European Government Relations Adviser

• Start Date: As soon as possible

• Contract Type: Full-time

• Closing Date: 25 September 2026

• Location: Berlin, Germany

We encourage early applications. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and the vacancy may close early if sufficient suitable applications are received.

About Wellcome

Wellcome is a global charitable foundation dedicated to improving health for everyone. We achieve this by funding cutting-edge science, shaping policy, leading advocacy initiatives, and building impactful partnerships.

Over the next decade, we will invest £16 billion in advancing discoveries across life, health and wellbeing, while addressing three urgent global health challenges: mental health, infectious diseases, and climate and health. Solving these challenges requires not only scientific excellence but also strong policy engagement and international collaboration.

About the Europe Office

Wellcome’s Europe Office, established in 2018 and based in Berlin, serves as a hub for engagement with European governments and institutions, with a strong focus on EU Institutions and Germany. The office operates as a subsidiary of Wellcome Trust Ltd. (London).

Role Purpose

To advance Wellcome's policy objectives in Europe by building and managing relationships with EU institutions, national governments, policymakers, and influential stakeholders; shaping science and research policy discussions through political insight and strategic engagement; and identifying opportunities to strengthen Wellcome's impact on the European science policy landscape.

Key Responsibilities

Policy & Advocacy

• Support the development and delivery of Wellcome's science policy, advocacy and government relations activities across Europe, with a focus on EU institutions

• Monitor, analyse and communicate policy developments relevant to Wellcome's priority areas, specifically in the area of science policy.

Stakeholder Engagement & Representation

• Build and maintain relationships with policymakers, civil society organisations, research organisations and other key stakeholders.

• Organise and support stakeholder engagement activities, roundtables, events and policy discussions.

• Represent Wellcome at internal and external forums

Project Delivery & Collaboration

• Support development and deliver advocacy projects from planning through implementation and evaluation.

• Monitor progress, manage risks and ensure effective use of resources and budgets.

• Work collaboratively across Government Relations, Policy, Communications and Strategic Partnerships teams through a matrix-management approach.

Skills & Experience

Essential

• At least five years’ professional experience in public affairs or advocacy involving European stakeholders, or professional experience in government ministries, parliament or political parties

• A degree in a relevant field, such as political science, international relations, European studies, public health or science

• Strong knowledge of and professional experience in European science policy, together with an established network of relevant stakeholders in Europe

• Experience producing policy and political analysis for executives and senior decision-makers in a complex environment

• Project-management experience, including managing changing priorities and timelines, including under time pressure

• Experience engaging in and contributing to political decision-making processes through policy advice and by connecting relevant decision-makers

• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills in English.

Desirable

• Existing network within EU institutions and/or research communities.

• Experience working across multiple European countries.

• Knowledge of other European languages.

Personal Profile

• Strong stakeholder-management and advocacy skills, including the ability to identify key stakeholders and build trust with them, both internally and externally

• A very good understanding of how political influence works

• Analytical and critical thinking skills, with the ability to identify and prioritise the key aspects of a challenge and find solutions to complex problems

• Project management: very good skills in planning and delivering projects or programmes to achieve defined objectives successfully. High attention to detail.

• Ability to work in a changing and complex environment

• Excellent presentation and facilitation skills

• Strong time-management skills and a proactive, creative approach to work

• A collaborative, reliable and cooperative team player

• A confident manner and high level of motivation

What We Offer

• Competitive salary of €70,000 - €80,000 p.a., plus performance-related bonus opportunities

• Monthly meal allowance

• Company pension scheme with employer contributions

• 30 days' annual leave based on a five-day working week

• Flexible working hours to support work-life balance

• Hybrid working model: We work from the office three days per week (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday), with the remaining two days worked either remotely or from the office

• Professional development and learning opportunities

• Modern office located at Alexanderplatz, featuring a rooftop terrace, access to the building's gym, and a selection of complimentary snacks and refreshments

• An inclusive, international, and mission-driven team where collaboration comes naturally, ideas are shared openly, and you'll quickly feel part of both the work and the team.

Diversity & Inclusion

Wellcome is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are happy to discuss flexible working arrangements. We also ensure an inclusive recruitment process and will make reasonable adjustments for candidates with disabilities or long-term conditions.

Travel

This role requires flexibility and regular travel of up to 50%, including frequent engagement in Brussels, travel to London, and occasional European travel to support Wellcome’s priorities.

Why Join Us?

You will be part of a purpose-driven international organisation working to improve health through science. We offer a collaborative and inclusive working environment, meaningful work with impact, and the opportunity to engage with leading policymakers, researchers and partners across Europe.

Interested?

We would be delighted to hear from you. Please submit your application, including your CV, cover letter and earliest possible start date, to: Alexander Ortner, Operational Lead, Europe Office, careers@wellcome.org