The European Union Delegation to the Republic of Colombia, in Bogotá is looking for: Two (2) Project Officers in the Cooperation Section (Fix term contract for 18 months not renewable)

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 Colombia, in Bogotá 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 Colombian government in areas that are part of the EU’s remit.

We offer

The post of Project Officer (Local Agent Group 1) in the Delegation’s Cooperation Section. The team consists of 15 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 Cooperation, providing support, expertise and assistance in the management of the EU Trust Fund for Colombia and the Cooperation portfolio.

The recruited person will accomplish the following functions and duties:

GENERAL DUTIES

• Liaise with the national/territorial Government, development partners, multi-lateral agencies, international organizations, private sector, and local communities in all matters related to peace, and particularly rural development, under the guidance and with support of the EU Head of Cooperation (HoC) in Colombia.
• Advice the EU Delegation and beneficiary government on technical and policy matters related to peace, and particularly in the rural development / reincorporation domain.
• Draft speeches and reports.
• Prepare, when required, technical/political concept notes and EU projects/programmes proposals, in close collaboration with EU Member States, and Colombian government, in line with the EU Multi-Indicative Programme for Colombia and the Colombian policy priorities. When necessary actively engage in resource mobilization efforts (including private sector), including preparation of project proposals, with the advice of the HoC.
• Contribute towards the EU implementation projects/programmes, in the peace domain and particularly those related to rural development and the social and economic reintegration of former combatants.
• Elaborate EUTF/TEI (Team Europe Initiative) progress reports and briefs as required
• Ensure the EU visibility in Colombia
• Organise and participate in the EUTF governance mechanisms and the Team Europe Initiatives fostering the peace agenda.

PROGRAM / PROCESS / PROJECT MANAGEMENT

• Liaise and cooperate constructively with other sections (trade, political-press-information Sections).

• Ensure the fulfilment of all the necessary conditions for formulating projects and manage the corresponding contracts (i.a. grants, services, Delegated Agreements, Budget Support).
• Approve work plans, elaborate progress reports, follow-up implementation, identify risks for timely action and propose action when needed for early resolution.
• Contribute to the implementation of projects/programs, and follow-up performance indicators measuring mid-term effects and long-term impact.
• Conduct regularly field missions in the country, to monitor and ensure smooth implementation of EUTF projects. Follow up ROM (Result Oriented Monitoring) and evaluation missions, take stock of lessons learned and ensure EU´s visibility.
• Coordinate and collaborate with partners and stakeholders in order to link and harmonize approaches promoting common interests.

COMMUNICATION and PUBLICATION

• Draft periodical project reports.
• Produce ad-hoc reporting, briefings and presentations as required
• Ensure adequate visibility of EUTF projects and initiatives and present them to third parties as required
• Produce and disseminate EUTF/TEIs results, participating in workshops, seminars, conferences and other public events 
• Organise EU TF / TEIs' missions when required.

BUDGET and FINANCE

• Review and advice on projects´ budgets implementation.
• Follow-up financial reports of EUTF/TEI projects.
• Monitor progress on financial execution; identify financial risks and propose timely action for early resolution / mitigation.
• Provide financial support to project counterparts/partners if needed.

The base salary will depend on relevant and verified employment experience, typically starting from COP $ 11.324.962.  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 February 1^st, 2024. 

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

• University degree in agronomy, veterinary, socio-economic science, or other relevant for the position.
• At least 3 years of relevant professional experience for the job. Other professional experience will not be considered.
• Excellent knowledge (level C2) of Spanish and level B2 of English

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

• Relevant postgraduate qualification in rural development or fields relevant for the position
• Ability to write briefs and technical/political reports
• Experience in working in multidisciplinary teams and projects (EU projects will be an asset)
• Familiarity with EU policies, programmes and procedures is desirable
• Ability to deal with complex contexts and propose adequate solutions

How to apply

Please submit your application, consisting of a cover letter and Europass format CV via the e-mail to eeasjobs-013@eeas.europa.eu no later than 09:00 02/01/2024. Only complete applications received on time via e-mail will be considered.

The successful candidate will be subject to a medical check.

The process

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

Depending on the number of applications received, successive phases of selection may be needed, including a shortlisting of candidates based on an assessment of the information provided in the cover letter and the CV; a written test in Spanish and English and interviews. The 5 best candidates will be invited to the final test (this might include an interview, a case study, and a presentation).

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.