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.
Within the EEAS, the role of the Human Rights Division is to contribute to the realisation of the EU Treaty commitment and political objective of promoting human rights, the rule of law and democracy towards third countries and in the multilateral framework.
The Human Rights Division is responsible for:
- Mainstreaming human rights policy in EU external policies, including in crisis management, political dialogues with third countries and, in country and regional strategies.
- Carrying forward a policy of outreach and dedicated human rights dialogues and consultations with third countries, with a view to fostering mutual understanding and cooperation at the bilateral and multilateral level to improve human rights situations.
- Developing and supporting EU thematic strategies, including the implementation of the EU Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy 2020 – 2024 and EU human rights guidelines with a view to addressing specific human rights concerns.
- Working closely with Member States in the Council, particularly the Working Group on Human Rights, as well as with the European Parliament, notably the Subcommittee on Human Rights, towards forging coherent EU policy positions on human rights in both bilateral relations with third countries and in multilateral fora.
- Maintaining close relations with civil society organisations and human rights defenders from the EU and third countries working in the field of human rights, with a view to strengthening civil society engagement.
- Programming financial assistance and support under the Human Rights and Democracy component of the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation (NDICI) – Global Europe, as well as contributing to and participating in its implementation.
- We are a highly motivated team of 20 staff members.
We propose
The position of policy officer in the Human Rights Division – contract agent FGIV as per article 3b of the Conditions of Employment of Other Servants of the European Union (CEOS).
Working under the direction of the Head of Division, the main responsibilities of the selected candidate will be:
- Contribute to the implementation of the EU Global Human Rights Sanction Regime, including determination of new designations and review of current listings, and provide thematic expertise in this regard.
- Support the implementation of the EU Policy Framework on Transitional Justice and coordinate country activity in this regard.
- Contribute to the fight against impunity and serve as focal point on human rights in conflicts and crises.
- Act as a human rights focal point for a selected countries / regions to be determined, and prepare, participate and follow up on Human Rights Dialogues and relevant aspects of Political Dialogues.
- Contribute to the overall implementation of the mandate of the Human Rights division.
We look for
We are seeking a highly motivated, proactive, flexible colleague with sound political judgement and excellent communication skills to join a dynamic team in a fast-paced environment.
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=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 ability to maintain diplomatic relations and to ensure representation and communication 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 strong drafting and analytical skills combined with sound judgement;
- have good 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 proven thematic knowledge and experience in the field of human rights, particularly in the areas described for this position;
- 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;
- experience of working in an Embassy, an EU Delegation (or equivalent in an international organisation)
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 HUMAN-RIGHTS@eeas.europa.eu
Deadline for sending application: 10/09/2021 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: 1 November 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…).