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 Policy Officer (Local Agent Group 1) in the Political, Press and Information (PPI) section. The team consists of 7 people, in a multicultural working environment, and there are occasional atypical working hours.

Under this position, 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 PPI Section, to fulfill the mandate of the Ambassador relating to EU-Australia cooperation. Contribute to EU-Australia cooperation in the fields of foreign, defense and security policy, immigration as well as focal point for the Delegation in the domains of human rights, cyber, hybrid, and digital matters.

Following main tasks and duties are currently required, but may evolve according to service needs:

- Monitor Australian developments in relation to the areas of responsibility (foreign, defence & security policy, and selected domestic policy issues).

- Monitor the implementation of the various EU/AUS agreements and other bilateral instruments in force in respect of the areas of responsibility (including preparation/follow-up of formal dialogues)

- Maintain appropriate working-level contacts with AUS Commonwealth and State/Territory authorities, diplomatic missions, think-tanks, the academic community and civil society.

- Maintain appropriate working level contacts with EU Institutions (Commission, EEAS, etc.)

- Contribute to speeches, briefings for Ambassador/Head of PPI Section/HQ and others as required.

- Provide advice and prepare programs for incoming missions from HQ.

- Carry out tasks of focal point for human rights including outreach on a regular basis with AUS and HQ interlocutors, disseminating information on relevant EU-funded programs, preparing the annual Human Rights Report and Strategy.

- Attend and /or participate in events on subjects related to the areas of responsibility.

- Undertake ad hoc tasks and reports as required by the Ambassador and the Head of PPI Section.

- Follow-up on issues related to cyber, hybrid, and digital matters.

- Back-up and support duties to other members of the Delegation as required

The following personal skills are required:

- 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 (excluding Super). Past professional experience will determine the entry salary. There is a competitive benefits package, subject to certain conditions, including medical insurance, 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)

· Minimum of Graduate Qualification in relevant field (for example – international relations, politics, economics, law, history, etc.);

· A minimum of 5 years relevant professional experience;

· Excellent knowledge (C1) of English;

· 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 and CV via email: [email protected] no later than 13/04/2025. The subject of the email should use the following format: NAME_First name – Application for LA-1 PPI Policy Officer.

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].