WE ARE

The European External Action Service (EEAS) supports the High Representative in the exercise of his/her mandate to conduct and implement an effective and coherent Union’s Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), to represent the EU and to chair the Foreign Affairs Council.

It also supports the High Representative in his/her capacity as Vice-President of the Commission with regard to his/her responsibilities within the Commission in the external relations field, including the coordination of other aspects of the EU's external action. The EEAS works in close cooperation with the EU Member States, the General Secretariat of the Council, the services of the Commission and the Secretariat General of the European Parliament.

Part of the Directorate for Strategic communication and Foresight (SG.STRAT), the main task of the Information Integrity and Countering Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference Division (SG.STRAT.4) is to defend the EU’s values and interests by detecting, analysing and effectively addressing Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI), including by building resilience against it.

The Division develops strategies and policy approaches to counter FIMI and advance information integrity, leading the implementation of related policy instruments such as the FIMI toolbox and manages dedicated cooperation structures, including the Rapid Alert System. It contributes to the detection and analysis of FIMI, informing evidence-based countermeasures to FIMI, with a specific focus on FIMI threat actors most relevant to the security of the EU and our partners.

It undertakes a number of activities to bolster information integrity and resilience inside and outside the EU, including awareness raising, training, and other forms of public engagement. Furthermore, it works closely with the global network of EU Delegations and the EU’s CSDP missions and operations, while building partnerships with key international partners, such as NATO or the G7, and civil society organisations.

WE PROPOSE

The position of the Strategic Communications Officer contract agent FGIV as per article 3b of the Conditions of Employment of Other Servants of the European Union (hereafter, the “CEOS”)^[1].

PLACE and DATE OF EMPLOYMENT

• ‎EEAS Headquarters, Brussels, Belgium.
• Post available:  Immediately.

LEGAL BASIS

The vacancy is to be filled in accordance with the conditions stipulated under the CEOS, in particular Article 82 thereof. In case of recruitment, the successful candidate will be offered a contract agent position (Function group IV), on the basis of a contract with an initial duration of one year that may be successively renewed for a maximum duration of six years[2], subject to the maximum duration of engagement by the EEAS allowed under successive limited duration contracts of different types[3].

WE LOOK FOR
A highly motivated person for the Contract Agent FG IV position of strategic communications officer to be based within the EEAS SG.STRAT.4 Information Integrity and countering Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI).

The successful candidate will join the CSDP Strategic Communications and FIMI team in the Division, which leads on preparing and coordinating comprehensive communication strategies on the EU's Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) and support to reinforce the resilience of CSDP missions and operations to FIMI, in close coordination with relevant EEAS services. She/he will ensure alignment between the communication objectives and the overall goals of the EU’s security and defence policy, in close coordination with relevant EEAS directorates and divisions and external stakeholders. The successful candidate will manage the coordination of communication efforts across multiple divisions and external partners, contributing to the promotion of the EU’s strategic objectives in line with the Strategic Compass for Security and Defence and other relevant policy frameworks.

The contract agent will be required to work closely with the relevant divisions of the EEAS, EU Delegations, EU CSDP Missions and Operations as well as other European institutions and services.

Functions and Duties

In close coordination with the other team members and colleagues in the division, the selected candidate is expected to perform the following tasks:

• Advise on and contribute to the EEAS communication strategies on policies, initiatives and events related to peace, security and defence
• Advise on and contribute to developing communication strategies for CSDP missions and operations
• Coordinate on activities relating to strategic communication between the relevant EEAS services related to peace, security and defence, including in relation to CSDP civilian and military missions  
• Liaise with the Spokespersons' Service (SPP) and HRVP Cabinet on CSDP matters and HRVP activities
• Advise and provide guidance on strategic communication approaches and activities for CSDP civilian and military missions, and EEAS services relating to peace, security and defence
• Organise CSDP Strategic communications seminars as needed, and support CSDP missions and operations with training and advise
• Prepare and oversee the publishing process of all CSDP-related digital content, working in collaboration with web editors, social media and audio-visual teams, ensuring full alignment with EU guidelines
• Manage projects with external contractors and/or partners to deliver the annual objectives of Division’s business plan
• Conduct assessments of communication efforts on the area of peace, security and defence to measure effectiveness and suggest improvements
• Draft briefings to senior management and contribute to policy documents and strategies as relevant.

Eligibility criteria[4]:

Further to the conditions set out in Article 82 of the CEOS, candidates must:

• (i) have passed a valid EPSO CAST in FG IV; OR
• (ii) be registered in the EPSO Permanent CAST for FG IV (https://epso.europa.eu/en/job-opportunities/open-for-application). In that case, while the registration will render the candidate eligible for the selection procedure, the recruitment of a candidate on this vacant post will be subject to their successfully passing the CAST exam that this candidate will be called to attend;
• have completed university studies of at least three years attested by a diploma;
• have the capacity to work in the languages of the CFSP and external relations (English and French) necessary for the performance of their duties.
• be a national of one of the member States of the European Union and enjoy full rights as a citizen.

