Intern - Research Assistant, Congressional European Parliament Initiative (CEPI)

The Bertelsmann Stiftung, one of Europe’s largest think tanks, is looking for a part-time research assistant to work in the Stiftung’s Brussels office on its Congressional European Parliament Initiative (CEPI). CEPI is a joint project of the Bertelsmann Foundation Washington DC and the Bertelsmann Stiftung Brussels office. The program is intended to foster greater knowledge and debate between the US Congress and the European Parliament (EP).
CEPI will contribute to the creation of a common trans-Atlantic political culture to facilitate better policy cooperation and best-practice exchange in both legislative bodies. The program aims to connect Congressional staffers with EP staffers with similar policy expertise. More broadly, CEPI will provide a deeper awareness of the legislative process, and political and institutional challenges, across the Atlantic. The program builds the basis for policy exchange and coordination on numerous legislative issues with a trans-Atlantic dimension.
The research assistant will work in the Bertelsmann Stiftung Brussels office and report directly to the Executive Director of the Brussels office. In addition, the research assistant will work closely with the CEPI team in Washington DC.
Responsibilities will include:

•     Researching and tracking current foreign policy developments, particularly the trans-Atlantic agenda;
•     Event management, including preparation both of policy substance and organizational issues;
•     Liaising with government officials, the think tank community, the private sector and NGOs in Brussels;
•     Contributing to substantial reports and publications;
•     Assisting with program support for various panel discussions, conferences and workshops.

The ideal candidate would have:

•     Strong knowledge of the European Union and its institutions as well as the US
•     Willingness to perform administrative assistance, as needed;  
•     Familiarity to work on event management from both the policy side to the organizational detail;
•     Ability to work as a self-starter, but interest in working in a collaborative team environment;
•     Willingness to be responsible for project oversight and follow-through with attention to detail.
•     Fluency in English. Knowledge of French and/or German an advantage.

The job requires a high degree of professionalism, responsiveness and creativity. The position is paid.
Potential candidates should send a CV and cover letter: kara.sutton@bfna.org