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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 Division for Conflict Prevention and Mediation Support (ISP.2) is responsible for ensuring coordinated approach to conflict prevention peacebuilding and mediation. In this context, and in close cooperation with other geographic and thematic services, incl. outside the EEAS, it is responsible for:
- i) identifying countries at risk of instability and/or violent conflict through the EU conflict Early Warning System, Horizon Scanning and other means;
- ii) ensuring systematic joint conflict analyses of countries at risk of/facing conflict or instability and where the EU has ongoing/planned significant engagement;
- iii) advising on conflict sensitivity of EU responses in fragile contexts;
- iv) promoting mediation, dialogue and prevention activities to support the EU’s efforts to preserve peace at any stage of the conflict cycle; and
- v) managing external relations and policy development in conflict prevention and areas identified above.
As an EEAS centre of expertise on conflict prevention, peacebuilding and mediation it advises HQ services and EU Delegations on policy, programming, training, technical support and operational issues.
We propose:
The position of Policy Officer – Contract Agent FG IV as per article 3b of the Conditions of Employment of Other Servants of the European Union (CEOS).
A challenging position as a member of the Conflict Prevention Team to provide policy, technical and operational support in fragile and conflict-affected countries and regions where the EU is engaged in the area of conflict analysis, conflict prevention and peacebuilding advice, with a particular focus on climate change and natural resources related conflicts.
We look for:
A dynamic and motivated candidate to join the ISP2 Conflict Prevention Team.
The main duties will be to:
- As a member of the EEAS Conflict Prevention Team, within the ISP.2 Division, contribute to further development and implementation of the policy framework for peace building and conflict prevention, with a specific focus on climate change and natural resources and the implications on conflicts;
- Design and coordinate conflict analysis aimed at identifying conflict risks in selected countries, as well as opportunities for EU conflict prevention and conflict-sensitive engagement.
- Communicate on the findings of conflict analysis to inform policy-making, diplomacy, CFSP measures, and the design of conflict prevention and peacebuilding engagements.
- Support the identification of countries at risk of violent conflict and the analysis of structural conflict drivers through the EU conflict Early Warning System.
- Provide technical and operational support to EU officials engaged, including through short- to medium-term missions to fragile and conflict-affected countries and regions where the EU is engaged;
- Plan and carry out training and capacity-building for EU officials and partners, especially on climate change/natural resources and conflict related issues.
- Propose suggestions to improve the effectiveness of conflict prevention efforts supported by the EU;
- Assist with the design and implementation of EU-financed initiatives led by implementing partners;
- Advise the EEAS senior leadership, EU Delegations, EUSRs, EU Special Envoys and others to enhance their involvement in conflict prevention and peacebuilding, in particular in relation to climate change related conflicts;
- Identify and strengthen concrete EU added value to specific processes, taking a lead on specific geographic areas to be defined, and act as a focal point for support for those countries;
- Develop and provide thematic expertise, in particular with regard to climate change, natural resources, land and water related issues; support the Division in the respective data analysis for horizon scanning;
- Work proactively and constructively within a team of conflict prevention experts covering different regions;
- Build and maintain wide professional networks inside the EU institutions as well as with external partners, such as the UN, Regional Organisations, civil society, expert organisations, and academic institutions;
- Draft briefings, background notes, etc. to a high standard for EEAS senior management.
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 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 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 at least 5 years of experience in the field of conflict prevention and peace building.
- Have at least 2 years of experience in the field of climate change/ natural resources and their impact on conflicts.
- Have good organisational skills, the ability to work under pressure and with tight deadlines and to manage multiple tasks and unexpected demands.
- Be a good team player and able to adapt to quickly changing priorities.
- Be willing to travel, including to difficult environments.
- Be able to coordinate (ad-hoc) teams (also for projects and missions).
Furthermore would be considered as strong assets:
- Experience of working in a team in multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural environment.
- Experience in EU Delegation, Member State embassy or field mission/programme.
- First-hand experience with peace processes.
- Experience in working with or within other EU institutions.
- Knowledge of and direct experience with the design and coordination of conflict analyses.
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
ISP-ADMINISTRATION@eeas.europa.eu
Deadline for sending application: 19/01/2022 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
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…).