Vacancy notice – Information Systems Developer - HQ Contract Agent FGIV - DSG-DEF.MD-CIVOPSHQ.4

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 for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy 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 composed currently 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. Our job is to provide operational support for about 2.500 staff working on the CSDP Missions operating on the ground in crisis countries.

WE PROPOSE

The position of Information Systems Developer contract agent FGIVas per article 3b of the Conditions of Employment of Other Servants of the European Union (hereafter, the “CEOS”).

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, subject to the maximum duration of engagement by the EEAS allowed under successive limited duration contracts of different types. 

WE LOOK FOR

We are seeking a proactive information systems developer to join the Civilian Mission Application Platform (CiMA) team. In this role, you will do more than write code; you will be a key architect of the digital backbone supporting our civilian operations, ensuring our software is as resilient as the missions we deploy.

Working within the CivOpsHQ support division, you will blend technical mastery with strategic foresight to deliver secure, high-impact solutions across our global landscape.

Your core impact:

• Innovate and build: lead the full development lifecycle—from identifying user needs and defining requirements to deploying robust applications and complex relational databases (MS-SQL, MySQL).

• Security-led development: partner closely with our cyber security experts to embed "security by design" into every feature, ensuring our software posture remains unshakeable.

• Strategic evolution: you won’t just follow a roadmap—you’ll help draw it. You will recommend system improvements, shape software maturity policies, and influence the technical direction of the division.

• Data stewardship: mastermind the integrity and flow of mission-critical data, overseeing SQL server administration, automated backups, and complex data transformations.

• Empower the mission: bridge the gap between technical complexity and user capability by producing high-quality documentation and delivering training that turns software into an intuitive asset for the Missions’ personnel.

Who you are:

• A full-stack thinker who is comfortable navigating everything from database schema design to high-level application logic.

• A problem solver who enjoys the "detective work" of troubleshooting, debugging, and optimising software for peak performance.

• A collaborative partner who can translate technical jargon into actionable insights for management and disaster recovery planning.

• An Agile contributor ready to adapt to the evolving needs of CSDP missions and the directions of the Head of Division.

Eligibility criteria

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 in a field of engineering, applied sciences, mathematical, information sciences or equivalent;

• have the capacity to work in the languages of the CFSP and external relations (English) 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

Technical mastery:

• Software engineering: at least two years of professional experience in the design, development, and implementation of complex, large-scale web applications and database systems.

• Modern .NET stack: extensive expertise in ASP.NET Core, EF Core, and .NET framework, alongside a strong command of TypeScript, Angular, jQuery, and Bootstrap.

• Architecture and design: deep understanding of microservices architecture, CQRS patterns, OData, and SOLID design principles. You should be proficient in using MVC, Web API, and Razor pages.

• Database and cloud: proven experience in SQL server administration, data modelling, and optimisation. You should be adept at writing complex SQL triggers, stored procedures, and scripts, with exposure to Cosmos DB, Docker, and AKS.

• Security and testing: a commitment to quality through unit testing and a "security-first" approach following OWASP best practices.

Professional and diplomatic skills:

• Communication and presence: the ability to maintain diplomatic relations and communicate complex technical issues clearly within a sophisticated, multicultural institutional environment.

• Analytical rigour: strong drafting and analytical skills, underpinned by sound judgement and the ability to perform with high accuracy under pressure.

• Strategic networking: the capacity to build constructive working relationships with colleagues in the Support Division and other CiVOPS HQ Divisions and with employees of the EU Civilian Missions.

• EU context: a solid understanding of the internal policies, functioning, and external relations of the European Union.

Desirable assets:

• Cloud infrastructure: hands-on experience with MS Azure cloud environments.

• Agile mindset: experience working within Agile/Scrum frameworks and managing source control for large-scale projects.

• Visual design: familiarity with Photoshop, Balsamiq, or other wire-framing tools to enhance user experience.

• Resilience: a proven ability to prioritise and manage exceptionally high workloads while remaining a flexible, service-oriented team player.

• Institutional experience: prior experience within EU institutions or multi-disciplinary international teams.

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 favourable 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 .

The selected candidate should hold, or be in the position to obtain, a valid Personnel Security Clearance (hereafter, the “PSC”)  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

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-SPT-ADMINISTRATION@eeas.europa.eu

Deadline for sending application: 02/04/2026 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). https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:01962R0031-20180101&from=FR

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. ^

    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).