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 Australia, Canberra, 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 Australian government in areas that are part of the EU’s remit.

We offer

The post of Trade Affairs Officer (Local Agent Group 1) in the Trade section. The team consists of 4 people and there are occasional atypical working hours. Under this post, the recruited person will be attributed functions depending on the needs of the Delegation, and on the changes of these needs. The successful candidate will serve under the supervision and responsibility of the Head of Trade Section, contributing to the fulfillment of the mandate of the EU Delegation as regards the trade and economic relations between the European Union and Australia.

Sectorial reporting to the HoD & Headquarters:

Monitor & report, regularly and in a timely fashion to Headquarters on all trade issues, and the external economic relations of the EU in a broader sense (trade in services, investment, industrial policy, agriculture) as well as in response to any specific requests.

Send regular press/media reviews concerning local coverage of issues important to Headquarters.

Upon request provide briefings, draft speeches, statements, press releases and articles concerning the area assigned.

Provide early warnings on potential problems and disputes with particular emphasis on market access issues.

Information & communication, representation & participation in the host country/region:

Provide the necessary working relations with the relevant national authorities (Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade and other Departments involved in trade activities), private sector representatives and professional organizations and other local operators in the field.

Develop close working contacts with the local EU Member State representatives (i.e. economic & trade counsellors and trade commissioners) and EU business community and representatives.

State, explain and defend the EU trade policies and EU position in all trade &WTO matters to domestic audiences, particularly local and regional authorities, press, civil society, business and academics.

Prepare and participate in FTA negotiations or joint committee meetings

Represent the EU and participate in conferences, meetings and other public events on trade matters.

Monitoring, Analysis & Implementation of Trade Policy:

Follow all issues having an impact on the negotiation or the implementation of a bilateral or regional FTA with the EU or on other agreements pertaining to Trade.

Monitoring economic and trade policy of Australia and the region. Particular attention will be paid to trade flows, forecasts, legislations, fiscal policy, tax system, financial services, land ownership regime, intellectual property rights, completion, foreign investment, etc.

Monitor the host country/region’s position in ongoing or planned multilateral, regional, or bilateral trade negotiations (WTO, FTA, etc.).

We are looking for an enthusiastic and highly-motivated colleague interested in being part of a dynamic and results-oriented team.

The candidate we are looking for should have:

Capacity to focus on priorities, to show initiative and to organise own workload (in order to respect deadlines and delegation priorities), in order to deliver on a timely basis at the highest level of accuracy.

Ability to think strategically and creatively

Must be able to establish and maintain good professional relationships with all relevant interlocutors, and to communicate effectively with the general public (in person and on the telephone).

Excellent drafting skills and the ability to write concisely and analytically

Ability to work under pressure and to respond quickly to new demands arising from the needs of the Delegation.

Ability to work both independently as well as to work in a team in a multicultural environment.

The base salary will depend on relevant and verified employment experience, typically starting from 10,492 AUD per month (excl. Superannuation). There is a competitive benefits package, subject to certain conditions, including personal leave days and public holidays.

The expected start date will be 01/06/2025.

Minimum requirements / eligibility criteria (necessary for the application to be considered eligible)

1. A university degree in the relevant sector – economics, trade, trade law, political science, international relations or related fields;

2. A minimum of 5 years relevant professional experience in the field of trade & economic analysis reporting;

3. Excellent knowledge (C1) of English;

4. Right to residence and work in Australia.

Assets / selection criteria (basis for awarding points to select the best applicant)

- Post graduate qualifications in relevant fields

- Previous experience linked to EU/European affairs

- Proficiency in other European language

How to apply

Please submit your application, consisting of a cover letter, Europass format CV via email: [email protected] no later than 21/04/2025. The subject of the email should use the following format: NAME_First name – Application for LA-1 post Trade Affairs Officer.

Your application needs to confirm in a clear manner that you comply with four eligibility criteria listed above, including a confirmation that you already have full working rights in Australia. Only complete applications received on time via email will be considered.

The successful candidate will be subject to a medical check.

The process

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

The Selection Committee will prepare a shortlist of candidates based on the assessment of the information provided in the cover letter and CV. A maximum of the 6 best candidates will be invited to the final interview.

Only candidates admitted to preselection 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: [email protected]