Head of Communications and Spokesperson (IS 2026/02)

ANNEX 1- Call for Contributions

Seconded Personnel – For seconded positions, only personnel nominations received through official channels from EU Member States will be considered. Contributing States will bear all personnel-related costs for seconded personnel, including salaries, medical coverage and travel expenses to and from the Mission area (including home leave). 

Contracted Personnel – The EUSR may recruit international staff on a contractual basis as required, through an employment contract. The employment contract with the EUSR establishes the conditions of employment, rights and obligations, remuneration, allowances, travel and removal expenses and the applicable standard risk insurance policy.

Documents supporting educational qualifications and work experience, if issued in another language, should be accompanied by certified translations of the original documents in English language in accordance with the article VI.1.2 of the Guidelines on the main principles of classification of posts and grading of international contracted staff.

The EEAS, Western Balkans Division, requests EU Member States and European Institutions to second experts or to support the applications for contract regime to the available position with the EUSR in BiH, according to the described requirements and profile:

1. GENERAL CONDITIONS

Citizenship – Citizen of a Member State of the European Union (EU) and enjoying full rights as a citizen.

Integrity – The candidates must maintain the highest standards of personal integrity, impartiality and self-discipline within the EUSR Team. Candidates are not allowed to provide or discuss any information or document as a result of access to classified and/or sensitive information related to the EUSR Team or respective tasks and activities. The candidates shall carry out their duties and act in the interest of the EUSR.

Flexibility and adaptability – The candidates must be able to work in arduous conditions with a limited network of support and with unpredictable working hours and a considerable workload. They must have the ability to work professionally as a member of the team with excellent interpersonal and communication skills and must be able to cope with possible extended separation from family and usual environment. 

Physical and mental health – The candidates must be physically fit and in good health without any physical or mental problems or substance dependency which can impair operational performance.  

Serious deficiencies in any of these general conditions may result in repatriation/termination of the secondment/contract.

2. REQUIREMENTS

II.A Essential Requirements

The following are essential requirements in respect of international experts to the EUSR in Bosnia and Herzegovina for the Job Description:

1. Education and Training

The candidates should have a recognized academic qualification under the European Qualifications Framework (EFQ), or equivalent, at a level specified in the individual job descriptions.

2. Knowledge

The candidates should have good knowledge of the EU Institutions and international standards, particularly related to the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), including the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP).

3. Skills and abilities

Language Skills – The candidates must be fully fluent in written and oral English language.

Communication and Interpersonal Skills- The candidates must have excellent interpersonal and communications skills, both written and oral.

Organizational skills- The candidates must have excellent organizational skills with the ability to prioritise work to meet tight deadlines, and a concern for order and accuracy.

Computer Skills – Skills in word processing, spreadsheet and e-mail systems are essential. Knowledge of other IT tools will be an asset.

Driving Skills – Be in possession of a valid, including Bosnia and Herzegovina, civilian driver licence for motor vehicles (Category B or equivalent). Being able to drive any 4x4 wheel drive vehicles.

Serious deficiencies in any of these essential requirements may result in repatriation/termination of the secondment/contract.

II.B Desirable Requirements

Knowledge of the Western Balkans – The candidates should have good knowledge of the history, culture, social and political situation of the Western Balkans, in particular through field experience in a multilateral working environment.

Language - Proficiency in local language(s) will be considered an advantage.

3. ESSENTIAL DOCUMENTS AND REQUIREMENTS FOR THE SELECTED CANDIDATES

Passport – The selected candidate must obtain a passport from their respective national authorities. Possession of a valid diplomatic or service passport for seconded participants is optional.  

Visas – Contributing States and selected candidate must ensure that visas are obtained for entry into Bosnia and Herzegovina prior to departure from their home country. It is also essential to obtain any transit visas, which may be required for passage through countries en route to the Western Balkans/Bosnia and Herzegovina area.

Education diploma(s)/certificates or/and professional certificate(s) - The selected international candidates must have and present to the Mission the University diploma or the professional certificate/diploma, depending on the job description, before signing the contract or the taking up duties. 

