NOW CLOSED: Policy Officer in the Political, Press and Information 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 Delegation of the EU to the Pacific 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 governments in the Pacific region in areas that are part of the EU’s remit.

We offer

The post of Policy Officer (Local Agent Group 1) in the Delegation’s Political, Press and Information Section. The team consists of 5 people, and the Delegation's size is +/- 60 staff (gender balanced team) 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 Political, Press and Information Section, providing support, expertise, assistance, monitor and analyse developments in the internal and foreign policy of the Pacific Island States as well as developments in the area of trade and to contribute to the regular and ad hoc reporting. To assist in the preparation of public diplomacy activities. To contribute to the preparation of missions and field visits in relation to political issues. 

Following main tasks and duties are currently required:

Political reporting:

• Analyse, follow-up and give updates on the domestic and foreign policy developments with relevance for EU interests, policies and cooperation in the Pacific Island States covered by the Delegation as well as Overseas Countries and Territories in the region
• Follow national and regional trade policy developments and their possible impact on the trade relations with Europe
• Monitor and analyse regional policies and cooperation as well as cross-cutting issues such as climate change
• Follow and analyse the impact of and responses to EU policy and steps related to the Pacific Island States.
• Contribute to the Section's reporting to Headquarters  on political and trade-related issues as well as in response to any specific request – regularly and in timely fashion, as well as on request
• A focal point for human rights files in the Section

Representation and participation:

• Maintain close working relations with relevant ministries, parliaments, governmental agencies, think-tanks and international organisations
• Contribute to and assist in organising public diplomacy activities
• Prepare and assist with visiting missions
• Give presentations on EU activities in meetings in agreement with the Head of Section.

The base salary will depend on relevant and verified employment experience, typically starting from FJD 6,636.00 per month.  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 start date will be soon. 

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

• Minimum of a tertiary qualification (Degree) in  the field  of political science, European studies, international relations, international law or economics or equivalent
• Minimum of 3 years of relevant experience in the field of political analysis or related to policy making
• Working knowledge  (C2) of English and proven excellent writing skills in English
• Good knowledge of French
• Right to residence and work in Fiji
• Proven advance computer skills (MS Office suite)
• Medically fit to perform the required duties
• A clean police record and should be able to produce a clearance report when requested

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

• Experience in working in an international/multicultural organisation or foreign mission in Fiji or abroad
• Experience in economic/trade related issues

Knowledge:

• Must have a good knowledge of the EU foreign policy, policies of the countries covered by the EU Delegation as well as regional policies
• Have good understanding of the EU engagement in the Pacific
• Have strong drafting, communication and analytical skills combined with sound judgement
• Have good understanding of the functioning of the European Union

Competences:

• Ability to build positive and co-operative working relationship with colleagues and management
• Discretion and confidentiality
• Ability to analyse and solve problems
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, particularly on specialised information.
• Clear and precise drafting skills
• Ability to work in team and be open to cultural diversity
• Ability to listen, to consult and to share information and ideas
• Capacity to focus on priorities, work under pressure and to organise work to deliver on time, including at short notice
• Accuracy and an eye for detail

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, interviews and possibly practical testing. At least 5 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 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 on:   Delegation-Fiji-Vacancies@eeas.europa.eu

The deadline for applications is: Wednesday 14 August 2024 at 5pm (Fiji time).