WE ARE
The European External Action Service (EEAS) is the EU’s diplomatic service. It helps the EU’s foreign affairs chief – the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy – carry out the Union’s Common Foreign and Security Policy.
The European Union (EU) currently has 143 Delegations, eight of which are to international organisations. In all, 6200 staff are currently serving in these Union Delegations. The EU Delegations are placed under the authority of the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, who is also Vice President of the European Commission. The work of a Delegation varies from country to country but, in general, covers political matters, press and information, trade, aid management and the external aspects of internal EU policies.
WE PROPOSE
A position as Political Officer at the EU Delegation to Afghanistan
We will offer to the successful candidate a contract corresponding to a Contract Agent FG IV contract, as per Article 3a of the Conditions of Employment of Other Servants of the European Union (CEOS) for an initial period of 3 years, with possibility of renewal.
WE LOOK FOR
A highly motivated and dynamic colleague to join the Political/Political, Press and Information Section.
Under the authority of the Head of Section, the selected candidate will contribute to the work of the Delegation in co-ordinating the EU’s political relations with the host country and in representing the Delegation as necessary.
She or he will be required to monitor and contribute to analysis and reporting on the overall situation and development in Afghanistan, including on regional level and on political relations with the EU and Member States
The Political Officer will liaise regularly with Headquarters and provide advice, as appropriate, on policy issues, as well as briefing dossiers, speeches, statements, press releases and articles, as requested.
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
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Further to the conditions set out in Article 82 CEOS, in order to be eligible for the post of contract agent FG IV, candidates must:
- (i) have passed a EPSO CAST in FG IV
OR
- (ii) be registered in the EPSO Permanent CAST in FG IV https://epso.europa.eu/apply/joboffers_en?keyword=&contract=37&grade=All…
AND
- meet the minimum qualifications for engagement as contract agent FG IV:
(i) Have a level of education which corresponds to completed university studies of at least three years attested by a diploma, or
(ii) in exceptional circumstances and where justified in the interest of the service, professional training of an equivalent level (related to the nature of the tasks and qualifications indicated in the Job Description). - have the capacity to work in languages of CFSP necessary for the performance of their duties;
- be a national of a Member States of the European Union and enjoy full rights as a citizen.
SELECTION CRITERIA
- Strong interpersonal skills;
- Capacity to analyse and structure information;
- Demonstrated ability to accurately report on sensitive political matters under strict and tight deadlines;
- Ability to maintaining and further developing a positive work environment;
- Ability to work in a different socio-cultural environment and to adapt quickly to evolving situations;
- Expert knowledge of EU institutions, policies, decision-making processes and instruments, particularly
- related to the CFSP and EU Human Rights Policy;
- Proven experience as political officer or manager of political files;
- Good knowledge of Afghanistan and the South and Central Asian region and its political dynamics;
Furthermore
- Experience in EU external relations;
- Experience in reaching out to and working with foreign governments, diplomatic representations, international organisations and the civil society on matters related to political developments, especially human rights;
- Experience on bilateral economic and trade files;
- Experience in handling secure communications and classified information;
- Knowledge of IT tools used in EU institutions;
- Experience of working in a team in multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural environment;
- Knowledge of EU languages (other than EN and FR);
- Knowledge of Farsi (Dari) or Pashtu;
will be considered as assets.
SPECIFIC CONDITIONS
The signature of the contract will be subject to prior favourable opinion of the Medical Service. On that occasion, the candidate should indicate any serious health problems or requirements for specialised medical treatment for themselves and/or for the individuals who will accompany them. If staff members withhold such information they may not, subject to the decision of the appointing authority, benefit from a reimbursement by the institution of certain costs, e.g. expenses relating to medical evacuation, or to a return to Headquarters in the case of early rotation.
The successful candidate will be required to undergo security vetting if she or he does not hold already a Personal Security Clearance (PSC) to an appropriate level (EU SECRET), in accordance with relevant security provisions.
As a matter of policy, applications of individuals who have the dual nationality of the host country or the partner of whom has the nationality of the host country will be considered on a case-by-case basis. The EEAS examines if there could be a conflict of interest and the consequence of a possible refusal by the host country to grant diplomatic immunity to the staff member and or his/her partner and family, as well as possible security risks. The HR Department may ask for additional information from the applicant in this context.
The “Hostile Environment Awareness Training” (HEAT) is compulsory before taking up duty/going on mission in some countries. The EEAS will provide the selected candidate with that possibility in case she or he has not yet followed the training.
Considering that the Delegation is currently under evacuation for security reasons, the place of employment is temporarily Brussels where Living Conditions Allowance is not applicable. However, in case of deployment to Afghanistan (Kabul), the Living Conditions Allowance applicable in the host country (currently 40%, subject to annual review) will be paid. This type allowance is only as from the day of physical take-up-duty in the host country.
As long as the place of employment is Brussels, prior to eventual take-up-duty, family members of the successful candidate may accompany him/her. The EEAS will bear no cost incurred linked to family members. In Afghanistan, upon take-up-duty, family members should not, as a matter of principle, accompany the successful candidate, since Afghanistan is a strictly non-family post according to the classification of the EEAS.
A valid EU Digital COVID Certificate is required before taking up duty and for your entire assignment in EU Delegations especially in such hardship postings[1], having regard to the duty of care of the EEAS for its staff and taking account of the need to ensure appropriate health and safety standards in the country of posting[2].
Additionally, please be aware that the domestic legislation of third countries hosting EU Delegations may at any time require, inter alia, a valid vaccination certificate in order to work or to obtain an entry visa. It is the obligation of the staff member concerned to comply with the national rules in force[3]. Failing to do so, the
Authority Authorised to Conclude Contracts may decide to withdraw its decision on the selection.
[1] ‘Hardship postings’ are determined in accordance with Article 10(1) of Annex X of the Staff Regulations of Officials of the European Union, which requires the AA/AACC to take into account inter alia the ‘health and hospital environment’ when determining the allowance for living conditions.
[2] Article 1e(2) of the Staff Regulations of Officials of the European Union
[3] Article 41 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations provides: “Without prejudice to their privileges and immunities, it is the duty of all persons enjoying such privileges and immunities to respect the laws and regulations of the receiving State.”
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 the Functional mailbox CONTRACTAGENTSDELEGATIONS@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 PROCEDURE2
Candidates are deemed to be fully aware of the local living conditions, including information concerning the accommodation, before applying. Individual post reports are available from EEAS.BA.HR.3, Rights and Obligations (RIGHTS-AND-OBLIGATIONS@eeas.europa.eu).
Candidates should ensure that they are also fully aware of the provisions of Annex X of the Staff Regulations. Candidates are invited to draft their CV following the European CV format which can be found at the following Internet address: http://europass.cedefop.europa.eu/en/documents/curriculum-vitae and indicating clearly the EPSO application ID number
Applications (CV and motivation letters) shall be sent to the functional mailbox :
delegation-afghanistan-hod@eeas.europa.eu
with copy to
delegation-afghanistan-hoa@eeas.europa.eu
contractagents-delegations@eeas.europa.eu
DEADLINE: The closing date for the submission of applications is 21/02/2022 at noon (CET).
Late applications will not be accepted.
Place of employment: Brussels (during evacuation) and Kabul subsequently. Applicants need to be aware that, in case selected, short periods of posting in Kabul might be required, even if the status of the Delegation is evacuated
LCA (living conditions allowance): No LCA in Brussel; 40% in Kabul
Post Available: 01/04/2022
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…).