Vacancy: Policy Officer - Environment/Climate/Energy in the Political, Press and Information Section
We are
The European Union (EU) is an economic and political union 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 – Environment/Climate/Energy (Local Agent Job Profile of Group I in the Delegation’s Political, Press and Information (PPI) Section, under a fixed-term employment contract of two years, with a possibility of becoming a permanent contract under reserve of budgetary availabilities and operational considerations. The team consists of 7 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 PPI Section, providing support, expertise and assistance in the fields of energy, climate, environment, oceans and critical minerals/critical raw materials (CRMs).
Following main tasks and duties are currently required:
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Monitor Australian media, policy debates and developments in relation to the areas of responsibility in view of contributing to regular timely analyses and reports by the EU Delegation.
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Monitor implementation of EU-AUS agreements and other bilateral instruments in force in respect of areas of responsibility (incl. preparation and follow-up of formal dialogues).
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Maintain appropriate working level contact with EEAS headquarters and relevant European Commission DGs (ENER, ENV, MARE, CLIMA etc.).
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Maintain appropriate working level contacts with AUS Commonwealth and State authorities, diplomatic missions, business, civil society and academic community.
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Liaise with stakeholder contacts and keep them informed of developments in the EU and of relevant EU policies.
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Contribute to the preparation and participate as appropriate in Heads of Missions meetings as well as Deputy Heads of Missions/Political Counsellors meetings.
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Organise and chair meetings of the green diplomacy network.
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Prepare, participate and report on meetings with AUS authorities and other interlocutors in the areas of responsibility.
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Help plan, and participate in, certain of the Ambassador’s visits in Australia.
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Provide advice and assistance to incoming missions from headquarters as appropriate.
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Participate in and speaking at events organised in Australia on subjects related to the areas of responsibility.
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Undertake ad hoc tasks and reporting as required by the Ambassador and Head of PPI.
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:
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Capacity to focus on priorities, to show initiative and to organise own workload (respect deadlines and delegation priorities), to deliver on a timely basis at the highest level of accuracy.
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Ability to think strategically and creatively.
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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).
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Excellent drafting skills and the ability to write concisely and analytically.
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Ability to work under pressure and to respond quickly to new demands arising from the needs of the Delegation.
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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 AUD 10,914 (excl. Superannuation). There is a competitive benefits package, subject to certain conditions, including personal leave days and public holidays, and health insurances.
The expected start date will be 01/05/2026.
Minimum requirements / eligibility criteria (necessary for the application to be considered)
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Minimum of Graduate Qualification in appropriate field (environmental studies, international relations, politics, etc.) or equivalent;
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Minimum of 5 years of experience in the relevant fields. The professional experience must be acquired after the date on which the qualification allowing access to the post was obtained;
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Excellent knowledge (C2) of English;
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Right to residence and work in Australia (working holiday visa excluded).
Assets/selection criteria (basis for awarding points to select the best applicant)
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Work history (or network of connections or similar) in the area of relations with external stakeholders, events and public relations;
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Master degree in the relevant fields;
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Previous experience linked to EU/European affairs;
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Knowledge/experience of EU policies, of international relations, of inner workings of Australian politics/economy;
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Proficiency in other European languages;
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Knowledge of Microsoft Office.
How to apply
The applicant must apply by sending
- a cover letter, signed;
- a Curriculum Vitæ (to include, at the minimum, exact job titles, employers’ names and detailed tasks descriptions) using one of the Europass templates available at: https://europass.europa.eu/en
all documents to the following email address:
And mention in the email subject:
" Ref: 213939 – JOB TITLE: Policy Officer PPI "
no later than 22/03/2026.
Caution: The applicant must verify that he/she fulfills all the conditions. For easy verification, the applicant must mark all the squares relating to each document or application condition. The absence of one of these conditions or documents is a reason for the rejection of the application
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 and interviews. Three to five best candidates will be invited to the final interview.
Only candidates admitted to each successive selection phase will be contacted individually. 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.
The successful candidate will be subject to a medical check and background check.
Candidates who wish to lodge a complaint regarding the recruitment process may submit a written communication to the functional mailbox to which they sent the initial application. Upon receipt, the Delegation will review the matter and, where appropriate, consult Headquarters before providing a response.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES:
The European Union is committed to an equal opportunities policy for all its employees and applicants for employment. As an employer, the EU is committed to promoting gender equality, preventing discrimination on any grounds and ensuring a zero tolerance approach to any form of harassment. It actively welcomes applications from all qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds. 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.
If pre-selected, candidates with disabilities are invited to contact the Delegation (delegation-australia-hoa@eeas.europa.eu) in order to accommodate any special needs and provide assistance to ensure equality of opportunities with other candidates.
If a candidate with a disability is selected and recruited, the EEAS is committed to appropriate measures in order to accommodate his or her special needs to the working place or working conditions in accordance with Art 4 of the Decision ADMIN(2025)13 of the Director-General for Resource Management of the European External Action Service on providing reasonable accommodation for local staff with disabilities working in Union Delegations.
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