Press and Information Assistant

(Ref JP/08343)

We are

The European Union (EU) is an economic and political partnership among 27 European countries. It plays an important role in international affairs through diplomacy, trade, development aid and working with global organisations. Abroad, the EU is represented through more than 140 diplomatic representations, also known as EU Delegations, which have a similar function to those of an embassy.

The Delegation of the European Union to Canada was established in 1976 and covers all policy areas of the bilateral relationship between the EU and Canada. It conducts public diplomacy activities, aimed at keeping Canadians up-to-date on current developments in the European Union.

We offer

We offer a post of Press and Information Assistant. The successful candidate will contribute, under the supervision of the Head of the Political, Press and Information Section, to the fulfillment of the mandate of the Head of Delegation as regards public diplomacy, communication, media and cultural activities. The Press and Information Assistant works in close collaboration with all sections of the Delegation, notably in the organisation of public diplomacy activities, as well as the implementation of communication and outreach strategies.

The successful candidate will demonstrate good knowledge of the Canadian political and media landscape and general knowledge about the European Union. He/she will enjoy working both independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced multicultural setting. With Ottawa as the place of employment, this position may involve travelling in Canada and abroad.

• Job Type : Full-time  - Fixed Term Contract (renewable)
• Place of employment; EU Delegation Suite 1900, 150 Metcalfe Street, Ottawa, ON, K2P 1P1 - Canada
• Working hours: 37,5 hours/week (Monday to Friday)
• Group: Assistant - Group 2 (in the EU Local Agent system)
• Minimum basic salary before taking into account relevant prior experience: 4.896 CAD/month (gross)

We offer a competitive position in an international environment. Benefits, such as additional pension scheme and medical insurance are offered to employees and their families under certain conditions.

Job description

Public Diplomacy and Communication (in collaboration with the Press & Information Officer)

• Assist in the preparation and implementation of the Delegation's Communications and media strategy (in particular with regard to social media); implement social media campaigns;
• Edit and update the Delegation’s website content;
• Prepare the daily press review;
• Assist in the preparation of press conferences, interviews and other public relations events in order to improve EU’s visibility in Canada;
• Conceptualize, organise and implement public, cultural and scientific diplomacy activities under the EU budget (incl. preparing, reviewing and managing contracts), including in coordination with EU Member States diplomatic missions in Canada;
• Manage the Delegation’s stock of promotional material;
• Support the organisation of the Delegation’s meetings, events and other initiatives.

Public Affairs:

• Coordinate (upon request) the Delegation’s bi-weekly reports;
• Prepare policy reports on issues related to designated areas of his/her responsibility or upon request;

Other:

• Intern coordinator - Organise the selection of  interns and act as their point of contact inside the Delegation;
• Any other task requested by the Head of the Political, Press and Information Section, the Deputy Head of Delegation or the Head of Delegation with regard to the Delegation’s mandate.

Any other tasks requested by the Head of Section and/or Head of Delegation.
 

We look for

Minimum requirements (eligibility criteria)

Canadian citizenship or a valid resident and work permit in Canada is mandatory to apply for this position.

Education

• Completed graduate studies certified by a diploma (min. BA Degree) in a relevant field (political science, international relations, public administration, law, communication etc.).

Languages

• Excellent knowledge in both official languages of Canada: English and French (level C2 according to Common European Language Framework).

Minimum working experience

• At least one year of relevant experience (including paid traineeships) performing the above-mentioned tasks.

Assets (selection criteria)

Qualification

• Additional completed graduate or post-graduate studies certified by a diploma (MA degree) or proved by a certificate in a field related to any aspect of international and/or EU affairs, global issues, human rights, media and communication, political science.  

Knowledge

• Working experience in European Union Institutions;
• Working experience in an international organisation or a diplomatic mission;
• Knowledge of EU accounting and procurement procedures would be an advantage.
• Working experience in project management
• Working experience in communication and/or media

Skills

• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with both internal and external contacts;
• Capacity to work in a multicultural team, showing good interpersonal skills and initiative;
• Sense of organisation, method, courtesy and initiative;
• Rigorous mindset, conceptual ability and clarity of analysis;
• Ability to carry out tasks and draft concise and clear documents, even when working under pressure, and to respond quickly to new demands;
• High degree of confidentiality, rigor and responsibility when dealing with EU-related information.

How to apply

Please send your application and supporting documents to the following e-mail:

To : [email protected]

cc : [email protected]

The package should include a cover letter as well as a detailed CV and supporting documents.

It is requested to use the Europass CV format (available on the following link https://europa.eu/europass/en)

Only complete applications received on time, via the Functional Mailbox : [email protected]  will be considered.

The successful candidate will be subject to a medical check to confirm his/her medical fitness to perform the required duties.
 

Selection procedure:

After the deadline, all applications will be thoroughly examined. The eligible applications will be admitted to the selection by the Committee set up for this purpose.

A shortlist of candidates having the best mix of skills and experience as per the requirements set out above will be established. The short-listed candidates will be invited to an assessment phase which may include one or more interview (s) and/or written tests if necessary – during this phase, the suitability of the candidates for the post will be assessed.

Only shortlisted candidates will receive a reply.

The Delegation will not supply additional information or discuss the selection procedure by telephone. Please address any queries concerning this procedure to the following e-mail address:

[email protected]
 

Deadline for applications is 13^th of January 2025 at 12:00 (noon) Eastern time