Personnel Security Clearance (PSC) –The selected candidate will have to be in possession of Personnel Security Clearance (PSC) at least “EU Secret” level. The seconded experts, the original national security clearance or a proof of initiation of the process must accompany them upon deployment. For contracted experts, if necessary, the process may be initiated by EUSR BiH.

Medical Certificate – The selected candidates should undergo a medical examination and be certified medically fit for mission duty by a competent authority from the member State. This certification must accompany deployed seconded/contracted personnel.

Deficiencies in any of the documents asked for a specific position may result in failure of the selection process.

4. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THE SELECTION PROCESS

Gender balance – The EU strives for improved gender balance in CSDP operations in compliance with UNSCR 1325. The EUSR in Bosnia and Herzegovina encourages Member States and European Institutions to take this into account when offering contributions.   

Application Form – Applications will be considered only when using the standard Application Form (Annex 2) and indicating which position(s) the candidate is applying for. Application form must be accompanied by a cover letter.

Selection process - The candidates considered to be most suitable will be shortlisted and interviewed by audio/video skype/phone, before the final selection is made. 

Information on the Outcome – Candidates applying for the contracted positions as well as Member States and European Institutions will be informed about the outcome of the selection process after its completion.

Data Protection – The EUSR Office processes personal data pursuant to Regulation (EC) 2018/1725 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data by the EU institutions and bodies and on the free movement of such data, as implemented in the EEAS by the Decision of the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of 8 December 2011. The Privacy statement is available on the EEAS website. 

Job Description – The current reporting lines of the following job descriptions might be subject to modification based on the operational requirements.

5. JOB DESCRIPTION

Terms of Reference

Position Title:                                      Head of Communications and Spokesperson – 1 post

Position reference number:              IS2026/02

Staff Category:                                    International Seconded/Contracted – Expert Level

Direct Supervisor:                               EUSR in BiH

Duty Station:                                        Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

The powers and authorities of the EUSR and the powers and authorities of the Head of European Union Delegation in Bosnia and Herzegovina are vested in the same person. The EUSR's mandate includes facilitating progress on political, economic and European priorities in close coordination with European Commission and EEAS in order to ensure consistency with other relevant activities falling within the competence of the Union.

The Head of Communications and Spokesperson is one of the closest advisers to the HoD/EUSR and is responsible for developing, implementing and continuously adapting strategic communication approaches and plans in support of EU policy priorities and the EUSR mandate in Bosnia and Herzegovina, under the supervision of the HoD/EUSR. S/he ensures the strategic and coherent use of communication across relevant activities and operational engagement, including through media relations, public diplomacy, digital communication, targeted campaigns and stakeholder engagement. S/he provides strategic advice to the EUSR and senior management on communication positioning, public messaging, media engagement, reputational risks and communication responses to politically sensitive or high-profile developments and leads, guides and supports other sections in integrating communication considerations into their respective policy areas and portfolios. She/he serves as a key strategic adviser to the EUSR on communication, media engagement, public positioning and reputational matters.

The EUSR mandate includes coordinating and implementing the Union’s communication efforts on EU issues towards the public in BiH’ and to ‘promote the process of EU integration through targeted public diplomacy and EU outreach activities designed to ensure a broader understanding and support from the BiH public on EU related matters’. In accordance with this, the Head of Communications and Spokesperson will, under the direction and supervision of the EUSR, work in close conjunction with the Commission and the EEAS.

The EUSR modus operandi and internal organisation will necessarily evolve in accordance with decisions of the Council and in relation to the challenges the EUSR meets in BiH. The outlined role and functions are therefore typical but not exclusive and the EUSR reserves the right to reasonably amend those stated here within a view to ensure that all Union instruments in the field are applied coherently to attain the Union’s policy objectives.

Typical Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop, implement and regularly review strategic communication plans and approaches supporting the EUSR mandate and EU policy priorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, ensuring coherence of messages, audiences, channels and activities. Provide strategic communications advice to the EUSR and senior management on positioning, messaging, media engagement, reputational considerations, crisis communication and responses to politically sensitive or high-profile developments. 

