We are

The European External Action Service (EEAS) supports the work of the High Representative in defining and implementing an effective and coherent EU foreign policy. The EEAS supports his tasks of conducting the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy and chairing the Foreign Affairs Council. It also supports the High Representative in his capacity as Vice President of the Commission with regard to his responsibilities within the Commission in the external relations field including the coordination of other aspects of the EU's external action. The EEAS works in close cooperation with Member States, the Council and relevant services of the European Commission.

The Central Asia Division (EEAS EURCA.4) is responsible for the strategic planning and policy definition for EU relations with Central Asia; for providing support and advice to the HR/VP and the EEAS management on all aspects of the EU-Central Asia relations. Relations with the region are in the focus of renewed attention from international, partners (EU, Russia, China, US, Turkey, Iran, etc.). In 2019, the EU has adopted a Strategy on Central Asia.

We propose

The position of a political desk officer for Tajikistan, contract agent FGIV, as per article 3b of the Conditions of Employment of Other Servants of the European Union (CEOS).

Place of employment: EEAS Headquarters, Brussels, Belgium

Post available: immediately

We look for

A motivated, dynamic and well-organised colleague with a strong team spirit.

In addition to being responsible for handling relations with the country, the desk officer will be in charge of a number of thematic aspects of the implementation of the EU-Central Asia Strategy. The desk officer will also act as back-up for the relations with one of the four other Central Asian countries the division is covering.

Specific requirements:

The overall purpose of the post is to contribute to the definition and implementation of EU policies, in particular:

• Policy analysis: Analyse, follow-up, and give updates on developments on the political, social, economic and security situation in the country, e.g. with regard to human rights, governance, rule of law, elections, trade relations, the situation at the borders, etc.
• Policy definition: Contribute to the definition of EU policies in the fields indicated above, in co-ordination with Commission services, Member States, the country concerned, and other partners;
• Policy development: Contribute to the overall policy development with Tajikistan with a particular focus on the negotiation process for an Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA) between the EU and Tajikistan; contribute to the development of EU-Tajikistan relations, in particular through analysis and follow-up of relevant political developments, in close consultation with other EEAS services, relevant services of the Commission, the EU Delegation in Dushanbe and international organisations;
• Programme / project evaluation: Evaluate the impact of co-operation, programmes and related measures from a political/strategic point of view;
• Institutional and stakeholder relations: Organise and maintain relations, co- ordination, and contacts with the Commission, Presidency, the relevant Council Groups, the European Parliament, Member States, the country concerned as well as relevant NGOs; represent the EEAS in relevant meetings. Deal with parliamentary questions and petitions;
• Inter-service consultation: Carry out and respond to inter-service consultations. Follow-up of briefing requests/dossiers. Create and maintain network of inter-service contacts;
• External communication: Communicate relevant policy to outside organisations and contacts.

Legal basis

The vacancy is to be filled in accordance with the conditions stipulated under the Conditions of Employment of Other Servants of the European Union (CEOS).¹

The successful candidate will be offered a contract agent position (Function group IV); renewable contract for a maximum duration of 6 years (with a valid CAST exam).

Eligibility criteria

Candidates for this contract agent IV post should:

• (i) have passed a valid EPSO CAST in FG IV; or (ii) be registered in the EPSO Permanent CAST in FG IV (https://epso.europa.eu/en/job-opportunities/open-for-application)
• have completed university studies of at least three years attested by a diploma;
• have the capacity to work in languages of CFSP and external relations necessary for the performance of their duties. Knowledge of other EU languages would be an asset;
• be a national of one of the Member States of the European Union and enjoy full rights as a citizen.

SELECTION CRITERIA:

Candidates should:

• have ability to maintain diplomatic relations and to ensure representation and communication in a complex, multicultural environment;
• have capacity to create constructive working relations in the field of external relations with national authorities, international organisations and EU Member States;
• have strong drafting and analytical skills combined with sound judgement;
• have knowledge of external relations, internal policies and functioning of the Union;
• have excellent communication skills and the ability to establish and maintain a network of contacts both within and outside the EEAS;
• 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;
• have a strong service attitude;
• be fluent in English and in French (both orally and in writing);
• have geographical knowledge and/or experience of Central Asia;
• be a flexible team player.

Furthermore:

• experience of working in a team in a multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural environment;
• experience in working with or within other EU institutions; and
• experience in trade agreement negotiations;

would be considered as strong assets.

Specific conditions of employment

The signature of the contract will be subject to prior favourable opinion of the Medical Service.

The successful candidate will be required to undergo security vetting if she or he does not hold already a Personal Security Clearance to an appropriate level, in accordance with relevant security provisions.

Equal Opportunities

The EEAS is committed to an equal opportunities policy for all its employees and applicants for employment. As an employer, the EEAS is committed to promoting gender equality and to preventing discrimination on any grounds. It actively welcomes applications from all qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds and from the broadest possible geographical basis amongst the EU Member States. 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.

Candidates with disabilities are invited to contact CONTRACTAGENTS-HQ@eeas.europa.eu in order to accommodate any special needs and provide assistance to ensure the possibility to pass the selection procedure in equality of opportunities with other candidates. If a candidate with a disability is selected for a vacant post, the EEAS is committed to providing reasonable accommodation in accordance with Art 1d.4 of the Staff Regulations.

Application and selection procedure²

Please send your CV and cover letter (with your EPSO CAST number) via email to EURCA-4@eeas.europa.eu

Deadline for sending application: 06/03/2023 at 12.00 (CET).

Candidates shall draft their CV following the European CV form which can be found at the following internet address: http://europass.cedefop.europa.eu/en/documents/curriculum-vitae.

Late applications will not be accepted.

The selection panel will make a pre-selection on the basis of the qualifications and professional experience described in the CV and motivational letter, and will produce a shortlist of eligible candidates who best meet the selection criteria for the post. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be informed about the outcome of the pre-selection phase.

The candidates who have been preselected will be invited for an interview by a selection panel. The panel will recommend a shortlist of candidates for a final decision by the Authority Empowered to Conclude Contracts of Employment. The Authority may decide to interview the candidates on the final shortlist before taking this decision.

It is recalled, that if the interest of the service so requires, the selection procedures can be terminated at any stage in the interest of the service.

1. Staff Regulations of Officials (SR) and the Conditions of Employment of Other Servants of the European Union (CEOS). For reference, see

https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?qid=1570023902133&uri=CELEX:01962R0031-20190101

2. Your personal data will be processed in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2018/1725, as implemented by ADMIN(2019)8 Decision of the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. The privacy statement is available on the Europa website: (https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/eeas-privacy-statement-data-protection-notice-purpose-processing-personal-data-related-public_en) and on the EEAS Intranet:(https://intranet.eeas.europa.eu/page/eeas-work/data-protection/privacy-statements-dp-notices)