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 Kazakhstan works in close coordination with the Embassies and Consulates of the 27 EU Member States (21 Embassies are present in Nur-Sultan). We are a fully-fledged diplomatic mission and represent the European Union in dealings with the Government of Kazakhstan in areas that are part of the EU’s remit. In particular, the Delegation ensures the follow-up of bilateral relations in the areas of political, economic, trade and external partnership/cooperation (financial and technical), and bilateral sectorial cooperation; promotes and defends the values and interests of the EU, including human rights; and carries out press and public diplomacy activities in pursuit of the above. The Delegation facilitates the implementation of the EU-Kazakhstan Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement and other bilateral memoranda of understanding.

We offer

The post of Press and Information Assistant (Local Agent, Group II) in the Delegation’s Political, Press and Information (PPI) Section. The team consists of 6 people and there are occasional atypical working hours. The team works closely with the Head of Delegation.

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 Section, providing support, expertise and assistance in information and communication activities.

Following main tasks and duties are currently required: 

• Monitor EU, Kazakhstani and Central Asian news from different sources, including social media;
• Monitor media / social media coverage of the EU and Delegation’s activities;
• Liaison with media / social media representatives in order to increase Delegation’s media outreach;
• Supply news for the Daily Developments, drafting and dissemination of the Daily Developments;
• Preparation and issuing of press releases and informational materials; coordination of visibility items– contracting and distribution;
• Drafting speeches for the Ambassador, Head of Section and other management team members;
• Team work with Section colleagues in implementation of cultural events, receptions, visits from HQ, round tables, negotiations and other Delegation's events – including work with Member States, partners and contractors;
• Support in all contractual matters to the Press and Info Officer; preparation of contracts and verification of invoices upon request; updating of EU document management systems;
• Support to the Cooperation Section on review of press releases, web publications, events;
• Act as the Internet/Social Media Editor and Webmaster on behalf of the Delegation; prepare and supervise the external Social Media Management contract;
• Team work with Section colleagues on matters of annual programme planning and Communications Strategies; assistance to Head of Section in budget planning;
• Management of selected functional mailboxes and archives of the PPI Section;
• Performs other related duties as required;

The base salary will depend on relevant and verified employment experience, typically starting from KZT 735,139.  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 15 September 2022. 

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

• Medically fit to perform the required duties;
• Enjoys civil rights and permits for employment under local law;
• Minimum of a University Degree in media, social, economic or political spheres, or equivalent;
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in communications; and a minimum of 2 years of experience in a diplomatic mission or international organisation;
• Excellent knowledge of English and Russian (speaking and writing) and working knowledge of Kazakh (speaking and writing);

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

• Work experience with social media, media monitoring, drafting press releases and speeches;
• Work history (and network of connections or similar) in the area of relations with media stakeholders, organisation of events and public relations;
• Time management, interpersonal skills/team integration potential, flexibility and capacity to work under pressure;
• Knowledge/experience with Contract management and procurement;
• Computer skills (PowerPoint, website design etc.);
• Working knowledge of other EU language(s) - written, oral;
• Level of understanding of integrated EU approach to public diplomacy

How to apply

Please submit your application, consisting of a cover letter and a detailed CV (e.g. Europass format https://europa.eu/europass/en/create-europass-cv)  and a declaration of honour regarding the work rights and medical fitness via Delegation-Kazakhstan-Vacancies@eeas.europa.eu (Reference: Press and Information Assistant post) no later than 17/08/2022, at 17:00hrs (Nur-Sultan time). Only complete applications received on time via email 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 admitted to the Selection by the Committee set up for this purpose.

Depending on the number of applications received, successive phases of Selection may include shortlisting of candidates based on the assessment of the information provided in the cover letter and CV, practical testing (written) and interviews. At least 3 best candidates will be invited to the final interview.

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 via Delegation-Kazakhstan-Vacancies@eeas.europa.eu.