The Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Colombia is looking for a: Secretary in the Trade 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 organisations. 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 Republic of Colombia 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 Colombian government in areas that are part of the EU’s remit. Regarding trade, Colombia is a key partner for the European Union. Bilateral trade relations are increasingly important since the implementation of the Trade Agreement that entered into force in August 2013.

We offer

We offer a post of Secretary (Local Agent Group 3) in the Delegation’s Trade Section. The section consists of four 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, providing support, expertise and assistance to the trade section.

Following main tasks and duties are currently required: 

• Overall organisational and administrative assistance in the Trade section;
• Managing the agenda of the Head of Section;
• Drafting of correspondence and meeting minutes;
• Formatting, editing, and synthesising of reports and documents;
• Maintenance of the section’s files, classification, filing, and registering of correspondence and documents;
• Logistical support to the organisation of meetings/events/missions;
• Relations with external stakeholders regarding events and public affairs;
• Assistance to basic economic and statistical research on trade and investment trends, Colombia's economy etc.;
• Any other task related to the administrative needs of the Trade Section and possibly back up other secretaries in the Delegation.

The base salary will depend on relevant and verified employment experience, typically starting from $ 5.322.000 COP.  There is a competitive benefits package, subject to certain conditions, including personal leave days and public holidays, health insurances and a retirement savings plan.

The expected starting date will be 1 June 2023. 

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

• Minimum of high school diploma or have graduated from a higher secretarial college;
• Minimum of 3 years of experience performing the above mentioned tasks or equivalent;
• Proficient knowledge of Spanish (C2) and good working knowledge of English (B2);
• Good computer skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, videoconference platforms, etc.);
• Right to residence and work in Colombia;
• Medically fit to perform the required duties.

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

• Further education in the field of economy, trade policy or international relations. 
• Knowledge of EU policies, in particular trade policy;
• Experience in international or diplomatic organisations, economic research or statistics;
• A higher level of language skills (written, oral) in English;
• Knowledge of other EU official languages;
• Level of skills of time management, and interpersonal skills; capacity of organising and coordinating meetings, agendas and the daily work of a team;
• Ability to work in a team, high flexibility and capacity to work under pressure;
• Ability to draft, edit and present short documents, letters...;
• Work history in the area of relations with external stakeholders, events and public relations;

How to apply

Please submit your application consisting of a cover letter and an Europass format CV via the mailbox delegation-colombia-vacancies@eeas.europa.eu no later than 08:00 a.m. Bogotá time on 2 May 2023. Only complete applications received on time 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.

Depending on the number of applications received, successive phases of selection may include shortlisting of candidates based upon the assessment of the information provided in the cover letter and CV, and practical testing and interviews. At least the three best candidates will be invited to the final interview.

Only candidates admitted to each successive selection 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 a candidate has (or has not) been recruited.