We are

The European Union (EU) is an economic and political organisation between 27 European countries. It plays an important role in international affairs through diplomacy, trade, development aid and working with global partners. 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 role of the Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Korea includes:

• To represent the Union, as appropriate, in the Republic of Korea;
• To inform the European Union on political, social, economic, external relations and trade developments in the Republic of Korea and, in this regard, to maintain contact with the principal players in the fields of politics and public life generally, the economy, business, civil society and higher education;
• To ensure a smooth and fruitful development of bilateral relations in the political, economic and co-operation fields and to seek to develop and encourage initiatives to promote cooperation under the EU-Republic of Korea Framework Agreement;
• To monitor and ensure implementation of the EU-Republic of Korea Free Trade Agreement;
• To promote and protect the EU’s interests and values and to spread knowledge and raise awareness of developments in the EU, its policies, purposes and aims with a view to engendering a better understanding of EU affairs and establishing a higher profile for the EU;
• To promote the EU’s policies in all areas;
• To foster close co-operation on EU matters with EU Member States’ missions via regular meetings at Ambassador, Counsellor, Information and Administration Officer levels;
• To carry out press and information activities in pursuit of the above objectives.

We offer

We offer a specific job function as Policy Officer. The successful candidate will be responsible for environmental, energy and climate issues. The tasks and assignments take place under the supervision and responsibility of the Head of Political, Press and Information Section.

Functions and Duties:

Climate Change, Environment and Energy Policy Analysis, Regular Reports and Briefings 

• Monitor and report on energy, environment and climate change policy developments in Korea
• Provide succinct and tailored analysis and advice to colleagues in HQ, identifying areas of EU-Korea mutual interest

Developing and strengthening bilateral and international collaboration with a view to optimising the RoK’s ambitions on climate change, green energy transition and environment

• Develop EU-RoK bilateral cooperation on climate change, energy and environment to drive ambition and to achieve international goals (including the Paris Agreement, Biodiversity, Just Transition, etc)
• Manage strategic relationships with government ministries and agencies, NGOs, politicians and private companies pertaining to climate change, environment, energy and low-carbon sectors.
• Contribute to the implementation and management of  the EU-RoK Green Partnership 
• Develop and strengthen networks at the national and local level to support bilateral cooperation on energy transition, renewable energy expansion, coal phase out, green finance, Emissions Trading Systems and other topics of mutual interest in the fields
• Support international cooperation on climate change including influencing Korea’s position in UNFCCC climate negotiations and delivering EU objectives
• Contribute to the preparation and implementation of bilateral dialogues and visits
• Support wider Delegation activity on climate, environment and energy diplomacy in relevant sectors
• Identify opportunities to encourage ambitious climate change policies with the National Assembly
• Work with colleagues from  the Trade Section to identify and implement R&D and commercial opportunities in the renewables and low-carbon sector
• Contribute to the identification, development, implementation, management and monitoring of projects accelerating Korea’s transition to a low-carbon economy
• Develop partnership opportunities with relevant and effective institutions in Korea
• Coordinate and work with EU Member States on issues related to climate change, energy and environment.

Place of employment is Seoul, in the premises of the Delegation of the EU to the Republic of Korea. Employment is on a full-time basis, with 37.5 weekly working hours in a dynamic and multi-cultural environment. The Group in the salary scale for the position of Policy Officer responsible for environmental and climate issues is Group 1 with a starting monthly basic salary of KRW 7,101,781. Final salary step will depend on the number of years of relevant professional experience.

We offer a competitive position in an international environment. Benefits, such as additional pension scheme and medical insurance, are offered to employees and their families under certain conditions.

Selection criteria

Minimum Requirements:

• Master degree
• A genuine interest in the mission and values of the EU
• Minimum of three years of professional working experience in the fields of climate, environment and energy or in any other related policy fields, including reporting and analysis on related issues.
• Ability to prepare policy analysis, related briefs and speeches at short notice on issues related to climate, environment and energy
• A good understanding of policy-making in the RoK at both a national and regional level
• The ability to communicate and to network effectively, both internally and with external stakeholders
• Being a team member with positive and constructive interpersonal skills necessary in a multicultural environment;
• Fluent in English and Korean; excellent written and verbal communication skills in both languages (minimum C1 level for both languages)
• IT literacy (standard office applications)

The following will be considered as an asset:

• Working knowledge of the European Union, its main policies, treaties and legislation and functioning; especially in the field of energy, environmental and climate issues
• Master degree in relevant subjects related to climate change, energy and environmental studies
• A track record of work experience in inter-governmental relations, policy analysis and project implementation 
• Knowledge of Korean ministries, government affiliated organisations, international organisation, NGOs, and the National Assembly committees active in the fields of climate, environment and energy
• Working knowledge of other EU official languages (read and spoken).
• Working experience in a multicultural environment such as Embassy, international organisation, multinational company
• knowledge of how to interact with media and of the Korean media landscape with a view to contributing to the EU Delegation’s outreach efforts regarding climate, environment and energy

Personal skills

• Objective driven, pro-active, flexible, well organised and able to perform duties independently with speed and accuracy without needing constant supervision;
• Team player and able to adapt in a multi-cultural environment;
• High degree of integrity and ethics able to deal with confidential information.
• Understanding of the political sensitivities, protocol and tone needed in a diplomatic working environment
• Ability to negotiate in a multicultural and multilingual environment.
• Capable of clearly, efficiently and effectively conceptualising ideas and approaches.
• Capable of producing high quality results within often tight deadlines.
• Capacity to focus on priorities and to organise work to deliver on time.
• Capacity to adapt quickly to changing circumstances and needs
• Good presentation skills.

How to apply

Please send your application and supporting documents to Delegation-Rep-of-Korea-Vacancies@eeas.europa.eu . The package should include a cover letter, and a detailed CV (using the Europass template on the following link: https://europass.cedefop.europa.eu/). Under subject, please indicate “Environment and Climate Officer Vacancy”.

The Delegation will not supply additional information or discuss the selection procedure by telephone: please address any queries concerning this procedure to Delegation-Rep-of-Korea-Vacancies@eeas.europa.eu .

The deadline for applications is: 15 July 2023.

The procedure

After the deadline for applications, the applications will be reviewed by a Selection Committee set up for this purpose. The Selection Committee will prepare a short-list of candidates who are considered to be the most suitable for the post based on a preliminary assessment of the information provided in their application letter and the supporting documents. The short-listed candidates will be invited to an assessment phase which may include an interview if necessary – during this phase, the Selection Committee will assess the suitability of the candidates for the post.

The candidates who have not been short-listed will not be contacted individually; however, the Delegation will use the same means of publication as for this Vacancy Notice to inform the remaining candidates once the recruitment procedure has been completed and that a candidate has (or has not) been recruited.

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