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VACANCY NOTICE Job no. 117565 - Programme Manager in the Operations 1 Section

24.09.2026 New opportunity
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The European Union Delegation to the Republic of North Macedonia is looking for a
local agent position of Programme Manager in the Operations 1 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 North Macedonia is one of those 140 delegations. The Delegation of the European Union is the liaison between the national authorities and EU institutions. Since the decision taken by the European Council to recognise the country as a candidate for EU membership, the work of the Delegation of the European Union has focused increasingly on monitoring and reporting on compliance with the political and economic criteria for membership of the EU, and alignment of legislation with EU legislation as well as capacity to implement and enforce it.

One of Delegation's key tasks is to inform the authorities, institutions, media and citizens of the Republic of North Macedonia about the pre-accession process and about the EU institutions and policies. It also maintains regular contacts with academic institutions, business community and representatives of the civil society.

We offer

We offer a position of Programme Manager in the Operations 1 Section of the Delegation. The jobholder will work under the supervision and responsibility of the Head of Section to ensure effective and efficient programming and implementation of financial assistance in the field of economic and regional development as part of the Delegation’s activities related to pre-accession processes. The selected candidate will be offered a fixed-term employment contract ("local agent" type contract - Group I) for two years, with the possibility of renewal.

We offer a competitive position in an international environment. Benefits, such as additional pension scheme and medical insurance, are offered to employees and their families under certain conditions.

Place of employment: Skopje. Working time: 37.5 working hours/week.

Functions and duties:

The successful candidate will perform the following tasks:

  • support the team leader and Head of Section, on activities related to the assigned portfolio; 
    contribute to the annual country report for the corresponding chapters; 
  • contribute to sector analysis and to the programming of activities under the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA) for the areas of responsibility;
  • contribute to the programming, identification and appraisal in close cooperation with the beneficiary institutions in the country;
  • initiate and process all aspects of the procurement process and compile information for the visibility and promotion of portfolio related achievements;
  • write briefings and speeches.

The tasks listed above are indicative and may change in accordance with the Delegation’s service needs and internal organisation.

Skills:

  • Communication skills: Excellent good communication and drafting skills, analytical and reporting capabilities; 
  • Interpersonal skills: Capacity to work as a team player; Ability to deal with tact and diplomacy 
  • Organisational skills: Methodical and structured approach, ability to deliver results in a timely manner; capacity to work under pressure and respond quickly to demands. 
  • Personal qualities: Flexibility; sense of initiative; commitment to public service and team spirit.

Eligibility criteria:

The EU Delegation strives to offer equal opportunities and access to all candidates regardless of their race, colour, ethnic or social origin, genetic features, language, religion or belief, political or any other opinion, membership of a minority, birth, disability, age, sexual identity or any other characteristic. We are committed to attracting talent from diverse backgrounds. Selection procedures are designed to be clear, transparent and accessible to all candidates.

Candidates for this local agent post should: 
  • have a University degree (Master degree is an asset) related to economic and regional development matters;
  • have at least five years of relevant professional experience, preferably in an international and multi-cultural environment; 
  • candidates must be Macedonian/Citizen of the Republic of North Macedonia, or hold a residence permit and/or work permit for the Republic of North Macedonia; have an excellent command of the Macedonian and the English languages – at professional level, in spoken and written expression. Excellent command of the Albanian language is a strong asset.
  • enjoy civil rights and permits for employment under local law.
Selection criteria:

Candidates should: 

  • have excellent drafting skills combined with sound judgement, rapid grasp of problems and the capacity to identify issues and solutions;
  • have the capacity to create constructive working relations with key partners in the country, building up a local network;
  • have knowledge of external relations, including the enlargement policy, internal policies and functioning of the European Union; 
  • have excellent communication skills and the ability to establish and maintain a network of contacts both within and outside the Delegation; 
  • have the ability to communicate clearly on complex issues and the capacity to perform with accuracy and in a flexible manner a diversity of tasks in a complex institutional environment;

Furthermore, the following would be considered as an asset: 

  • experience of working in a team in a multi-disciplinary environment;
  • experience of working in an embassy or international organisation; 
  • experience in the field of cross-border cooperation;
  • experience in public speaking;
How to apply

Interested candidates should send a motivation letter and CV-Europass format (both documents in English only) to the following functional e-mail:  eeasjobs-244@eeas.europa.eu 

Subject line should state: Name Surname Job.no. 117565

Candidates shall draft their CV following the European CV form which can be found at the following internet address https://europass.europa.eu/en/create-europass-cv  .

The Delegation will not supply additional information or discuss the selection procedure by telephone. Please address any queries concerning this procedure via e-mail to delegation-north-macedonia-recruitments@eeas.europa.eu 

Deadline for sending application is 15 October 2026 at 17.00h Skopje time. 

Only short listed candidates will be contacted by e-mail and will be invited for an interview and possibly a written test.  Interviews will be held in Skopje, at the EU Delegation premises. The candidates who have not been short-listed will be informed on the decision.