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 in 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 Division “Horizontal Coordination and Protocol (BA.01)” is directly attached to the Director General for Budget and Administration (DG BA). It is responsible for matters such as the planning and reporting processes; relations with the Court of Auditors and OLAF; EEAS protocol. It also has a sector for Legal and Disciplinary Matters (BA.01.002), which cooperates closely with the EEAS Legal Division and supports the DG BA in all legal matters, in particular, with regards to DG BA legal bases, staff issues, protocol and infrastructure issues.
We propose:
The position of a Legal Officer – contract agent FGIV as per article 3b of the Conditions of Employment of Other Servants of the European Union (CEOS).
The position is in the Sector for Legal and Disciplinary Matters (BA.01.002). Under the direction of the Head of Sector, the selected candidate will be required to provide legal analysis, advice and assistance on horizontal legal issues and policy in the field of budget and administration, including in particular and not limited to human resources relating to local staff in Union Delegations (local agents) and data protection activities.
We look for
We are seeking a highly motivated colleague whose main tasks will include: drafting decisions, employment contracts, appeal replies, in particular on local agents; researching and providing legal advice on EU and local employment law; assisting the administration and Delegations in managing local agent employment contracts including for conflict resolution (also before local jurisdictions), disciplinary procedures and termination of contracts; policy development and case handling on data protection; other horizontal legal issues.
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 a valid FG for this post or
- (ii) be registered in the EPSO Permanent CAST in a valid FG for this post https://epso.europa.eu/apply/job- offers_en?keyword=&contract=37&grade=All&institution=101&location=All
- 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 professional experience in the treatment of legal questions;
- have sound knowledge of employment law and dispute resolution;
- have sound knowledge of EU legal and institutional matters;
- have knowledge of the Staff Regulations and Conditions of Employment of Other Servants of the European Union, in particular with regards to the employment of local staff in Union Delegations;
- have sound knowledge of EU data protection law, in particular that applicable to EU institutions;
- have knowledge of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (1961) and international law and practice on diplomatic relations;
- have strong drafting and analytical skills combined with sound legal judgement;
- have knowledge of external relations, internal policies and functioning of the Union;
- 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;
- have strong service attitude;
- be fluent in English and in French (both orally and in writing);
- be a flexible team player.
Furthermore:
- professional experience in employment law and disputes;
- professional experience in EU data protection law;
- ability to review laws and legal documents in other languages, in particular Spanish;
- experience of working in a team in multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural environment;
- experience working with or within other EU institutions, would be considered as strong assets.
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.
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.
Application and selection procedure2
Please send your CV and cover letter (with your EPSO CAST number) via email to ADMIN-COORD-LEGAL@eeas.europa.eu
Deadline for sending application: 14/04/2021 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 Empowered to Conclude Contracts of Employment. The Authority may decide to interview the candidates on the final shortlist before taking this decision.
Interviews will be scheduled in May 2021
Place of employment: EEAS Headquarters, Brussels, Belgium
Post available: 16/06/2021
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=CELEX:01962R0031- 20190101
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-statements).