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 I titled Project Officer within Delegation’s Cooperation Section. Under this post, the recruited person will be attributed functions depending on the needs of the Delegation.

Upon recruitment, the successful candidate will occupy a specific job function as Project Officer – this job function may be changed in accordance with the needs of the Delegation. Under this job function, the successful candidate will serve as technical and support staff to identify, formulate, manage and monitor projects in the area of environment and climate change mitigation and adaptation.

Main place of work is in Managua with occasional missions to field for projects and programs around Nicaragua. The successful candidate will serve under the supervision and responsibility of the Head of Cooperation and the ultimate authority of the Head of Delegation, within a team composed of nine members, providing support, expertise and assistance in the following areas:

POLICY ANALYSIS - Sector analysis, strategy formulation and programming:

• To support policy dialogue with all relevant ministries, agencies, donors and other relevant stakeholders in all areas of concern.

• To contribute to sector analysis and to the definition of a sector strategy for the European Commission (Country Strategic Plans, National Implementation Plans, etc.).

• To identify and elaborate intervention proposals in sectors under his/her responsibility.

INTERNAL COMMUNICATION (general) - Sectoral reporting to Headquarters:

• To observe, monitor and report regularly and in timely fashion (including early warnings on potential disputes) to Head of Cooperation on sectoral issues, as well as in response to any specific requests.

PROGRAM / PROCESS / PROJECT MANAGEMENT - Project cycle management

• To contribute to programming, identification and appraisal in close cooperation with the beneficiary institution(s) in Nicaragua, when such programmers are decided in the programming process.

• To assist in all aspects of the procurement process (drafting TORs, launching tenders, etc.).

• To monitor ongoing projects, to attend management and monitoring meetings, to elaborate progress reports on projects and propose action when needed.

• To contribute to the evaluation of projects.

• To maintain contacts with other donors active in Nicaragua.

• To encode entries in ARES/OPSYS accurately and comprehensively and/or conducts the quality checks (e.g. accuracy and comprehensiveness) of data entered in EU operational systems.

• To give the "operational visa" on any document where required.

SPECIFIC PROJECT/PROCESS MANAGEMENT - Preparation and follow up of calls for tender:

• To assist in launching, managing and monitoring calls for proposals, tenders, evaluation and selection of projects.

• To ensure the follow-up of the implementation of projects and the performance of project managers and partners, monitor contractual obligations (via periodic reviews, audits, reporting and assistance, etc.) and gather and handle external expertise.

• To deal with horizontal activities, concertation and networking aspects of the programmer and its projects.

• To ensure that gender is mainstreamed in all actions under his/her responsibility, in order to contribute proactively to the implementation of the Delegation's gender action plan.

• Any other relevant task in accordance to the assignment.

Salary and benefits

The basic salary, starting from NIO 76,591.00 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 July 2024.

Minimum requirements / eligibility criteria

• A copy of their higher-level qualifications and/or higher-level vocational studies (university degree) in Engineering or Natural Science, Environment, Social Sciences or equivalent.

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in performing the above mentioned tasks;
• 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

• Additional studies on international development and/or studies on environment, climate change, water and sanitation.
• Experience with the EU delegation or other donors in Nicaragua;
• Experience in the sector in Nicaragua, particularly outside Managua and in rural areas
• Knowledge of EU applications, systems and procedures
• 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-01-2024 – PROJECT OFFICER) no later than 11:59 PM 10/5/2024. 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].