> They don’t employ software-developers.

They actually do employ developers: https://www.sovereign.tech/programs/fellowship

> The projects need to apply repeatingly for funding.

Still better than no funding at all.

I don't think the Fellowship qualifies as "working for STF". These people are being paid/supported for the work they do in their own projects. They're not being paid to work on/work for STF to help them steer/analyze/control the other projects that are being funded.

EDIT: OPs comment can be understood in multiple ways: Should STF hire Developers to work on their own projects, or should they hire Developers to understand/guide/manage the funded projects in a better way.

> Compensation is based on the collective agreement for the public sector in Germany (TVöD-Bund) and will range from €64,000 to €82,000 per year for a full-time position, including 30 days of vacation, depending on qualifications and experience.

LOL. That's €32,122 net for a full time position. And you're not even allowed to work from a place in southern Europe where you can actually live from that amount of money.