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.
SECDEFPOL.1 – Security and Defence Policy Division is responsible for developing policies and coordinating/managing the EEAS’ overall contribution in the area of security and defence in the context of the implementation of the EU Global Strategy. This includes work on strategic issues and policy areas including cyber-security, hybrid, maritime security, as well as defence policy initiatives and development of civilian and military capabilities.
We propose
The position of Policy Officer in SECDEFPOL.1 division: contract agent FGIV as per article 3b of the Conditions of Employment of Other Servants of the European Union (CEOS).
The successful candidate will join the SECDEFPOL.1 Division’s Strategy and Coordination sector, and will contribute to the definition and implementation of EU political objectives, priorities and policies, with a particular focus on the area of EU Common Security and Defence.
We look for
We are looking for a dynamic, proactive and motivated candidate with strong coordination and analytical skills who has a good understanding of the EU policy making processes and decision-making procedures, as well as understanding of inter-institutional relations in addition to relevant policy experience in areas of security and defence.
The policy officer will be working in a friendly and dynamic environment and contribute to EU actions in the area of security and defence in the context of the implementation of the EU Global Strategy. He/she will have to work in an international and multicultural environment in close synergy with Member States and EU institutions and bodies.
The successful candidate does so through i.a. policy and concept development, analysis, context-specific technical advice, and knowledge management, working closely with Member States, EEAS geographical and relevant thematic services, EU Delegations, EUSR’s, Special Envoys, CSDP structures, Commission services and international partners.
Functions and Duties:
- Coordinate with EU actors and external stakeholders to maximise coherence and effectiveness of relevant EU security and defence policies in particular with regard to cross-cutting topics or themes;
- Analyse, follow-up and give regular assessments on relevant political, economic and sectoral developments in the areas of responsibility, identifying implications for EU priorities and interests in this domain;
- Support the coordination of relevant ministerial and other high level meetings;
- Support and assists the HoD in planning for the Political and Security Committee (PSC) and other Council bodies; maintain overview of the Divisions topics to facilitate their planning in PSC and other Council bodies;
- Support the HoD in horizontal tasks and at the division level cooperate closely with other policy officers and team members and ensure effective back-up within the division as required;
- Establish and maintain regular contacts and exchanges with other EU institutions, Member States, third countries, public and/or private international organisations and/or with research institutions and the academic community at large in the area of responsibility.
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 ability to maintain diplomatic relations and to ensure representation andcommunication in a complex, multicultural environment;
- have capacity to create constructive working relations in the field of external relations with national authorities, international organisations and EU Member States;
- have a previous experience in policy coordination function;
- have strong drafting and analytical skills combined with sound judgement;
- have experience of working with CFSP/CSDP policies;
- 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:
- experience of working in a team in multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural environment;
- experience in 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
Deadline for sending application: 21/05/2021 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.
Place of employment: EEAS Headquarters, Brussels, Belgium
Post available: 01/07/2021
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=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…).