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 the Republic of South Africa 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 South African government in areas that are part of the EU’s remit.

We offer

The post of Project Officer (Local Agent Group I) in the Delegation’s Cooperation Section. The team consists of 21 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 Team Leader for Governance and Social Sectors and the Head of the Cooperation Section, providing support, expertise and assistance in the field of governance; particularly gender equality and human rights.

Following main tasks and duties are currently required: 

• Review sector trends, sector institutional frameworks, government sector programmes, current support activities undertaken by the international community and identify support gaps and possible roles for the EU.
• Initiate and participate in the identification and all subsequent stages of project formulation and preparation of new activities to be supported in the sub-sector.
• Monitor the implementation of EU-funded programmes and projects inter alia by reviewing and approving project documents (technical and financial), reports (technical and financial), and by carrying out field visits as appropriate.
• Coordinate and follow-up on Results Oriented Monitoring, manage reviews and evaluations and collaborate in audits and their follow-up.
• Support the EU Delegation mainstream gender equality into its work e.g. in revising
• action documents and ensuring that they integrate Gender Equality key areas of engagements with their objectives and indicators.
• Monitor the compliance with EU Gender and Human Rights Strategies standards of performance and targets
• Report on activities in the sectors and on project implementation.
• Represent the EU Delegation in Project Steering Committee meetings and other fora relevant for the sector
• Ensure that implementing partners properly follow EU regulations and procedures for the implementation of the projects.
• Review and approve all technical aspects of supporting documentation before payment.
• Promote and ensure policy dialogue and better co-ordination between development partners and other stakeholders, including Government and Civil Society Organisations.
• Operational initiator in the Commission's electronic databases – CRIS, OPSYS etc. and uploading of full documentation of all transactions in the system.
• Contribute to visibility of EU-SA cooperation and monitor compliance

In the performance of the above-mentioned duties, the Project Officer will work closely with the other members of the Delegation.

The Project Officer may be required, according to the evolution of the portfolio of projects, to perform the functions and tasks described above for other sectors.

The base salary will depend on relevant and verified employment experience, typically starting from ZAR 60,235.00 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 1 May 2023.

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

• Minimum of University Degree in Political Science, Humanities, International Relations, Development Studies, Law or a related field
• Minimum of 5 years of experience
• Working knowledge of English
• Right to residence and permit for employment under local law. A copy of the work permit is to be included with the application.

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

• Level of skills of time management, capacity of organizing work;
• Knowledge of project cycle management;
• Level of language and communication skills (written, oral) in required language;
• Analytical and problem-solving skills;
• Ability to work in a team; capable of productive interaction knowledge/experience of sector policies, EU policies, knowledge of South Africa’s politics and economy;
• Knowledge of national and international policies and frameworks related to gender equality and human rights.

How to apply

Please submit your application, consisting of a motivational cover letter and Europass format CV to the following email address: Delegation-s-africa-jobs@eeas.europa.eu (Quoting Reference No. 57901) no later than 31 March 2023, 18:00 hours local time.

Kindly download the Europass standard CV template:

Please note if the correct CV template is not utilized, your application will not be considered.

Only complete applications received on time via the above mentioned email address will be considered.

The successful candidate will be subject to a medical check and background check of references.

The process

After the deadline for applications, the eligible applications will be admitted to the Selection by the Committee set up for this purpose.

A maximum of 15 candidates will be invited to a written test, based on an assessment of the information provided in the motivational cover letter and  CV.

A maximum of 6 candidates will be invited to an interview, based on the assessment of the written test, the motivational cover letter and  CV.

References may be checked for the candidates invited to the 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 via: Delegation-s-africa-jobs@eeas.europa.eu