Freelance Opportunity

Key Expert Team Lead “Cultural Relations Platform”

As the cultural institute of the Federal Republic of Germany, the Goethe-Institut operates 150 institutes in 99 countries worldwide. With over 70 years of experience, we facilitate international cultural exchange, promote access to the German language, and support the unimpeded development of culture. Our mission encompasses fostering mutual understanding, providing information about cultural, social, and political life in Germany, and promoting German language teaching and learning.

About the opportunity


The Goethe-Institut expects to be invited to submit a bid to provide technical assistance to the EU for the Cultural Relations Platform. The Cultural Relations Platform is an EU-funded project that connects cultural practitioners worldwide for dialogue, exchange and cooperation. It also provides expertise to the European Union (EU) in the field of international cultural relations. It raises awareness of the vital role international cultural relations play in fostering knowledge exchange, deepening intercultural understanding, and supporting economic, social, and human development, while also contributing to peacebuilding and conflict resolution.

Key activities of the Cultural Relations Platform include:

  • Conducting research on the cultural and creative sectors across various countries globally
  • Facilitating cooperation and networking between cultural practitioners within and outside the EU including cultural organisations, private foundations and civil society stakeholders
  • Offering strategic advice and expertise to EU institutions and EU delegations
  • Enhancing skills and capacities of cultural practitioners globally to deliver international cultural relations

Role

The Team Leader will be responsible for the overall management of the Cultural Relations Platform and for ensuring the effective coordination and implementation of all project activities. The Team Leader will demonstrate strong qualifications, relevant expertise, and a proven track record of leadership. He/she must possess excellent interpersonal skills, a collaborative and team-oriented approach, and the ability to engage effectively with relevant stakeholders.

The Team Lead position requires a commitment of 1000 days over 60 months and is preferably based in Brussels. Regular travel is required.

Estimated start date for this assignment is 15th of December 2025 with a project period of 60 months. Contracting will be subject to contract award.

The candidate should have the following profile:

Qualifications and skills

  • University degree (Bachelor degree) or Advanced university degree (Master degree) in a discipline relevant to the scope of the assignment such as public relations, international relations, political sciences, social sciences, arts and culture, cultural management, communication, EU affairs, economics or public administration.
  • Participation in at least three projects implying knowledge and understanding of Project Cycle Management and Logical Framework.
  • Participation in at least three projects in the field of ICR, CCIs and in connection to international cultural networks.
  • Participation in at least one project in the field of European or international affairs.
  • Fluency in English (CERF level C2), French and Spanish (CERF level B2 would be an asset)


General professional experience

  • At least 3 years of proven experience as a team leader in managing projects/programmes (project management skills; people management skills to be able to lead, coach and motivate a team of experts to deliver the required results; experience in people and resource management);
  • At least 5 years of post-graduate professional experience among the following areas: international relations (including the EU), Cultural Diplomacy/ICR, culture/creative sectors, policy making, event management, networking activities.

Specific professional experience

  • At least 3 years of post-graduate professional experience in working at international level in the field of Cultural Diplomacy/ICR.
  • At least 3 years of post-graduate professional experience in working in cultural environment worldwide and with networks of artists and cultural operators, civil society, think-tanks, academia, research institutes and other relevant organisations.
  • Participation in at least one EU-funded technical assistance project of similar global geographical scope and/or contractual value

How to apply

If you are interested in this assignment, please send us your CV and motivation letter tailored to the above requirements and your daily rate to bewerbungen-bruessel-eu@goethe.de

The application deadline is 17.07.2025.

The selection will be based on professional background, relevant work experience, language skills and other criteria according to the requested qualifications. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and might be requested for interviews.
Please note: Only EU citizens or individuals with a valid residence and work permit for EU countries will be considered.

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