EEAS Vacancy Notice - Contract Agent FGIV - Job title: Policy Officer – STRA-DO (Space Threat Response Architecture - Duty Officer)

24.01.2023 Expired
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EEAS Headquarters job n° 415869

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We are
The European External Action Service (EEAS) supports the work of the High Representative (HR) in defining and implementing an effective and coherent EU foreign policy. The EEAS enables the HR to conduct the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy and chair the Foreign Affairs Council. It also supports the HR in his capacity as Vice President of the Commission with regard to his responsibilities within the Commission in the field of external relations 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 Commission.

The Division "Space” (Secdefpol.5) of the EEAS assists the Special Envoy for Space1 (SES) to support the space activities of the EEAS in their operational, diplomatic and policy dimensions.

The SES and Secdefpol.5 Division assist the HR and the EEAS Secretary General (SG) in their operational tasks. Firstly, in protecting the security and essential interests of the Union and its Member States by averting threats to security or mitigating serious harm to the essential interests of the Union or Member States related to the components of the Union Space Programme2. Secondly, in ensuring the operational direction of the EU Satellite Centre (SatCen) on behalf of the HR, and acting as Tasking Authority3. Such operational tasks are performed by the Space Threat Response Architecture (STRA)4 team within the Secdefpol.5 Division and under a direct chain of command to the HRVP, through the Managing Director for Common Security and Defence Policy (MD CSDP).

Furthermore, the SES and the Secdefpol.5 Division contribute to the development and implementation of the Strategic Compass through the development of the Space Strategy for Security and Defence and expert advice on security aspects of the EU space components of the EU space programme. They also develop and coordinate EU positions regarding space safety, security and sustainability in multilateral fora (mainly the UN) as well as contribute to international dialogues, along with the Commission, on aspects related to security in and from space.

 

We propose

The position of the Policy Officer - STRA DO (Duty Officer) contract agent FGIV as per article 3b of the Conditions of Employment of Other Servants of the European Union (CEOS).

We offer a dynamic working environment with a varied and challenging portfolio. Under the authority of the SES, the Policy Officer – STRA DO is expected to perform the following functions and tasks:

  • Contribute to supporting the HR in the operational responsibilities by taking part in the 24/7 on call duty on a weekly rolling basis and by fulfilling the related tasks;
  • Support the SES with space security expertise;
  • Collaborate with the European Commission and EU Council services in space security related areas such as EU space components of the EU space programme, Union secure connectivity (IRIS²), Space Traffic Management;
  • Prepare position papers, contributions, briefings and speeches on space policy matters, in particular space for security and defence, including the peaceful use of space;
  • Prepare for, attend and report on meetings of Council preparatory bodies, Commission expert groups, European Parliament committees and related working groups on space policy, in particular space for security and defence, and report on the results;
  • Participate in conferences, multilateral meetings, seminars, official events, on space policy, in particular space for security and defence.

Place of employment: EEAS Headquarters, Brussels, Belgium

Post available: immediately

 

We look for

A dynamic, proactive and highly motivated colleague with a strong team spirit and service attitude. The candidate should have excellent coordination, analytical and reporting skills as well as a good understanding of EU policy and decision-making processes and inter-institutional relations. Prior experience in geospatial intelligence and/or space-based Earth Observation systems will be considered a very strong asset.

 

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).5

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:

  • have passed a valid EPSO CAST in FG IV; or 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:

Education and training: University diploma in international relations, space policy, security and/ or defence policy or related areas.

Knowledge and experience:

  • Experience of at least 5 years in the above mentioned areas at institutional level and ideally at operational level;
  • Thorough knowledge and acquired experience in geospatial intelligence and/or space-based Earth Observation systems would be considered a very strong asset;
  • Analysis and reporting on technical subjects;
  • Knowledge of EU institutions and related decision processes, CFSP/CSDP and EU external action;

Skills:

  • Fluent in English (both orally and in writing). Good command of French;
  • Capacity to work and communicate in an international, multicultural and multilingual environment with colleagues from Member States, EU institutions and other bodies;
  • Ability to translate scientific and technical knowledge/ information and integrate it into policy papers and presentations in a synthetic manner;
  • Strong analytical skills. Capacity to rapidly grasp problems and identify adequate issues and solutions;
  • Ability to work under stress with short deadlines and to manage multiple tasks and unexpected demands;
  • Good drafting and reporting skills combined with sound judgement.

Specific conditions of employment

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

Personal Security Clearance at SECRET UE/EU SECRET level or a national equivalent is compulsory for this position. The successful candidate will be required to undergo security vetting if she or he does not already hold a Personal Security Clearance to the 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 procedure6

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

Deadline for sending application: 10/02/2023 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. The function of Special Envoy for Space was created by the HR in 2015

2. Council Decision (CFSP) 2021/698

3. Council Decision 2014/401/CFSP

4. Embedded in the Division “Space”

5. 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

6. 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)