distinguished position and wide recognition within the think tank world.

If this is of interest, we look forward to receiving your application!
Closing Date: 3rd June 2026

Please use the apply button to submit your cover letter and CV in English (max. 2 pg. and pdf format)

Candidates must be eligible to work in Germany and must be enrolled as a student.

Due to the volume of applications we receive, we will only be able to respond to candidates after the application deadline has passed. We appreciate your patience and understanding.

We care about your data privacy. If you are interested to know more about how we manage your personal data, you can find more information in this link: https://ecfr.eu/privacy-job-applicants/

ECFR is an Equal Opportunity Employer and we do not discriminate against applicants due to race, ethnicity, gender, veteran status, or on the basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.

STRICTLY NO AGENCIES PLEASE

The European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR) is an award-winning international think-tank that aims to conduct cutting-edge independent research on European foreign and security policy and to provide a safe meeting space for decision-makers, activists and influencers to share ideas. We build coalitions for change at the European level and promote informed debate about Europe’s role in the world.

In 2007, ECFR’s founders set about creating a pan-European institution that could combine establishment credibility with intellectual insurgency. Today, ECFR remains uniquely placed to continue providing a pan-European perspective on some of the biggest strategic challenges and choices Europeans need to confront, with a network of offices in seven European capitals, over 90 staff from more than 25 different countries and a team of associated researchers in the EU 27 member states. For more information check our website: ecfr.eu