Freelance work in communication and organisational support

The tasks cover two main areas: communication and organisational support for IRGAC. The main focus is on effectively communicating and disseminating the group's scientific work and results to a broad public. In addition, support is required for the organisational implementation of events aimed at reaching a politically interested audience that is partly scientific and partly activist.

Freelance work in communication and organisational support

Background information

The International Research Group on Authoritarianism and Counterstrategies (IRGAC) is a research group at the University of Potsdam (UP) in cooperation with the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation. The group consists of around 20 scholar activists from countries of the so-called Global South. Its aim is to strengthen dialogue on authoritarian transformations and counterstrategies – both within the countries of the South and between the Global South and the North. The group meets weekly, organises events and publishes content on its website www.irgac.org and in other formats such as Instagram. The current project cycle ends on 31 December 2027; there is the possibility of a project extension.

Job description

Freelance services are being advertised in two areas of activity (lot 1 and lot 2). It is possible for one person to perform both activities. However, it is also possible for the activities to be performed by two different people. Therefore, it is possible to apply for both lots, but it is also possible to apply for only one lot. Most of the work can be done remotely. The working language of the group is English; therefore, very good English skills are a prerequisite for application (mandatory criterion). Basic German skills are desirable (optional criterion).

+++ Application via the application portal only! To enter the portal click here +++

Lot 1: Communication and social media management

Maintaining and updating the website www.irgac.org by posting articles and content in coordination with the editorial collective
Independent management and content creation for social media channels (currently Instagram, Bluesky and Substack)
Support in writing a monthly newsletter (Substack)

Lot 2: Organisational support for events

Support in the planning, organisation, implementation and follow-up of workshops, symposia and public events in Potsdam, Berlin and other European cities; including, for example, room booking; programme planning (in cooperation with researchers); public relations, support in booking travel and accommodation for participants and in preparing financial accounts. Any travel expenses incurred for event participation will be covered.
Support with monthly colloquia of the group at the UP, Campus Griebnitzsee (duration: approx. 2 hours)
Communication with international activists and scientists, including, for example, assistance with travel and hotel bookings

Requirements

Very good English skills (mandatory) and, if applicable, German skills (optional); language skills will be checked and evaluated on the basis of the documents/certificates submitted.
Background in social sciences or related disciplines (e.g. cultural studies, anthropology, history), to be proven by means of certificates – e.g. bachelor's degree; if no degree has yet been obtained, an official transcript of records showing exams/courses already passed must be submitted. Bachelor's degree; if no degree has yet been obtained, an official transcript of records showing exams/courses already passed must be submitted.
Lot 1: Experience/reference in digital communication and social media
Lot 2: Experience/reference in organisational support, ideally at universities or public institutions

Time frame

The activities will take place from 1 November 2025 to 31 December 2027.
The work for Lot 1 comprises approx. 6 hours per week.
The work for Lot 2 comprises approx. 10 hours per week.
The workload for both activities/lots may vary over time. However, fluctuations in time due to extra/less work will be balanced out over a monthly period.
The working hours are flexible in terms of time and location, and most of the work can be done remotely.
Sick days and holidays will be agreed upon between the contractor and the client on a case-by-case basis, but will not be remunerated.

Remuneration

The total budget available for this is €44,500.00 gross, of which approximately €16,687.50 is allocated to lot 1 and approximately €27,812.50 to lot 2. The spending period ends on 31 December 2027.
The offer price must include all services, including all costs (except travel expenses). In particular, VAT must be shown separately, if applicable.
The minimum hourly rate is €18.00 gross.
The maximum hourly rate is €24.65 gross.
Invoicing shall be on a monthly or quarterly basis.
For this purpose, the contractor must submit a verifiable invoice to the client in accordance with the Value Added Tax Act.

Application

Proof of qualification and suitability must be provided in the form of a meaningful cover letter, a current curriculum vitae and relevant evidence (e.g. references, certificates). In addition, at least one reference from a university/scientific institution or civil society actor must be provided (see sample reference list). These documents must be submitted together with the offer. Incomplete documents may result in exclusion.

The application must be submitted in a single PDF file with a maximum size of 5 MB. The maximum number of pages is 15 A4 pages. Failure to comply with the format may result in points being deducted.

+++ Application via the application portal only! To enter the portal click here +++

Award criteria

Price: 30% (evaluation using the price sheet to be submitted) – Please adhere to the above price specifications. Exceeding or falling below the hourly rate will automatically result in the bid being excluded.
Content suitability: 30% (evaluation of the cover letter and supporting documents)
Expertise in the specified activities and subject areas, relevant references and experience: 40% (evaluation of current CV and reference list)