Selection criteria

Candidates should:

• be fluent in English (both orally and in writing);
• understanding of the EU's strategic communications objectives in the EU’s external action;
• solid knowledge and understanding of the EU’s Common Security and Foreign Policy (CFSP) and Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP);
• knowledge of EU institutions and decision-making processes, the EU's external action and EU policies;
• hands-on professional with strong communication skills, able to quickly grasp complex issues, identify problems, and provide flexible, accurate solutions in a dynamic environment;
• have at least 3 years of experience in strategic communications;
• have proven experience in designing, managing, and overseeing projects in collaboration with external contractors and partners;
• strong drafting, communication and analytical skills combined with sound judgement;

Furthermore:

• be fluent in French, Russian or Arabic (both orally and in writing);
• experience of working in a multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural team and environment;
• experience in working within EU institutions or governments; particularly in foreign policy and issues relating to CFSP and CSDP;
• experience in working with CSDP missions and operations

would be considered as strong assets.

CONDITIONS OF RECRUITMENT AND EMPLOYMENT

The signature of the contract will be subject to prior favourable opinion of the Medical Service.

The requested level of security clearance for this post is: SECRET UE/EU SECRET. A description of the EU classified information levels is available under Article 2 of Annex A of the Decision ADMIN(2023) 18 on the security rules of the EEAS^[5].

The selected candidate should hold, or be in the position to obtain, a valid Personnel Security Clearance (hereafter, the “PSC”)[6] issued by the competent authority of the Member State concerned.

Candidates who do not already have a valid PSC will be required to go through the security clearance vetting procedure of their Member State to obtain this clearance in accordance with national laws and regulations and with the procedure laid down in the Decision ADMIN(2019)7 on Security Clearance Requirements and Procedures for the EEAS of 08 March 2019 and in Annex A I of the Decision ADMIN(2023) 18 on the security rules of the EEAS. Until the PSC is issued by the competent authority of the Member State concerned, the selected candidate will not be authorised to access EUCI at the level of CONFIDENTIEL UE/EU CONFIDENTIAL or above, or to participate in any meetings or workflow where EUCI is processed.

Please note that the necessary procedure for obtaining a PSC can be initiated on request of the employer only, and not by the individual candidate.

In case of failure to obtain or renew the required PSC, the AACC may take the appropriate measures in accordance with Article 3(3) of the Decision ADMIN(2019) 7 on Security Clearance Requirements and Procedures for the EEAS of 08 March 2019.

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 [email protected]  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 1(d)(4) of the Staff Regulations.

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCEDURE[7]

Please send your CV and cover letter (with your EPSO CAST number), in English or French via email, with reference to the Vacancy Number in the Subject field, to

[email protected]

Deadline for sending application: 20/01/2025 at 12.00 noon (CET).

Candidates shall draft their CV using the Europass CV, which can be found at the following internet address:

http://europass.cedefop.europa.eu/en/documents/curriculum-vitae.

Late applications will not be accepted.

The selection panel will make a pre-selection on the basis of the qualifications and professional experience described in the CV and motivational letter, and will produce a shortlist of eligible candidates who best meet the selection criteria for the post. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be informed about the outcome of the pre-selection phase.

The candidates who have been preselected will be invited for an interview by a selection panel.

The selection panel may decide, subsequent to the interview, to organise written tests, either for all pre-selected candidates or to the best ranked ones. The content of such written tests will be defined by the selection panel and may include, but not be limited to, multiple choice questions, open questions and/or topics for a short essay.

Pre-selected candidates without a valid CAST shall be invited to sit the CAST exam before or after the interview stage (in accordance with the eligibility criteria set out above).

The panel will then recommend a shortlist of candidates for a final decision by the Authority Authorised to Conclude Contracts of Employment (hereafter, the “AACC”). The AACC may decide to interview the candidates on the final shortlist before taking this decision.

It is recalled that the selection procedure may be terminated at any stage in the interest of the service.

In the interest of the service, after identifying the candidate that best fits the requirements of the post as set out in the vacancy notice, the AACC may also establish a reserve list of candidates. These candidates shall be informed that the reserve list shall remain valid for a period of one year from when it is established and that it may be used to fill the same post or an equivalent post in the EEAS with the same job profile.

[1]     Staff Regulations of Officials of the European Union (SR) and the Conditions of Employment of Other Servants of the European Union (CEOS).

[2]      Article 8 of the Commission Decision C(2017) 6760 of 16.10.2017 on the general provisions for implementing Article 79(2) of the Conditions of Employment of Other Servants of the European Union, governing the conditions of employment of contract staff employed by the Commission under the terms of Articles 3a and 3b thereof.

[3]     Decision ADMIN(2023) 24 on the maximum duration of engagement by the European External Action Service of non-permanent staff under successive limited duration contracts of different types, and on the minimum lapse of time between successive contracts under Article 2(e) of the CEOS.

[4]     All the eligibility criteria must be met on the closing date for applications to this post.

[5]    OJ C 263, 26 July 2023, p.16. 

[6]    The ‘Personnel Security Clearance’ is defined under point 2 of Annex A I of the Decision ADMIN(2023) 18 on the security rules of the EEAS as “a statement by a competent authority of a Member State which is made following completion of a security investigation conducted by the competent authorities of a Member State and which certifies that an individual may, provided his ‘need-to-know’ has been determined, be granted access to EUCI up to a specified level (CONFIDENTIEL UE/EU CONFIDENTIAL or above) until a specified date; the individual thus described is said to be ‘security cleared’.”

[7] 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: (https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/eeas-privacy-statement-data-protection-notice-purpose-processing-personal-data-related-public_en) and on the EEAS Intranet:(https://intranet.eeas.europa.eu/page/eeas-work/data-protection/privacy-statements-dp-notices).