We are

The European Union (EU) is an economic and political partnership between 27 European countries that plays an important role in international affairs through diplomacy, trade, development aid and working with global organisations. 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 Japan, established in 1974, is a fully fledged diplomatic mission. We represent the EU in dealings with the Japanese government, and closely coordinate with the Embassies and Consulates of the 27 EU Member States in Japan to foster closer ties between the EU and our host country.

The EU Delegation is an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer, promoting equality and opposing discrimination. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age or any other category protected by law. 

We offer

We are offering a post of a Press and Information Assistant (Local Agent Group II) dealing with cultural and public diplomacy. In this dynamic role, you will be an integral part of our Political, Press, and Information (PPI) Section, working closely under the guidance of the Head of Section. Your responsibilities will be tailored to meet the evolving needs of the Delegation, providing you with a wide-ranging and engaging work experience. 

Key tasks include, but are not limited to the following:

• Design, implement and manage cultural programmes and events that promote understanding and collaboration between the EU and/or EU Member States and Japan. This can include running projects such as art exhibitions, cultural festivals, workshops and lectures and coordination on these with EU Member States where necessary.

• Develop and execute public diplomacy initiatives to promote EU's policies, values and priorities to the Japanese public and media. This could involve creating engaging content for various platforms, including social media, and organising media-related activities to promote such initiatives. 

• Establish and maintain strong relationships with cultural institutions, government agencies, non-governmental organisations, academic institutions and key influencers in Japan to foster cultural and diplomatic ties.

• Conduct research on cultural trends, public opinion, and media coverage in Japan to inform and adapt the Delegation's cultural and public diplomacy strategies.

• Prepare reports and evaluations on the impact of the Delegation’s cultural and public diplomacy programmes, providing insights and recommendations for future initiatives.

• Provide support to diplomatic staff in their cultural and public diplomacy activities, including speechwriting, briefing preparation and organisation of missions from EU headquarters. 

The job will be carried out in the EU Delegation premises in Tokyo with a working time of 37.5 hours / week. The basic monthly salary will depend on relevant and verified employment experience, typically starting from JPY 548,091 to maximum JPY 965,533. A competitive benefits package comes in addition to this basic treatment, and includes bonuses, housing and transportation allowances, paid leave days and public holidays, full benefit of Japanese social insurance and an additional pension scheme.

The contract will be limited to three years.  An opportunity to obtain an indefinite period contract will be assessed based on the evolving needs of the Delegation.

Selection Criteria 

Minimum Requirements:

1. Medically fit to perform the required duties.

2. Enjoy civil rights and permits for employment under local law. The Delegation does not sponsor working permits. 

3. Reading, written and spoken proficiency in both English and Japanese. Fluency (i.e. equivalent C2 level) in one language and business level (i.e. equivalent of high B2) in the other. 

4. A University degree and a minimum of 3 years of experience in cultural diplomacy, event or cultural project management, public relations, international communications or a related field. Experience working in or with Japan is highly desirable.

5. Sound grasp of standard IT tools. Proficiency in using social media platforms and digital communication tools.

6. Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate events and engagements. 

7. Flexibility to respond to sudden/urgent developments. 

Knowledge and expertise in the following areas would be considered an asset:

1. Knowledge on the EU, including its institutions

2. Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.

3. Demonstrated ability to plan, organise, and execute events and projects, managing multiple tasks simultaneously and meeting tight deadlines.

4. Proficiency in using content creation software

How to apply

Please send your application and supporting documents by email to eeasjobs-115@eeas.europa.eu to: Head of Administration –PI Assistant / EU Delegation to Japan.

The application should include a cover letter including a list of references of previous employers specifying contact details (company/institution, position, e-mail and telephone number) and a detailed CV. Other supporting documents can also be attached with the application. 

The EU Delegation will not supply additional information or discuss the selection procedure by telephone or in person: Please address any queries concerning this procedure to delegation-japan-recruitment@eeas.europa.eu

The procedure

1. 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 on the basis of a preliminary assessment of the information provided in their application letter and the supporting documents.  The short-listed candidates will be invited to a selection process in which the knowledge of the applicant in the relevant field will be tested.

2. 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. 

Deadline for applications: 2 June 2025 (Japan time)