Policy Manager (all genders)
The Sovereign Tech Agency is looking for an experienced Policy Manager to lead our policy work and translate the evidence, expertise, and practical experience generated through our programs into effective public policy.
Who we are
The Sovereign Tech Agency is an organization dedicated to the digital sovereignty of the economy and society. Our mission is to strengthen the foundations of our digital autonomy and secure open digital technologies as the critical infrastructure of the 21st century.
Open digital infrastructure is the backbone of the digital world. It is essential for the flow of information, for government, for business, and for innovation, much like roads and bridges in the physical world. The most effective strategy for building this infrastructure is open source software: it is the bedrock on which our digital society is built - powerful, collaborative, and democratic.
With a commission from the German Federal Ministry for Digital Transformation and Government Modernisation, we invest in critical software components, develop programs, and create structures that sustainably strengthen the open source ecosystem, including the people behind the code.
Our work is unique: we are leading the way on how governments engage with open digital infrastructure and laying the groundwork for how modern societies ensure resilience, technological diversity, and public digital services.
Together, we are building Europe’s digital future – open, secure, and sovereign.
Who we are looking for
We are looking for an experienced Policy Manager to lead and further develop the Sovereign Tech Agency’s policy work.
As Policy Manager, you will work closely with the Managing Director to develop the Agency’s policy positions and strategic priorities and represent our interests with ministries, European institutions, and other relevant stakeholders.
You will translate the Agency’s practical experience, as well as insights from research and data analysis, into policy positions and recommendations. At the same time, you will monitor relevant political and regulatory developments and bring these perspectives into the Agency’s work.
You do not need to be a software engineer or empirical researcher yourself. You should, however, be comfortable engaging with complex technical and research questions, drawing effectively on expertise across the organization, and translating it into into clear, well-founded policy conclusions.
The role reports directly to the Managing Director and requires the ability to represent the Sovereign Tech Agency independently and credibly in external settings.
Your Tasks
- Set and develop the Sovereign Tech Agency’s policy priorities and positions in close collaboration with the Managing Director
- Monitor and analyze relevant developments in German, European, and international technology policy
- Represent the Sovereign Tech Agency’s interests with ministries, European institutions, and other political stakeholders
- Develop concrete policy recommendations based on insights and experience from our programs, research, and technical work
- Prepare policy briefs, position papers, and statements on current policy developments
- Build and maintain strategic relationships and networks across politics, public administration, research, and civil society
- Collaborate closely with the Research, Programs, Technology, and Communications teams to develop shared policy positions and ensure consistent external communication across public appearances, statements, and publications
Your Qualities
- Several years of relevant professional experience in technology policy, digital policy, public policy, or a comparable field
- Strong knowledge of German and European policymaking processes and institutions
- Experience developing policy positions and engaging with complex technical and scientific topics
- Strong political judgment and excellent analytical, writing, and communication skills
- Ability to represent the Sovereign Tech Agency independently and credibly
- Professional fluency in German and English (at least CEFR C1 in both languages). As English is our working language, you should feel confident communicating in English
- Enjoy working collaboratively, engaging in open discussions, and contributing to a constructive feedback culture
- A structured, independent, and proactive approach to work, along with confidence using modern collaboration tools
Your motivation, attitude, and vision are as important as your resume. Even if you don’t fit all requirements, we welcome your application.
What we offer
- Based on experience and qualifications, the annual compensation for this role (at 40 hours per week) is 62,000 to 89,500 Euro, aligned with the TVöD-Bund wage agreement for the public sector
- Flexible and remote-friendly work arrangements are possible; our office is located in Berlin-Mitte
- Employment under German law; work and residence must be in Germany
- 31 days of vacation (based on a 5-day work week)
- Support for your professional and personal development, including the opportunity to attend international conferences
- Initial two-year term with the goal of converting subsequently to an open-ended contract
