Student Assistant: Research and Learning Networks

Student Assistant: Research and Learning Networks, 1. image

OVERVIEW

Fairtrade is the most recognized and trusted sustainability label, working to make trade fairer for people and planet.

For more than three decades, Fairtrade has been making an impact on the way trade works. We believe that every farmer and worker should have access to a better way of doing business, and a better way of living. 

Fairtrade International is an independent non-profit organisation representing more than two million small-scale farmers and workers worldwide. It owns the FAIRTRADE Mark, a registered trademark that appears on more than 37,000 products. Beyond certification, Fairtrade International and its member organisations (three producer networks and 19 national Fairtrade organisations) partner with producers and businesses, engage consumers, and advocate for a fair and sustainable future.

The Global Impact unit strengthens the Fairtrade system by driving institutional learning and effectiveness through robust monitoring and evaluation systems. We are the hub for the analysis and communication of high-quality data and information about Fairtrade and its impact. The unit is made up of two teams: Information & Knowledge (I&K) and Impact Management (IM). The former focuses on data analytics and visualization as well as drives Fairtrade’s decisions on what data we choose to pursue, manage, use, and govern. The latter focuses on Fairtrade’s impact at scale, new forms of collaboration, new platforms for learning and spreading what works, new ways to measure to innovate, and new types of impact services in projects and programs. 

The advertised position is located within the IM team of the Global Impact unit.

PRINCIPAL ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Academic Partnerships (40%)

  • Track deliverables, timelines, and milestones across multiple academic partnerships
  • Support coordination and communication with university partners on ongoing research collaborations
  • Assist in preparing partnership agreements, research proposals, and project documentation
  • Help organize and document meetings between Fairtrade staff and academic researchers, including our annual academic forum
  • Track academic publications coming out of these partnerships and academic research in general for further circulation with the unit and the wider Fairtrade System

 

Research Events (40%)

  • Assist in planning and coordinating research conferences, workshops, and webinars, specifically the Global Impact webinar series, our annual Impact Community of Practice, and if relevant, support to the Fair Trade International Symposium or similar ad-hoc research events with Fairtrade participation
  • Support logistics including participant management, agenda development, and materials preparation
  • Help manage event communications with speakers, participants, and stakeholders
  • Coordinate digital platforms and technical requirements for hybrid or virtual events
  • Assist in post-event documentation, including reports and knowledge capture
  • Support dissemination of event outputs through various channels
  • Proactively identify external conferences which Fairtrade staff may participate in and present recent Fairtrade research

 

General (up to 20%)

  • Contribute to literature reviews and light research needs relevant to service delivery requests the Global Impact team receives
  • Support the development of research briefs and presentations for internal and external audiences as required in relation to service delivery requests

 

SKILLS REQUIRED

Essential

  • Currently enrolled in a master's degree in international development, sustainability, environmental studies, agricultural economics, or any related field of study which may be of relevance to Fairtrade
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
  • Strong organizational skills with ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
  • Attention to detail and commitment to accuracy
  • Self-motivated with ability to work independently and as part of a remote team
  • Ability to manage time and deadlines responsibly 
     

Highly Desirable

  • Interest in sustainability standards, fair trade, or international development
  • Familiarity with academic research processes and terminology
  • Experience with event planning or coordination
  • Knowledge of digital collaboration and productivity tools (Teams, relevant AI platforms like Claude, Canva, etc.,)

 

Personal Qualities

  • Diplomatic and culturally sensitive approach to international collaboration
  • Proactive problem-solver with strong initiative
  • Ability to synthesize complex information into clear, accessible formats
  • Flexible and adaptable to changing priorities
  • Genuine interest in evidence-based approaches to social and environmental impact
  • Open to feedback and willing to engage with it


 


 

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

  • This is a part-time Student Assistant position (12 hours per week) within Fairtrade International.
  • Location is at Fairtrade International offices in Bonn, Germany with occasional travel for events (as feasible)
  • Duration: until end of 2026, with possible extension depending on need and budget
  • Start Date: May 1st, 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter
  • The office language is English.
  • Salary as per the Collective Bargaining Agreement for the Wholesale and Foreign Trade Industries for North Rhine Westphalia Group II and over tariff payments

 Please note that only applicants who are enrolled in Bachelor/Master’s degree programs in German universities can be considered