Vacancy Notice - Secretary - 111942

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, investment 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 South Africa, based in Pretoria 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 secretary (Local Agent Group III) sits in the Delegation’s Cooperation Section. The team consists of 10 people.

The working hours are 37.5 hours per week (full time); there are also occasional atypical working hours (evening, week-end).

Under this post, the recruited person will be attributed to 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 in the Cooperation Section, providing support, expertise and assistance in primarily administrative and secretarial tasks. 

Following main tasks and duties are currently required: 

• Overall organisational and administrative assistance in the Cooperation Section;
• Drafting of correspondence and meeting minutes;
• Formatting, editing, and synthesising of reports and documents;
• Maintenance of section files and databases; classification, filing and registering of correspondence and documents;
• Logistical and administrative support to the organisation of meetings/events/missions;
• Relations with external stakeholders regarding events and public affairs;
• Keeping section members’ diaries and agendas;
• Any other administrative task, or ad hoc tasks relating to the activities of the Section and the Delegation.

The base salary will depend on relevant and verified employment experience, typically starting from R 34.723 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 as soon as possible. 

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

• Proven experience in diplomatic missions or other international organisations;
• Proven experience with the organisation of high level international events;
• Minimum of National Certificate – Grade 12 or equivalent;
• Minimum of 6 years of experience as secretary, personal assistant, office manager, administrative assistant or similar, after having obtained the secondary education degree;
• Excellent knowledge of English;
• Be a South African citizen or have a visa and a work permit to work in South Africa which is not dependent on an employer;
• Basic computer literacy (knowledge of Microsoft Office; outlook);
• Have a clean criminal record;
• Be able to work overtime on very short notice should an emergency take place;
• Be able to work on weekends and holidays on very short notice, when necessary. 

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

• Post-secondary degree in secretarial studies, office management, business administration or similar;

• Knowledge of other South African languages;
• Strong time management, interpersonal skills, organisation and coordination skills;
• Strong team work fluency, high flexibility, and capacity to work under pressure;
• Previous work history (or network of connections or similar) 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 Europass format CV, to the following email address: eeasjobs-145@eeas.europa.eu, no later than 18:00 hours on 23 February 2026. Only complete applications received on time will be considered. 

The successful candidate will be subject to a medical check, background check before taking up duties.

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 on assessment of the information provided in the cover letter and CV. Shortlisted 5 candidates after this screening 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.

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 and to preventing discrimination on any grounds. 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.