• Serve as Spokesperson. Maintain effective relations with local, regional and international media and act as the principal point of contact for press enquiries, interviews, briefings and other media engagements.

• Lead, manage and coordinate the Communications team, ensuring effective allocation of responsibilities, staff development, performance and delivery of communication priorities, and effective internal communication in cooperation with the EUSR/HoD. 

• Prepare, coordinate and/or oversee communication products, including press releases, statements, talking points, speeches, articles, interviews, media lines and other communication materials. 

• Lead and coordinate public diplomacy and EU outreach activities promoting understanding of EU policies, priorities and the European integration process, including engagement with relevant stakeholders, opinion leaders, civil society, academia, media and other public audiences. 

• Lead stakeholder mapping and audience analysis, and monitor relevant public opinion, communication trends and audience engagement to inform strategic communication priorities, targeting and activities. 

• Oversee mass-media campaigns, digital communication and social media activities, ensuring consistency, timeliness and appropriate messaging and visibility for target audiences. 

• Identify, assess and advise on communication, reputational and information-related risks, including disinformation and Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI), and coordinate appropriate communication responses with relevant EUSR, EU and EEAS counterparts. 

• Maintain close coordination with relevant EU Institutions and other international partners in Bosnia and Herzegovina, ensuring coherence and consistency of EU communication efforts, including joint messages, major events, high-level visits and issues of common strategic interest. 

• Define technical requirements and Terms of Reference for communication-related procurement and oversee the technical implementation, performance and deliverables of related contracts, in coordination with Procurement and Finance & Administration. 

• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness and impact of communication activities, using relevant data, public feedback and findings to adapt communication strategies and activities. 

• Provide regular advice and reporting to the EUSR on communication activities, media developments, emerging risks and relevant public perceptions.

• Support the integration of communication considerations across relevant policy areas and operational engagement, providing guidance to other sections as required to ensure coherent communication approaches. 

• Perform other tasks as reasonably assigned by the EUSR.

   

Professional Requirements/Qualifications:

• University degree in communications, journalism, media, public relations, international relations, political science or another relevant field related to the post. 

• Minimum 10 years of progressively responsible professional experience in strategic communications, public affairs, media relations, public diplomacy or a related field, including substantial coordination and/or management experience.

• Good knowledge of the European Union institutions and EU related policies for Enlargement, South Eastern Europe, Western Balkans and BiH.

• Good understanding of the BiH political and economic environment and/or other working experience(s) in Western Balkans.

Competencies & Attributes:

• Demonstrated experience of working effectively with senior government officials, ministers, political stakeholders, diplomatic representatives and other high-level interlocutors.

• Demonstrated ability to formulate and implement strategic communication plans and translate complex policy issues into clear and effective messages for different audiences.

• Excellent media relations, drafting, presentation and public-speaking skills.

• Strong understanding of digital and social media communication and contemporary communication practices.

• Ability to identify and manage communication and reputational risks, including disinformation and FIMI.

• Excellent interpersonal, leadership and team-management skills, including the ability to work effectively in a multicultural and international environment.

• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgement and take initiative while maintaining a high level of confidentiality.

• Strong organisational skills, with a demonstrated focus on results and objectives.

• Willingness and ability to work outside normal working hours when required by operational needs, including during major events, emergencies or periods of heightened media activity and willingness to travel extensively around Bosnia and Herzegovina.

• Excellent spoken and written English communication skills.

• ICT skills commensurate with the scope and seniority of the post.

• Knowledge of the official languages of Bosnia and Herzegovina is an asset.

General conditions:

• National of a Member State of the European Union;

• The successful candidate will need to be in possession of the necessary level of security clearance (EU SECRET or equivalent) or be eligible and able to obtain such clearance.

• The successful candidate will need to be certified medically fit for employment by a competent authority/person in the country of the candidate’s residence.

___

*  https://ec.europa.eu/ploteus/content/descriptors-page

*****************************************

ANNEX 2 - APPLICATION FORM - EU Special Representative in BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA