Policy Officer - Maldives

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 Sri Lanka and the Maldives, in Colombo, Sri Lanka 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 Sri Lankan and Maldivian governments in areas that are part of the EU’s remit. 

We offer

The post of Political Officer Maldives (Local Agent Job Profile of Policy Officer, Group I) in the Delegation’s Political, Press & Information Section, under a fixed-term employment contract of 2 years, with a possibility of renewal under reserve of budgetary availability and operational considerations. There is a probation period of 6 months. The team consists of 6 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 Political, Press & Information Section, providing support, expertise and assistance in the analysis of the politics of the Maldives.

Following main tasks and duties are currently required:

• Provide high quality political reporting and analysis of major events and developments in the Maldives; 

• Provide high quality briefings on request and respond in a timely manner to other requests for information; 

• Design visit programmes, organise meetings, and provide informative briefings;

• Monitor and analyse Maldivian media and social media.  Liaise with Press and Information colleagues to use social media channels proactively; 

• Participate in relevant public events;

• Liaise with the Government of the Maldives, political parties and civil society; 

• Respond to requests from Brussels for the public and press enquiries, prepare briefing dossiers, organise press coverage for Delegation's activities;

• Support visibility of EU initiatives and EU-funded projects, working effectively with Press and Information colleagues and Development Cooperation Programme Managers; 

• Participate in the conception and organisation of the Delegation's activities to promote EU policies in Sri Lanka and the Maldives; 

• Establish close working relations with EU Member States, relevant agencies and civil society actors to support the achievement of the EU's stated priorities;

• Undertake other assignments, including on Sri Lankan affairs, which may be requested in view of the efficient functioning of the Delegation. 

The place of employment is Colombo, Sri Lanka. Working in Sri Lanka will require all necessary residence and work permits. The Delegation will offer assistance in obtaining the permits for the successful candidate, but the final offer of employment will be dependent on these being received. 

The base salary will depend on relevant and verified employment experience, typically starting from EUR 1660.  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 Delegation withholds local income tax (APIT), local social security contributions (EPF and ETF), contributions to the EU Provident fund and the EU LA Medical insurance scheme. Payment is done in LKR, using the InforEuro rate of the month. The working hours are 37h30 per week, from Monday to Friday. 

There is no relocation or installation allowance foreseen.

The expected start date will be between 15/04/2026 and 15/05/2026.

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

1.    Medically fit to perform the required duties;
2.    For Maldivian candidates, working in Sri Lanka will require all necessary residence and work permits;
3.    Language skills: English: level C1 or above (Common European Framework of Reference of Languages);
4.    Education: University degree in political science, international relations or other relevant field;
5.    Good knowledge of the Maldivian political environment required;;
6.    Computer literacy: good knowledge of Microsoft Office.

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

1.    Working experience in the Maldives or on Maldivian affairs would be a valuable asset;
2.    Language skills: Dhivehi: level B1 or above
3.    Good presentational skills;
4.    Knowledge of the policies and functioning of the European Union, EU-South Asia relations, including in areas such as democracy, human rights and climate change.

How to apply

The applicant must apply by sending

• A cover letter, signed
• A Curriculum Vitae (to include, at the minimum, exact job titles, employers’ names and detailed task descriptions) using of the Europass templates available at: https://europass.europa.eu
• Copy of National Identity Card or Passport
• Copy of University degree(s)
• Reference letter(s) of previous employer(s) (optional)

all documents to the following email address: eeasjobs-118@eeas.europa.eu
 

And mention in the email subject:
[your name] - Ref: 232072 – Job Title: Policy Officer Maldives
no later than Thursday 26/02/2026. 

Caution:  The applicant must verify that he/she fulfills all the conditions. For easy verification, the applicant must mark all the squares  relating to each document or application condition. The absence of one of these conditions or documents is a reason for the rejection of the application
Only complete applications received on time via email will be considered. 

Additional information concerning this procedure can only be requested via email to delegation-sri-lanka-recruitments@eeas.europa.eu. The successful candidate will be subject to a medical check and background 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 assessment of the information provided in the cover letter, CV; practical testing and interviews. The 3 best candidates will be invited to the final interview, test, presentation or whatever final phase is most suitable.

Only candidates admitted to each successive selection phase will be contacted individually. 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 email delegation-sri-lanka-recruitments@eeas.europa.eu

The successful candidate will be subject to a medical check, a background check and a check of the references of previous employment.

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, preventing discrimination on any grounds and ensuring a zero tolerance approach to any form of harassment. 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.

If pre-selected, candidates with disabilities are invited to contact the Delegation (eeasjobs-118@eeas. europa.eu) in order to accommodate any special needs and provide assistance to ensure equality of opportunities with other candidates.

If a candidate with a disability is selected and recruited, the EEAS is committed to appropriate measures in order to accommodate his or her special needs to the working place or working conditions in accordance with Art 4 of the Decision ADMIN(2025)13 of the Director-General for Resource Management of the European External Action Service on providing reasonable accommodation for local staff with disabilities working in Union Delegations.

DATA PROTECTION NOTICE:
https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/eeas-privacy-statement-data-protection-notice-purpose-processing-personal-data-related-recruitment_en