Project Officer - ERP Project Manager Civilian Missions Headquarters – Support Division - EEAS Headquarter - job No 510177

WE ARE

The European External Action Service (EEAS) supports the High Representative in the exercise of her mandate to conduct and implement an effective and coherent Union’s Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), to represent the EU and to chair the Foreign Affairs Council. 

It also supports the High Representative in her capacity as Vice-President of the Commission with regard to her 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 the EU Member States, the General Secretariat of the Council, the services of the Commission and the Secretariat General of the European Parliament.

The Civilian Operations Headquarters (DSG-DEF.MD-CIVOPSHQ) is the permanent structure supporting the Civilian Operations Commander. The Civilian Operations Commander is the overall commander at the strategic level of currently 13 civilian CSDP crisis management missions and provides strategic guidance and direction to the Heads of Mission. The Civilian Operations Commander reports directly to the High Representative and, through her, to the Council of the EU. Under the political control and strategic direction of the Political and Security Committee and the overall authority of the High Representative, the Civilian Operations Commander ensures the effective planning and conduct of civilian CSDP crisis management operations, as well as the proper implementation of all mission-related tasks.

The Support Division (CivOpsHQ.4) is a dynamic Division currently composed of 35 experts in the field of Missions support: Logistics, Digitalisation, CIS, IT, Cybersecurity, Secure Communications, Budget, Procurement, Contracts and Financial aspects of the civilian CSDP Missions. We provide operational support for about 2500 staff working in the 13 CSDP Missions operating on the ground in crisis countries. 

WE PROPOSE

The position of Project Officer - ERP Project Manager contract agent FGIV as per article 3b of the Conditions of Employment of Other Servants of the European Union (hereafter, the “CEOS”)^[1].

PLACE and DATE OF EMPLOYMENT

‎EEAS Headquarters, Brussels, Belgium

Post available: immediately

LEGAL BASIS 

The vacancy is to be filled in accordance with the conditions stipulated under the CEOS, in particular Article 82 thereof. 

In case of recruitment, the successful candidate will be offered a contract agent position (Function group IV), on the basis of a contract with an initial duration of one year that may be successively renewed up to a maximum duration of six years[2], subject to the maximum duration of engagement by the EEAS allowed under successive limited duration contracts of different types[3]. 

WE LOOK FOR

The post holder acts as a Project Manager and Business Owner for a centrally managed Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solutions supporting civilian CSDP Missions, with a focus on Mission Support and Logistics, and contributes to inter-institutional ERP initiatives involving EEAS, the European Commission and DIGIT.

The person to be recruited will work within the MD-CIVOPSHQ.4 Division under the overarching guidance of the Head of Division and the direct supervision of the 
Head of Logistics Project Officer - ERP Project Manager is expected to perform the following tasks:

• Contribute to the implementation, coordination and evolution of centrally managed ERP projects supporting civilian CSDP Missions.

• Coordinate activities across the ERP project lifecycle, including planning, implementation, testing, deployment and follow-up.

• Monitor project progress, milestones and risks, and contribute to project reporting and documentation. Support ERP delivery in an Agile or hybrid project environment, in coordination with analysts, developers and other stakeholders.

• Act as Contract Manager for ERP-related contracts, contributing to procurement, contract execution and follow-up activities in line with applicable rules.

• Liaise and coordinate, as appropriate, with external contractors, DIGIT, the European Commission and other institutional counterparts involved in ERP initiatives

• Act as the primary contact point for end users for the analysis, assessment and follow-up of business and functional requirements related to ERP systems, with a strong focus on logistics and inventory management. 

• Ensure that requirements are aligned with mission needs, institutional policies and applicable rules, and contribute to the definition of solution scope and

• Support CSDP Missions in ERP-related activities, including system use, functional support and guidance.

• Contribute to change management, training and user adoption activities, including the preparation of guidance and training materials.

• Participate, as required, in Technical Assessment Missions, Technical Survey Missions and other operational activities.

• Contribute to activities related to Mission Support policies and procedures, as appropriate.

• Perform any other related tasks as requested by the Line Manager(s), in line with the scope of the post.

