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 Civilian Planning and Conduct Capability (CPCC) is the permanent EEAS structure supporting the Civilian Operations Commander. The Civilian Operations Commander is the overall commander at the strategic level of currently 11 civilian CSDP crisis management missions and provides strategic guidance and direction to the Heads of Mission. The Civilian Operations Commander reports directly to the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and through him to the Council of the EU. Under the political control and strategic direction of the Political and Security Committee and the overall authority of the High Representative, the Civilian Operations Commander ensures the effective planning and conduct of civilian CSDP crisis management missions, as well as the proper implementation of all mission-related tasks.
The Missions Operational Support Division (CPCC.4) is responsible for CIS (including cyber) as well as logistics and procurement at Headquarters level. The Division manages the delivery of equipment to 11 civilian CSDP Missions, ensuring that all the financial and legal rules are adherent to in the procurement and usage of such equipment. In this function, CPCC.4 also liaises with the civilian CSDP Warehouse located in Southern Sweden and managed by the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB). Furthermore, CPCC.4 assists the civilian Missions in defining and managing their budgets with the relevant stakeholders (EU Member States and Foreign Policy Instruments).
Following an agreement between the Commission, the EEAS and the Council, the Mission Support Platform (MSP) was created within CPCC.4 in 2016. In its conclusions on the MSP the Council stated that “The MSP will be established in coordination between the Commission and the European External Action Service to provide support and bring forward greater efficiencies, flexibility and economies of scale to civilian CSDP missions.” It aims to support the Missions and mitigate the difficulties identified during the start-up phase and improve rapid deployment and achieve greater efficiency.
We propose
The position of the Communications and Information System (CIS) Expert – contract agent FGIV as per article 3b of the Conditions of Employment of Other Servants of the European Union (CEOS).
We look for
Under the direct supervision of the Head of the Missions Operational Support Division and the Head of Sector CIS&Cyber, the Communications and Information Systems (CIS) Expert is expected to perform the following tasks:
- Develop, prepare, co-ordinate and monitor overall CIS plans including forecasting, priorities or requirements, and resolution of urgent operational needs of Civilian CSDP Missions.
- Develop, prepare, co-ordinate and monitor the development of the MSP IT Infrastructure in Brussels taking care also of the technical and administrative requirements linked with the necessary hardware and software procurements and maintenance.
- Take the lead in the development of CIS related policies and procedures (SOP) for Civilian CSDP mission support.
- Verify the needs of CIS equipment and/or services specifically required by the Missions
- Contribute to the relevant work aimed at the definition of CIS standard equipment for Civilian CSDP Missions.
- Contribute to the relevant work aimed at the definition of technical specifications and terms of reference for the launch of Framework contracts and other means of acquisition.
- Monitor and co-ordinate all multifunctional CIS requirements with Civilian CSDP missions.
- Act as liaison between Civilian CSDP missions and relevant EEAS services and CPCC in regard to CIS matters.
- Advice the management and personnel of Civilian CSDP Missions on CIS issues and structures to ensure that they are at all times adequate to meet the CPCC demands.
- Participate in Technical Assessment Missions.
- Organise and chair Civilian CSDP CIS meetings.
- Be responsible for the production of reports concerning CIS issues of Civilian CSDP Missions, proposing/recommending changes and improvements, ensuring accuracy and comprehensive policies and guidelines to the CIS aspects;
- To undertake any other related task as requested by the Line Manager(s).
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 a minimum 4 years overall CIS related professional experience, out of which at least 1 in a multicultural environment.
- Have a good knowledge of latest CIS products and technologies for their deployment in modern IT infrastructures for public administrations, European Institutions, International Organizations or large NGOs.
- Have knowledge and experience with Cloud services and related infrastructures, virtualization tools, hybrid IT infrastructures, Microsoft Office365 and Azure cloud services.
- Have full availability, when justified for operational needs, to travel on short notice into the Countries where the Civilian Missions are operating their HQ.
- Have good drafting skills for technical notes, SoP and other technical documentation in English.
- Have good command of English both written and spoken; knowledge of French would be an advantage.
Other advantageous requirements/skills:
- Have experience in CSDP missions or similar international field experience.
- Have experience in middle management or Team leadership role, specifically in IT related jobs.
- Have Knowledge of CIS products and services used in remote locations for satellite communications and knowledge of CIS products for classified communication systems would be an interesting asset.
- Have basic understanding on Enterprise Resource Planning system (ERP) and Microsoft Sharepoint.
- Have good Project Management and implementation skills (PM certifications are an advantageous asset).
- Have basic knowledge of financial processing in public administrations and Project Cycle Management.
- Have capacity to work under tight deadlines, individually and as part of a mixed team with different background. Good team working attitude.
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
cpcc.administration@eeas.europa.eu
Deadline for sending application: 17/01/2022 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: immediately
CONTACT: Esmeralda HERNANDEZ ARAGONES, Head of Division CPCC.4
Tel: +32 2584-2296 Email: Esmeralda.HERNANDEZ-ARAGONES@eeas.europa.eu
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…).