We are:
The European External Action Service (EEAS) supports the work of the High Representative in defining and implementing an effective and coherent EU foreign policy. The EEAS supports his tasks of conducting the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy and chairing the Foreign Affairs Council. It also supports the High Representative in his capacity as Vice President of the Commission with regard to his responsibilities within the Commission in the external relations field including the coordination of other aspects of the EU’s external action. The EEAS works in close cooperation with Member States, the Council and relevant services of the European Commission.
The office of the Deputy Secretary-General for Political Affairs/Political Director supports the DSG in his political work and regularly liaises with relevant EEAS services, the Cabinet of the HR/VP, as well as EU institutions and Member States. The European Correspondents’ team (EEAS European Correspondent and deputy/ies) operates under the responsibility of the DSG and performs a number of horizontal duties in support to the EEAS and the HR/VP.
The European Correspondents’ team serves as the EEAS focal point for the network of European Correspondents and Deputy European Correspondents of Member States and also regularly liaises with EEAS services, the Cabinet of the HR/VP, EU institutions and representatives of third countries and international organisations as required.
The European Correspondents’ team is involved in horizontal policy coordination within the EEAS, notably ensuring the advance planning of political dialogue commitments at ministerial level and liaising with the rotating presidency, as well as in the internal policy formulation process, a.o. by providing policy advice on draft working papers, communications and external correspondence as required.
We propose:
The position of Policy officer (Deputy European Correspondent) – contract agent FGIV as per article 3b of the Conditions of Employment of Other Servants of the European Union (CEOS).
The position is situated in the Office of the Deputy Secretary-General for Political Affairs/Political Director. As part of the European Correspondents’ team, the Deputy European Correspondent supports the DSG in carrying out his functions while providing assistance to other EEAS services and the HR/VP as required.
We look for:
We are seeking a highly motivated candidate with sound political judgement to join a small team that works in a very political and fast-paced environment. The post involves regular travelling.
The Deputy European Correspondent, together with the European Correspondent, will provide policy advice and support to the DSG/Political Director in carrying out his functions and activities. S/he will also be involved in horizontal policy coordination within the EEAS and preparation of the informal meetings of EU Foreign Ministers (Gymnich) and EU Political Directors.
Legal basis
The vacancy is to be filled in accordance with the conditions stipulated under the Conditions of Employment of Other Servants of the European Union (CEOS). 1
The successful candidate will be offered a contract agent position (Function group IV); renewable contract for a maximum duration of 6 years (with a valid CAST exam).
Eligibility criteria
Candidates for this contract agent IV post should:
- (i) have passed a valid EPSO CAST in FG IV ;
or
(ii) be registered in the EPSO Permanent CAST in FG IV https://epso.europa.eu/apply/job-offers_en?keyword=&contract=37&grade=Al…; - have completed university studies of at least three years attested by a diploma;
- have the capacity to work in languages of CFSP and external relations necessary for the performance of their duties. Knowledge of other EU languages would be an asset;
- be a national of one of the Member States of the European Union and enjoy full rights as a citizen.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Candidates should:
- have an excellent ability to maintain diplomatic relations and to ensure representation, communication in a complex, multicultural environment;
- have an excellent capacity to create constructive working relations with national authorities, international organisations and EU Member States;
- have strong drafting, communication and analytical skills combined with sound judgement;
- have excellent knowledge of external relations, internal policies and functioning of the Union;
- have in particular an extensive and proven experience and knowledge of the EU’s CFSP;
- have excellent communication skills and the ability to establish and maintain a network of contacts both within and outside the EEAS;
- have the ability to communicate clearly on complex issues and the capacity to perform with accuracy and in a flexible manner a diversity of tasks in a complex institutional environment;
- be a flexible team player, capable to work effectively under stress;
- have strong service and team attitude;
- be fluent in English and in French (both orally and in writing).
Furthermore, the following would be considered strong assets:
- experience of working in a team in multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural environment;
- experience of negotiations;
- knowledge of EU languages other than English and French.
Equal opportunities
The EEAS is committed to an equal opportunities policy for all its employees and applicants for employment. As an employer, the EEAS is committed to promoting gender equality and to preventing discrimination on any grounds. It actively welcomes applications from all qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds and from the broadest possible geographical basis amongst the EU Member States. We aim at a service which is truly representative of society, where each staff member feels respected, is able to give their best and can develop their full potential.
Candidates with disabilities are invited to contact CONTRACTAGENTS-HQ@eeas.europa.eu in order to accommodate any special needs and provide assistance to ensure the possibility to pass the selection procedure in equality of opportunities with other candidates. If a candidate with a disability is selected for a vacant post, the EEAS is committed to providing reasonable accommodation in accordance with Art 1d.4 of the Staff Regulations.
Specific conditions of employment
The signature of the contract will be subject to prior favourable opinion of the Medical Service.
The successful candidate might be required to undergo security vetting if she or he does not hold already a Personal Security Clearance to an appropriate level, in accordance with relevant security provisions.
Application and selection procedure2
Please send your CV and cover letter (with your EPSO CAST number) via email to POL@eeas.europa.eu
Deadline for sending application: 26/02/2021 at 18.00 CET.
Candidates shall draft their CV following the European CV form which can be found at the following internet address:http://europass.cedefop.europa.eu/en/documents/curriculum-vitae.
Late applications will not be accepted.
The selection panel will make a pre-selection on the basis of the qualifications and professional experience described in the CV and motivational letter, and will produce a shortlist of eligible candidates who best meet the selection criteria for the post. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be informed about the outcome of the pre-selection phase.
The candidates who have been preselected will be invited for an interview by a selection panel. The panel will recommend a shortlist of candidates for a final decision by the Authority Authorised to Conclude Contracts of Employment. The Authority may decide to interview the candidates on the final shortlist before taking this decision.
Place of employment: EEAS Headquarters, Brussels, Belgium
Post available.
1 Staff Regulations of Officials (SR) and the Conditions of Employment of Other Servants of the European Union (CEOS). For reference, see https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?qid=1570023902133&uri=CE…
2 Your personal data will be processed in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2018/1725, as implemented by ADMIN(2019)8 Decision of the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. The privacy statement is available on the Europa website: (http://eeas.europa.eu/data_protection/rights/index_en.htm) and on the EEAS Intranet: (https://intranet.eeas.europa.eu/page/eeas-work/data-protection/privacy-s…).