• Support CSDP mission staff selection panels as appropriate.

• To undertake any other related task as requested by the Line Manager(s).

Eligibility criteria[4]

Further to the conditions set out in Article 82 of the CEOS, candidates must:

• have passed a valid EPSO CAST in a valid function group for this post, or be registered in the EPSO Permanent CAST for FG IV (https://epso.europa.eu/en/job-opportunities/open-for-application). In the latter case, while the registration will make the candidate eligible for the selection procedure, the recruitment of a candidate on this vacant post will be subject to his/her successfully passing the CAST exam;

• have completed university studies of at least three years attested by a diploma;

• have the capacity to work in the languages of the CFSP and external relations (English and French) necessary for the performance of their duties; 

• be a national of one of the Member States of the European Union and enjoy full rights as a citizen.

Selection criteria

Essential competencies and skills: 

• Proven experience in IT service delivery and project management in a complex institutional environment for at least 5 years, preferably involving Enterprise Resource Planning 

• Demonstrated experience in logistics, inventory or asset management business processes, or proven ability to act as or grow into a business owner role for logistics-related IT solutions

• Experience in liaising and coordinating with IT teams, external contractors and institutional counterparts throughout the project lifecycle in complex, multi-stakeholder environments.

• Experience working in Agile, hybrid or PM² project environments, including iterative delivery and stakeholder feedback processes.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to conceptualise complex challenges and propose pragmatic, actionable solutions.

• Ability to manage stakeholder expectations, resolve conflicts and build consensus in a structured and diplomatic manner.

• Experience in contributing to or managing IT-related contracts, from the pre-tendering phase through contract execution and post-implementation follow-up, including interaction with external service providers and verification of deliverables.

• Knowledge of, or exposure to, procurement, contract management and governance frameworks in an institutional or otherwise regulated environment.

• Availability, when justified by operational needs, to travel at short notice to countries where civilian CSDP Missions are operating.

• Very good command of English, both written and spoken; good knowledge of French would be an advantage.

Other advantageous requirements/skills (considered as assets):

– Have experience in CSDP missions or similar international field experience; 

– Have good Project Management and implementation skills (PM certifications are an advantageous asset); 

– Have basic knowledge of financial processing in public administrations and Project Cycle Management; 

– Have capacity to work under tight deadlines, individually and as part of a mixed team with different backgrounds. Good team working attitude. 

CONDITIONS OF RECRUITMENT AND EMPLOYMENT

CONFLICT OF INTEREST AND SECURITY RISKS

As a matter of policy, applications by individuals who have dual nationality of which one of a non-EU country, will be considered on a case-by-case basis taking account in particular of the functions attributed to the vacant post. The EEAS also examines if there could be a conflict of interest or security risks.

In this context, candidates shall fill in with their application a declaration of potential conflict of interest.

MEDICAL CLEARANCE

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

PERSONNEL SECURITY CLEARANCE (PSC)

The requested level of security clearance for this post is: SECRET UE/EU SECRET. A description of the EU classified information levels is available under Article 2 of Annex A of the Decision ADMIN(2023) 18 on the security rules of the EEAS^[5].

The selected candidate should hold, or be in the position to obtain, a valid Personnel Security Clearance (hereafter, the “PSC”)[6] issued by the competent authority of the Member State concerned. 

Candidates who do not already have a valid PSC will be required to go through the security clearance vetting procedure of their Member State to obtain this clearance in accordance with national laws and regulations and with the procedure laid down in the Decision ADMIN(2019)7 on Security Clearance Requirements and Procedures for the EEAS of 08 March 2019 and in Annex A I of the Decision ADMIN(2023) 18 on the security rules of the EEAS. Until the PSC is issued by the competent authority of the Member State concerned, the selected candidate will not be authorised to access EUCI at the level of CONFIDENTIEL UE/EU CONFIDENTIAL or above, or to participate in any meetings or workflow where EUCI is processed.

Please note that the necessary procedure for obtaining a PSC can be initiated on request of the employer only, and not by the individual candidate.

