Project Officer (m/f/d)

The Global Young Academy (GYA) is a vibrant, independent young academy of science with 200 members from more than 60 different countries. The GYA works to elevate the voice of young scientists in evidence-informed and inclusive global, regional and national decision making. It has a developed voice regarding the early-career perspective on important science policy questions, contributes to science diplomacy, and is engaged in capacity building. The office of the academy is publicly funded and hosted at the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina.

We are looking for a Project Officer with experience in science management who will be responsible for coordinating the GYA’s annual meeting, which is the key annual event of the Academy; the next one will take place in Jogjakarta, Indonesia, in June 2027. In these annual meetings, GYA members come together for a public conference dedicated to current developments in science and the research environment, to shape their collaboration within the GYA and expand their network contacts. Joint projects are discussed and agreed upon across disciplinary boundaries. At the same time, partnerships with other scientific organizations are maintained, and networking with the host institution and the corresponding national research environment is promoted.

The work of the new Project Officer entails the lead organisation of the event, in collaboration with volunteer GYA members and the team at the GYA administrative office, and - working together with another staff member - securing sustainable international funding for the event. Further task areas include handling the nominations procedures of the Academy and overall contributing to the strategic development of the GYA.

Start date: 1 July 2026

Duration: initially for one year, prolongation is foreseen, subject to funding decisions

Location: German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina, Halle (Saale), Germany

Contract and salary: In accordance with the German labour agreement for public services TVöD (Bund), depending on the appointed candidate's level of work experience (up to E 13 TVöD). Full time.

Project Officer (m/f/d)

(Reference 26-08)

Tasks and Responsibilities:

• Lead organiser for GYA’s Annual General Meeting consisting of an internal part and an international Young Scientists Conference (complete cycle: selection of the hosts, contract and cooperative content development, multi-faceted implementation in coordinaten with groups of members, local partners, event funders, and the GYA office team. Handling of high-ranking speakers and guests
• Working on fundraising initiatives for the Global Conference, cooperation with volunteer members of the GYA’s Fundraising Committee and other staff
• Providing strategic support for other selected members’ projects, including grant writing, mainly for science policy or capacity building initiatives
• Management of the GYA’s Nominations Procedures for ECR representation in important partner organisations and UN bodies
• Participation in the leadership meetings with the elected Co-Chairs and contribution to the strategic development of the organisation
• General support of the GYA Office

Requirements:

• Academic qualification, at least with a Master's degree
• At least 3 years of relevant job experience, ideally in science management and/ or international cooperation
• Fluent command of English and ability to work in German (level B2)
•  Experience in fundraising preferable
• Collaborative team player with experience working across cross-functional teams
• lntercultural competence and experience
• Readiness to travel internationally

The payment will be up to E 13 TVöD (Bund) according to the German public wage agreement. The working time is 39 hours per week (100%). The contract is initially for 1 year. We expect possibilities for expansion and prolongation depending on future funding. A long-term collaboration is intended. Part-time employment is possible by agreement. The place of work is at the Leopoldina headquarters in Halle (Saale).

The Leopoldina actively promotes the compatibility of family and career, including through flexible working hours and workplace arrangements as well as the possibility of mobile working by agreement. Within the scope of your activities, we offer numerous opportunities for further training and support your professional development. In addition, you will benefit from an occupational pension scheme, our company health management program, and the option of a job ticket.

The GYA is committed to a diverse workforce. We welcome applicants of any nationality who fulfil all requirements.

If you are interested in this position, please apply online via our application portal at www.leopoldina.org/jobs. The deadline for application is 11 May 2026.

We look forward to receiving your informative and complete application documents, including a cover letter, a detailed CV, certificates, and references, without a photograph. Applications must be submitted exclusively via the above-mentioned online portal. Unfortunately, application costs cannot be reimbursed.

The Global Young Academy at the Leopoldina is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. Applicants with severe disabilities will be given preferential consideration in the case of equal suitability, qualifications, and professional performance.

Applicants who are non-EU citizens and not citizens of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland need a valid German work permit.

For further information please consult www.globalyoungacademy.net or contact GYA Managing Director Beate Wagner at beate.wagner@globalyoungacademy.net.