We are:
The European External Action Service (EEAS), which 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 Communications Policy and Public Diplomacy Division (SG.STRAT.1) leads the European Union’s efforts on the public dimension of European diplomacy and its communication on Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, as well as its external action more broadly. It pro-actively communicates and enhances support for the values, policies, priorities, actions and impact of the EU as a global actor among EU citizens and at the international level.
The Division supports the EU Delegations and relevant Missions and Operations around the world in communicating and enhancing support for the EU and its activities and policies to the relevant audiences. It also supports and facilitates the internal communications in the European External Action Service and plays a leading role in information management activities.
We propose:
The position of Finance and Contracts Officer at the Communications Policy and Public Diplomacy Division (SG.STRAT.1) – Contract Agent FGIV as per article 3b of the Conditions of Employment of Other Servants of the European Union (CEOS).
We look for:
The Communications Policy and Public Diplomacy Division (SG.STRAT.1) is seeking to recruit an experienced and dynamic professional to reinforce the Budget and Finance Team.
We seek for a Finance and Contracts Officer who would contribute to the:
- representation of EEAS strategic communications at inter-institutional budget coordination, including follow-up with Commission (including FPI), Council, Parliament and others;
- oversight of the (forward) planning, implementation and reporting of EEAS Strategic Communication Divisions’ budget and resources;
- assistance of the Strategic Communication Divisions in the development of coherent business plans, ensuring resources are aligned with stated political priorities;
- Financial and Contractual Management of the Strategic Communication Divisions’ budget lines, including the roles of Operational Initiation and Verification (OIA, OVA) and Financial Initiation (FIA); and Financial Verification (FVA);
- coordination of the use of inter-institutional frameworks contracts;
- financial management, including procurement processes, of all communication activities, PR activities, EEAS public events, information under CSDP/CFSP, information outreach on EU external relations;
- liaising with the Resource Management Directorate and Audit and Legal Divisions;
- oversight of the allocation of the press and information budget to the EU delegations across the world;
- guidance and training of HQ and EU Delegations colleagues on budgetary and financial matters, including organisation, coordination and participation at internal courses, seminars, workshops and presentations and assure participation and reporting on the activities of the budget and finance team.
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
In order to be eligible for the post of contract agent FG IV candidates must:
- (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=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:
- good knowledge and a minimum of 3 years experience in EU budgetary and financial management, including its rules and procedures concerning calls for proposals, calls for tenders, contracts, etc.;
- good financial management and data analysis skills. Capacity to plan and manage resources. Rapid grasp of problems and capacity to identify issues and solutions. Respect of deadlines;
- good knowledge and experience in the use of ABAC Workflow, Financial Regulation, eEPC, PPMT, e-Procurement (e-TED);
- ability to work with external contractors and manage communication budgets;
- ability to communicate in a complex, multicultural environment;
- strong drafting and analytical skills combined with sound judgement;
- knowledge of external relations, internal policies and functioning of the Union, including good knowledge on decision-making procedures in the EU institutions.
- excellent communication skills and the ability to establish and maintain a network of contacts both within and outside the EEAS;
- very strong service and team player attitude;
- capacity to coordinate with other teams and multiple stakeholders;
- excellent written and oral communication skills in English (native speaker equivalent) and a good knowledge of French.
Furthermore:
- experience of working in a team in multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural environment;
- experience in working with or within other EU institutions;
- and knowledge of EU languages other than English and French
would be considered as 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:
SG-STRAT-1-RECRUITMENT@eeas.europa.eu
Deadline for sending application: 15/10/ 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 based on 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.
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: immediate
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…).