Volunteer at Understanding Europe

Understanding Europe is a peer-to-peer education programme coordinated by young people for young people. We empower youth across Europe to explore democratic citizenship, engage critically with current issues, and contribute to a more just and open society. Through non-formal educational formats and local project work, we create spaces for dialogue, learning, and collective action. Understanding Europe is part of the Schwarzkopf-Stiftung Junges Europa, based in Berlin, which supports young Europeans through education, exchange, and civic participation.

We are currently looking for one full-time volunteer to join our team in Berlin as part of the European Solidarity Corps (ESC), formerly known as the European Voluntary Service. The position will begin on 1 February 2026. To learn more about the ESC programme, please click here.

We’re looking for someone who is enthusiastic, open-minded, and motivated to support our mission. Ideal candidates will have strong English skills, previous volunteer experience, curiosity about project- and social media management, and enjoy working collaboratively.

TASKS & RESPONSIBILITIES

As a volunteer with the Understanding Europe Team, you will support our efforts to empower young people through educational initiatives. Your responsibilities will include:

• Assisting the preparation of our international network events, including the European Summer School, Transnational Trainings for Trainers and the Coordinators’ Meetings
• Supporting the creation of educational material and publications for Peer Trainers and Peer Educators, as well as other multipliers of European Citizenship Education
• Facilitating network exchange and mutual support between volunteers from various European countries
• Supporting the collection of activity reports from participating network countries
• Assisting the curation of Understanding Europe’s presence on social media and the Understanding Europe website, as well as planning and creating content for various channels in collaboration with a social media working group with volunteers from the Understanding Europe network
• Developing new ideas to implement our mission of fostering democratic citizenship education and civic participation
• Contributing to cross-programme line working groups and discussion rounds within the Schwarzkopf Foundation

WHAT WE AND ESC OFFER

• Hands-on experience in the operations of an international NGO,
• A vibrant, dynamic, and supportive team environment,
• Opportunities for personal and professional development,
• Financial contribution to your travel to and from Berlin,
• 800 € per month as pocket money and food allowance,
• Free accommodation in Berlin (either in a shared flat or a private space, depending on availability),
• Reimbursement for the cost of a monthly public transportation ticket, allowing travel across Germany by local and regional public transport,
• Reimbursement of up to 330 € for an in-person language course,
• Free health insurance, third-party liability insurance, and general accident insurance,
• On-Arrival Training and a Midterm Meeting organized by the national agency for ESC volunteers in Germany,
• A 36-hour work week with 30 days of vacation plus free days on December 24 and 31,
• Free time to maintain and foster mental and physical health during working hours (‘Wellbeing Hour’),
• Foundation-wide training programs (e.g., “Diversity Day”),
• BPoC safer space for employees and volunteers affected by racism and reflection space for employees and volunteers not affected by racism.

APPLICATION

Please submit your application online, using the following portal. 

In the online application form, please attach your CV in English. Additionally, you may either:

• Attach a letter of motivation, OR
• Share a short video (max. 3 minutes), an audio recording (e.g. voice memo or podcast-style intro, a simple slide presentation, a visual illustration or a creative written piece (max. 1 page) explaining why this position appeals to you and what you would bring to the team.

Only applicants from ESC-approved countries can be considered.

Application deadline: Sunday, 20th July 2025, at 23:59 CET.

We look forward to receiving applications from people of all nationalities, religions, genders, sexual identities, different ages (within the eligibility range), and people with disabilities.

Currently, our office spaces in Berlin are not completely barrier-free. We welcome the opportunity to discuss how we can enhance accessibility in our office. If you live with a disability, illness, or neurodiversity, please let us know how we can support you during the application process and in a potential role with us. For example, we can offer different interview formats or provide additional time for tasks. Your feedback is also important for us to enhance and adapt our office environment and work processes.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Daniela from the Understanding Europe team at d.cappuccio@schwarzkopf.stiftung.de.