Job Advertisement: Research Assistant (f/m/diverse) Effectiveness of Development Policy

The German Institute of Development and Sustainability gGmbH (IDOS) in Bonn is one of the leading research institutes on development policy. It contributes, through research, policy advice and training, to finding answers to global questions affecting our future.

The research project “[Effectiveness of Development Policy](https://idos-research.de/en/research/description/details/the-effectiveness-of-development-policy/ "To the project”)" of IDOS research department “[Inter- and Transnational Cooperation](https://idos-research.de/en/inter-and-transnational-cooperation/ "To the research department”)" is looking for a

Research Assistant (f/m/diverse)

Would you like to acquire foundational knowledge of German and international development cooperation and support our ongoing research on effectiveness of development policy while? Then we encourage you to apply. Our project analyses, among other things, how current geopolitical events affect development policy and how discourse in development policy has changed over time. Our research topics comprise results-based management (RBM), quality standards for effective development cooperation and the geopoliticisation of development policy.

Your main responsibilities include researching and analysing topic of geopolitical competition, support in evaluating text-based datasets using natural language processing (NLP), and assistance with the work of providing research-based policy advice. As part of a team of two researchers, you will be able to attain in-depth insights into the politics of German and international development cooperation while honing your analytical skills.

Qualifications and requirements:

Current Master’s student in economics, sociology, psychology, human geography, public policy, political science or another social science
Employment of advanced BA candidates as student assistants possible (MA preferred)
Interest in development cooperation, ideally documented through university-level courses and extracurricular activities
Experience with qualitative and/or quantitative research methods, especially the analysis of qualitative interviews and/or natural language processing (NLP)
Experience with Excel, R, Python, ATLAS.ti, MAXQDA or similar software packages is an advantage
Native or very good language skills in English and/or German (English required)
Commitment to being present at IDOS in Bonn on two days per week
Student status until at least the end of 2026 (start date could be as soon as possible and ideal duration would be at least one year).

We offer:

Payment of 15.00 € gross/hour, with flexible working hours and typically 39,5 hours per month (number of hours per month is negotiable, BA students hourly rate is 14.00 € gross)
Insights into policy advice for German and international development policy
Support during the drafting of scientific studies
Flexible working days in coordination with other team members
A modern and inspiring workplace with a good working atmosphere at a leading think tank in global development research and development policy.

In the case of equal qualification, physically challenged persons will be given preference.

In case you have any questions, please feel free to contact Dr. Tim Hailer-Röthel or Dr. Heiner Janus.

This job offer is exclusively for enrolled students. Applicants must be currently enrolled in a bachelor’s or master’s programme. Candidates who already have a master’s degree are unfortunately not eligible for formal reasons, even if they are enrolled in another master’s programme. In your application email, please confirm how long you will be enrolled at a University and that you are based in Bonn or the vicinity and able to commute to the office. Please refrain from an application if you do not fulfil the above-mentioned criteria.

We look forward to receiving your application. Please send your application documents (cover letter, CV, academic transcripts, proof of student status) by 6 July 2026 via email to Dr. Tim Hailer-Röthel at tim.roethel@idos-research.de.

German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS)

Tulpenfeld 6, 53113 Bonn

Telefon +49 (0)228 94927-0, Telefax +49 (0)228 94927-130

idos@idos-research.dewww.idos-research.deBlueSkyLinkedIn

Contact

Dr. Tim Hailer-Röthel

E-mailtim.roethel@idos-research.de

Dr. Heiner Janus

E-mailheiner.janus@idos-research.de

Application

Please send your application documents (cover letter, CV, academic transcripts, proof of student status) by 6 July 2026 via E-mail to Dr. Tim Hailer-Röthel.

E-mailtim.roethel@idos-research.de