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 144 Delegations, eight of which are to international organizations. 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.

The EU Delegation to Nicaragua is a diplomatic mission, similar to any other Embassy accredited in the country. We are a fully-fledged diplomatic mission representing the European Union interests.

We offer

A post of Local Agent Group II titled Administrative Assistant within Delegation’s Administration Section. The job involve carrying out complex and difficult office work in line with general guidelines, notably in the protocol procedure, administrative, accounting, documentary and technical fields.

The successful candidate will serve under the supervision and responsibility of the Head of Administration within a team composed of nine members, providing support, expertise and assistance in administrative tasks mainly in the following areas:

Protocol

The administrative assistant will be responsible for requesting visas and diplomatic carnets for expatriate staff; diplomatic franchise for vehicles and personal effects; diplomatic plates; release of vehicle pledge to customs; release of diplomatic plates from Traffic Police; other documents related to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including those of expatriates working in projects funded by the EU in Nicaragua.

Infrastructure

The administrative assistant will be in charge of the Delegation premises, staff accommodations, Ambassador Residence as well as housing norms. She/he will be acting as back up for purchase of equipment, vehicle parking, and office equipment. She/he will be responsible for the preparation of procurement procedures and subsequent contracts including their management. In addition, she/he will follow up physical inventory, including declassifications and donations.

Public procurement and financial verification
The administrative assistant will be in charge of launching public procurement procedures as well as managing contracts for services and supplies. As well, she/he will verify financial transactions in the Delegation systems.

Salary and benefits

The basic salary, starting from NIO 50,438.00 will depend on the verified employment experience. In addition, we offer a competitive benefits package, including health insurances and retirement savings plan, as well as leave days and public holidays.

The expected starting date is 16 September 2023.

Minimum requirements / eligibility criteria

• A copy of their higher-level qualifications and/or higher-level vocational studies (university degree) in business administration, economic, law.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in similar position;
• Fluency English at level B2 minimum, both oral and writing;
• Residence and work permit in Nicaragua duly valid;
• Good standing as citizen/resident report;
• Medical fitness certification to carry out the tasks assigned.
• Reference Letter(s) of previous employer(s).

Assets / selection criteria

• University degree;
• Experience/knowledge of public procurement especially related to EU Delegations (vade-mecum)/EU Member states/International Organization/Embassies;
• Experience/knowledge of financial regulations of EU/EU Member states/International organization/embassies;
• Proficiency in drafting accurate documents/forms/emails/letters/notes in English;
• Expertise in protocol/contractual matters in Spanish
• Excellent computer skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and other software).
• Team player, pro-active and flexible.

How to apply

Please submit your application, consisting of a cover letter, a CV https://europa.eu/europass/en/create-europass-cv and a declaration on honour(letter in word) via the [email protected] (Reference NIC-01-2023 – ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT) no later than 12:00 PM 28/07/2023. Only complete applications received on time via [email protected] will be considered.

The successful candidate will be subject to supporting documents checks (especially diploma and working contracts) as well as medical check and background check.

Equal opportunities

This post is not intended for a specific gender. 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. 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 inform us 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.

The process

After the deadline for applications, the eligible applications will be admitted to the Selection by the Committee set up for this purpose.

Depending on the number of applications received, successive phases of Selection may include shortlisting of candidates based assessment of the information provided in the cover letter, CV; practical testing and interviews. N (at least 2, better 3) best candidates will be invited to the final interview.

Only candidates admitted to each successive selection phase will be contacted individually. The Delegation will use the same means of publication as for this job advertisement to inform the remaining candidates once the recruitment procedure has been completed and that a candidate has (or has not) been recruited.

The Delegation will not supply additional information or discuss the selection procedure. During the selection process, please do not contact the members of the Selection Committee, but address your questions and comments to the Delegation’s Administration via [email protected].