Achim Maas studied political science with a focus on peace and conflict studies at Goethe University Frankfurt and the University of Bradford. In addition, he studied science management at the University of Speyer.

From 2006 and 2012, he worked for adelphi, focusing on the topics climate change, energy security, and resource governance, particularly in developing and emerging economies. He worked closely with the different German Federal departments, the EU, the UN and other international organisations.

Achim Maas joined the RIFS in 2012 and has been working in different positions. Since 2018, he is coordinating the Fellow Programme and the Incubator of the RIFS.