In case of failure to obtain or renew the required PSC, the AACC may take the appropriate measures in accordance with Article 3(3) of the Decision ADMIN(2019) 7 on Security Clearance Requirements and Procedures for the EEAS of 08 March 2019.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

The EEAS strives to be a dynamic, respectful and inclusive Service. We value the talent and professional excellence of our staff, and are committed to building an organisation where gender equality and the respect of diversity are core values, as set out in the EEAS Mission Statement and the EEAS Agenda for Diversity and Inclusion. The EEAS is committed to achieving gender balance within its workforce and strives to avoid any form of discrimination during this selection procedure, as per Article 1(d) of the SR. We actively welcome applications from all qualified candidates without any discrimination based on any ground. We commit to recruit candidates with the highest standard of ability, efficiency and integrity, carrying out a selection based on merits required for the post and from the broadest possible geographical basis among the EU Member States.

The EEAS is committed to working with people with disabilities in the terms of the SR. If, by virtue of your medical condition or special needs, you require reasonable accommodation for a part or the entirety of this selection process, please send us an email to CONTRACTAGENTS-HQ@eeas.europa.eu. Your request will be treated in strict confidence and no record will be kept. If a candidate with a disability is selected for a vacant post, the EEAS is committed to providing reasonable accommodation in accordance with Article 1(d)(4) of the SR. 

All selected candidates are expected to adhere to the Principles of Professional Behaviour of the EEAS, which outline the need for integrity, transparency, respect, professionalism and accountability, and a zero tolerance approach to any form of harassment

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCEDURE[7]

Please send your CV and cover letter (with your EPSO CAST number), in English or French, and the attached declaration of potential conflict of interest via email, with reference to the Vacancy Number in the Subject field, to:

CIVOPSHQ-ADMINISTRATION@eeas.europa.eu

Deadline for sending application: 16/03/2026 at 12.00 noon (CET).

Candidates shall draft their CV using the Europass CV, 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 selection panel may decide, subsequent to the interview, to organise written tests, either for all pre-selected candidates or to the best ranked ones. The content of such written tests will be defined by the selection panel and may include, but not be limited to, multiple choice questions, open questions and/or topics for a short essay. 

Pre-selected candidates without a valid CAST shall be invited to sit the CAST exam before or after the interview stage (in accordance with the eligibility criteria set out above). 

The panel will then recommend a shortlist of candidates for a final decision by the Authority Authorised to Conclude Contracts of Employment (hereafter, the “AACC”). The AACC may decide to interview the candidates on the final shortlist before taking this decision.

It is recalled that the selection procedure may be terminated at any stage in the interest of the service.

In the interest of the service, after identifying the candidate that best fits the requirements of the post as set out in the vacancy notice, the AACC may also establish a reserve list of candidates. These candidates shall be informed that the reserve list shall remain valid for a period of one year from when it is established and that it may be used to fill the same post or an equivalent post in the EEAS with the same job profile.

[1] Staff Regulations of Officials of the European Union (SR) and the Conditions of Employment of Other Servants of the European Union (CEOS). 

[2] Article 8 of the Commission Decision C(2017) 6760 of 16.10.2017 on the general provisions for implementing Article 79(2) of the Conditions of Employment of Other Servants of the European Union, governing the conditions of employment of contract staff employed by the Commission under the terms of Articles 3a and 3b thereof.

[3] Decision ADMIN(2023) 24 on the maximum duration of engagement by the European External Action Service of non-permanent staff under successive limited duration contracts of different types, and on the minimum lapse of time between successive contracts under Article 2(e) of the CEOS.

[4] All the eligibility criteria must be met on the closing date for applications to this post.

[5] OJ C 263, 26 July 2023, p.16. 

[6] The ‘Personnel Security Clearance’ is defined under point 2 of Annex A I of the Decision ADMIN(2023) 18 on the security rules of the EEAS as “a statement by a competent authority of a Member State which is made following completion of a security investigation conducted by the competent authorities of a Member State and which certifies that an individual may, provided his ‘need-to-know’ has been determined, be granted access to EUCI up to a specified level (CONFIDENTIEL UE/EU CONFIDENTIAL or above) until a specified date; the individual thus described is said to be ‘security cleared’.”

[7] 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).