Junior Expert: Socio-Cultural Transformations (f/m/d)

Start date: 1 September 2026

Duration: 2 years (with view to extension)

Location: Freiburg, Germany

Deadline for application: 15 July 2026

Do you want to contribute to making our cities better places to live?

ICLEI - Local Governments for Sustainability is a global network working with more than 2500 local and regional governments committed to sustainable urban development. Active in 125+ countries, we influence sustainability policy and drive local action for low emission, nature-based, equitable, resilient and circular development.

ICLEI‘s European Secretariat is based in Freiburg (Germany), with specialised offices in Brussels and Berlin. ICLEI Europe has more than 180 staff from all over Europe and beyond, covering a broad variety of professional disciplines and expertise.

Working with us, you will have opportunities to:

• Be part of an internationally recognised organization that inspires, supports and critically evaluates new trends in (co-)creating sustainable, climate neutral and resilient cities;

• Deepen your understanding of how cities design and implement sustainability and climate neutrality policies, what kind of challenges they face and how best to support them;

• Be part of, and attend, a diverse and exciting slate of global and European events and move forward the dialogue on sustainable cities;

• Contribute to European and international processes that influence urban policies, such as the EU Mission ‘100 Climate Neutral and Smart Cities’, the EU Green Deal, the New European Bauhaus, the UN SDGs, etc.;

• Grow professionally in a flexible, family-friendly work environment with opportunities for professional development, European travel, and cultural exchange.

Your job description will include the following main tasks:

 • Support the design and implementation of collaborative projects related to the New European Bauhaus, resilient built environments, and affordable and sustainable housing, including EU-funded initiatives;

• Assist in the planning and delivery of events, ranging from hands-on training sessions and workshops to European project meetings, conferences, and webinars;

• Conduct research and contribute to the drafting of publications and practical toolkits for urban practitioners, including reports, case studies, policy briefs, and news articles;

• Support project management activities, including coordination with project partners and funders, preparation of reports and deliverables, and general administrative and communication tasks.

We are looking for a person that meets the following criteria:

 • Strong understanding of and commitment to sustainable urban development, particularly in relation to the built environment, the New European Bauhaus, and the promotion of affordable, sustainable, and high-quality housing;

• Experienced in working in a project-based environment, ideally with European projects for and with local governments;

• Good communicator in person and in writing, confident in interacting with partners ranging from policy-makers to research institutes;

• Proficient in English and at least one more European language, spoken and written; more languages are an asset;

• Reliable, curious, able to work independently and keep calm in a fast-paced, international environment.

We offer you the following conditions:  

 • Initial 24 months contract with potential for extension;

• Gross salary according to the Junior Expert position in ICLEI’s salary grid (indicative: EUR 41.712 – 44.316 per annum);

• Place of work: Freiburg (Germany);

• 40h working week with flexible working time and the possibility to work up to 50% from outside the office ; 80% working arrangement possible;

• 6 weeks of paid leave per annum;

• Working language is English;

• Occasional travel within Europe is foreseen.

ICLEI Europe’s hiring policy is geared to ensure that the organisation hires employees without regard to their colour, religion, national origin, citizenship, age, sex, marital status, socio-economic background or sexual orientation. ICLEI’s policy is that applicants for employment and career progression are considered solely based on their qualifications and competencies.

Please note that applicants must – due to legal reasons – hold EU citizenship or valid EU residence permit and a valid German work permit. Applications not meeting these conditions can unfortunately not be considered.