Student assistant Power System Transformation (f/m/d)

Energy systems worldwide are undergoing rapid changes. Many countries have set themselves net-zero targets. While renewable energies play a pivotal role and fossil fuel phase-out is on the agenda, countries face significant challenges: grids and markets, regulation and system integration, structural change, and a just transition. In a nutshell, it is about reinventing energy systems.

This is where Agora Energiewende gets involved. Under the umbrella of the Agora Think Tanks (Agora Energiewende, Agora Industry and Agora Agriculture), we pursue a global climate-neutral energy system by the middle of the century. With around 180 employees at four locations worldwide, we combine research, dialogues, and public relations in our daily work to find answers to those questions crucial to the energy transition. In doing so, we work closely with partners in numerous countries. And - very importantly - we act independently and free of economic or party-political interests.

To strengthen our team in Berlin, Germany, we are seeking three

Student Assistants Power System Transformation (f/m/d)

(16-20 hours per week)

Your responsibilities include

The specific focus of your tasks will vary by cluster, but generally include:

• Supporting desk research, managing data sets, and performing systematic policy tracking of technical, regulatory, and political developments within the energy sector;
• Assisting in the preparation of qualitative and quantitative analyses on current issues of power system transformation, climate and energy policy;
• Consolidating knowledge on power system topics into PowerPoint presentations and other knowledge products;
• Providing organizational support for research projects by drafting project documentation and maintaining efficient workflows through digital tools such as Notion;
• Facilitating professional communications and providing support for meetings and events, including the preparation of agendas and minutes.

What we offer

• An opportunity to work in a mission-driven, highly motivated and professional team on an essential task for the future;
• An international working environment in a cooperative working atmosphere;
• Opportunity to interact with colleagues from all Agora teams and training participants and partners from around the globe;
• Opportunities to join and work on a variety of training activities and programmes;
• Flexible work schedule to accommodate university classes, and option of hybrid work (good home setup is provided);
• Opportunities for professional and personal development and advancement, including access to a mental well-being platform;
• One option from our benefit basket (e.g. Jobticket, Shopping Vouchers, Urban Sports);
• 29 vacation days per year (5-day working week) and 24 & 31 December off-work;
• A student employment contract initially limited to one year with appropriate compensation.

We are looking for

The following skills and experiences are intended as a guide rather than a rigid checklist. We are looking for demonstrable experience in at least some of these and evidence of capacity to build skills in other areas.

We are seeking 3 motivated student assistants with a strong interest in the global energy transition and knowledge of electricity systems. Ideally, student assistants have a completed bachelor's degree and are currently enrolled in a master's program (with at least one year remaining) in a relevant subject such as Energy, Engineering, Environmental Science, Sustainability, Economics, Finance, Physics, Data Science or Political/Social Science. You should possess an analytical mindset, a confident handle on qualitative and quantitative data, and an open-minded communication style suitable for a diverse, intercultural team. First work experience (e.g., internships) is an advantage. Excellent English skills are essential; additional languages relevant to our target regions are a plus.

Cluster 1: Techno-Economic Aspects of Power System Transformation

This cluster assesses technological and economic aspects of the transition, focusing on power system planning and the development fossil-to-clean pathways.

Specific Requirements:

• Completion of coursework in energy engineering, energy economics, or energy policy;
• Additional language skills in Indonesian, Vietnamese, Thai, Tagalog, Mandarin Chinese, Korean, Turkish, Spanish, or Portuguese is an advantage.

Cluster 2: Grids and Flexible Electrification

This cluster focuses on the physical and operational backbone of the transition, including transmission and distribution grid, distribution-edge solutions and electrification, and the stability and resilience of power systems with high shares of inverter-based resources and high electrification rate.

Specific Requirements:

• Must have technical knowledge of the power sector and strong data handling skills;
• Basic knowledge of operation model of grid companies, policy design, or legal/regulatory aspects of the power sector is a significant advantage.

Cluster 3: Enabling Conditions of a Just Power Sector Transition

This cluster works to enable a politically durable, socially equitable, and economically resilient energy transition. It focuses on enabling clean energy deployment, governing fossil phase-downs, and strengthening the macro- and socioeconomic foundations of the transition. Cutting across all three is an integrating focus on energy security, including supply chains and critical minerals.

Specific Requirements:

• A strong interest in the socio-economic and macroeconomic impacts of the energy transition;
• Capacity to support desk research, data management, and systematic policy tracking (particularly concerning the Renewable Energy Policy Framework);
• Coursework or academic focus in areas such as energy policy, development or energy economics, political economy or socioeconomics is a significant advantage.

How to apply

Applicants are encouraged to specify a preferred cluster in their letter of motivation. Alternatively, the selection committee will determine the best placement based on the candidate's profile and the specific requirements of the clusters.

Does our job offer appeal to you? We look forward to receiving your application until 10 May 2026 via our website.

For reasons of objectivity, we ask that you refrain from submitting an application photo.

We want an energy transition for everyone from everyone. Therefore, we are particularly pleased to receive applications from people from groups that have been underrepresented in energy policy so far. We welcome applications regardless of gender and gender identity, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability and age, and sexual orientation. Our offices are not completely barrier-free, but we are open to finding individual solutions.

We are soliciting anonymous information on a voluntary basis regarding our applicant's backgrounds. This information will be used only to inform future recruitment strategies and will not impact hiring decisions in any form. Your input will not be forwarded to third parties and will not be used in connection with your application.

Please follow this link to participate in the survey.

https://limes.sefep.eu/index.php/833735?lang=en

Personal contact for the position

If you have any questions, please contact Sandy Rosenhauer at [email protected].