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 ZAMBIA and COMESA
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 work 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 Zambia and COMESA, 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/job-offers_en?keyword=&contract=37&grade=Al…
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 the COMESA region and its political dynamics;
- Knowledge of English (min level C2 or C1).
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).
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 will not 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 might 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.
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 CONTRACTAGENTS-DELEGATIONS@eeas.eutopa.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 candidate number
Applications (CV and motivation letters) shall be sent to the functional mailbox of the
- EU Delegation to ZAMBIA and COMESA (delegation-zambia-hoa@eeas.europa.eu)
- with a copy to contractagents-delegations@eeas.europa.eu
DEADLINE: The closing date for the submission of applications is 30/06/2021 at noon (CET).
Late applications will not be accepted.
Place of employment: Lusaka, Zambia
LCA (living conditions allowance): 25%
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…).