The European Union Delegation to the United States of America, Washington, D.C. is looking for:

Policy Assistant (Digital Transformation) in the Trade and Agriculture Section

We are

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

The EU Delegation to the United States of America in Washington, DC works in close coordination with the Embassies and Consulates of the 27 EU Member States. We are a fully-fledged diplomatic mission and represent the European Union in dealings with the U.S. government in areas that are part of the EU’s remit.

We offer

We offer the post of Policy Assistant for Digital and Tech Policy (Local Agent Group II). You are a part of a small team that focuses on the European Commission’s top priority of digital transformation, and more broadly the policies that the Directorate-General for Communication Networks, Content and Technology is responsible for. These include legislative measures (such as the EU AI Act, the Digital Services and Digital Market Acts, the Data and Data Governance Acts), strategic initiatives and Research & Innovation actions related to emerging technology. Current priorities in the ongoing EU-US relations include: AI Safety, cybersecurity, online platform governance, and data protection and privacy, supply chain security, semiconductors and emerging technologies.

The digital team is part of the Delegation's Trade section. The position requires cross-team collaboration, notably with the Press and Public Diplomacy team as well as the Political section, and there are occasional atypical working hours. You will be working under the supervision of the EU diplomat responsible for digital economy policy. Under this job function the successful candidate will be responsible for and will contribute to the following tasks and duties:  

• Monitoring and reporting on the United States digital policy developments, notably as they relate to Artificial Intelligence and other emerging technologies;
• Contributing to requests for briefings, speeches and notes coming from headquarters and supporting headquarters in defining the strategic approach to EU-US digital cooperation;
• Assisting in the preparation of bilateral EU-U.S. policy dialogues and of regular meetings of Member States Counsellors in charge of digital and tech;
• Liaising with stakeholders in the U.S. Congress, industry, civil society, think tanks and academia, the diplomatic missions of EU Member States in the US, and actors beyond the D.C. area involved in artificial intelligence, emerging tech and digital policies;
• Supporting the preparations of visits of European Commissioners and other high-level visitors from EU Institutions;
• Support DG CNECT and the EU AI Office in its supervisory work and monitor developments relevant to compliance of providers and deployers of generative AI models and systems with the EU AI Act;
• Organising events, workshops, seminars and meetings incl. with AI companies and/or relevant stakeholders and preparing official notes, documents and reports;
• Providing assistance to other relevant tasks as may be required and participating in the activities of the section and Delegation as necessary.

We offer a competitive position in an attractive work environment; the opportunity to be involved in pivotal EU-US conversations and the broader aspects of transatlantic relations (e.g. trade, energy, transport, science, environment, climate change issues).

This position offers:

• Work in one of the most relevant policy fields of EU-U.S. relations, with the corresponding high visibility internally of your work by policymakers;
• Unparalleled network building in D.C. and Brussels;
• Access to knowledge which will put you at the forefront of digital developments;
• Opportunity for some travel in the United States and to Brussels.

The post involves occasional atypical working hours.

In return, you will work in a section with a great team spirit and in an environment, which will allow you to develop professionally and deepen your understanding of the functioning of the European Union.

The salary range is dependent on relevant and verified employment experience, starting from $85K (3 years of experience), $90K (6 years' experience), $95K (10 years’ experience) etc.

There is a competitive benefits package including personal leave days and public holidays, flexible working hours, health and dental insurance and 401k.

The expected start date will be 1 April/1 May 2025.  

We look for

• A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as European Union policy studies, political science, digital economy or international relations;
• At least 3 years of professional experience in policy monitoring, evaluation and briefing skills;
• Prior knowledge of digital policies is required, as well the willingness to quickly acquire new knowledge as policies evolve;
• Prior knowledge of the European Union policy and legislative processes preferred;
• Tech industry or public policy network is an advantage;
• Proven capacity to be flexible and work under pressure in a challenging, dynamic and rewarding work environment;
• Strong analytical and organizational skills; ability to draft clearly and concisely; and a keen eye to spot new tech and policy developments relevant to the EU;
• Strong interpersonal skills, outgoing and diplomatic, ability to communicate clearly and ability to work in a team and with other teams;
• Excellent spoken and written command of the English language, knowledge of other European languages would be an advantage;
• Excellent computer skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook.

How to apply

It is important to note that the Delegation of the European Union does not sponsor visas for Local Agents. Applicants must have an existing and valid US work authorization that does not require Delegation of the European Union sponsorship.

The applicant must send:

• A cover letter and resume.
• For all traineeships, please indicate if these are paid or unpaid.
• The resume must also include the names and contact details of at least two referees who can attest to your professional and personal attributes in the event you are shortlisted for the post.  References will only be taken up for those who are shortlisted.
• Please reference in the subject of your email: your full name and EUWAS01-25.
• Send your completed application to [email protected] no later than noon on 30 January 2025 (EST).

The process

After the deadline for applications, the applications will be reviewed by a Selection Panel set up for this purpose. The Selection Panel will prepare a short-list of candidates who are considered the most suitable for the post based on a preliminary assessment of the information provided in the cover letter and resume. The short-listed candidates will be invited to an assessment phase, which will include an interview and practical test. During this phase, the Selection Panel will assess the suitability of the candidates for the post.  Those candidates who have not been short-listed will not be contacted individually; however, 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 Panel, but address your questions and comments to the Delegation’s Administration.