The European Union Delegation to the United States of America, Washington DC is looking for:

Policy Officer (Sub-Saharan Africa) in the Political Section

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 the United States of America in Washington, DC works in close coordination with the Embassies and Consulates of the 27 EU Member States. We are a fully-fledged diplomatic mission and represent the European Union in dealings with the U.S. government in areas that are part of the EU’s remit.

We offer

The post of Policy Officer (Local Agent Group I) in the Delegation’s Political Section. The team consists of 18 people. The Policy Officer will be under the supervision and responsibility of the Head of the Political Section, and will be assigned the following policy and support tasks and duties:

• Liaise with US policy makers and opinion shapers dealing with Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), monitor and follow developments in US policy towards SSA and report to HQ accordingly;
• Keep up to date with developments in EU policy towards SSA and inform US counterparts accordingly;
• Organize visits of EU officials, accompany them during the visit, and prepare reports to HQ on missions/visits of those officials;
• Organize briefings by US officials for the EU Member State Political Counsellors who deal with SSA at the Delegation and report on those meetings;
• Coordinate the EU Member States and like-minded partners on US policy with regard to SSA;
• Prepare briefing material and speaking points for the Head of Delegation and other colleagues’ participation in meetings and other events focused on SSA.
• Act as back-up to Political Section colleagues as necessary;
• Periodically assist with overall needs of the section, e.g., visits, outreach events, etc.

The post involves occasional atypical working hours.

We offer an attractive position in a stimulating and supportive work environment and working in close coordination with colleagues across the EU Delegation. The salary range is dependent on relevant and verified employment experience, starting from $121K (3 years of experience), $127K (6 years' experience), $133K (10 years’ experience) etc.

There is a competitive benefits package including personal leave days and public holidays, flexible working hours, health and dental insurance and a retirement savings plan.

The expected start date will be 1 September 2024.

We look for

• A Bachelor’s/University Degree. A degree in a field such as politics, international relations, public diplomacy, European Union, or in a similarly related field is an advantage, as is a Master’s degree;
• Minimum of 3 years' relevant experience in the field of international affairs. Experience working on SSA and/or humanitarian and development issues is an advantage;
• Proven experience in policy monitoring, evaluation and briefing skills;
• Strong writing and analytical skills, and the ability to write clearly and concisely;
• Proven ability to work in a team with good communication and inter-personal skills;
• Proven capacity to focus on priorities, to multi-task and to organise work to deliver on time in a structured manner, often within tight deadlines;
• Previous experience in the organisation of events, presentations, high level visits and similar activities;
• Solid knowledge and experience of EU's External Relations and Foreign and Security Policy. Proven knowledge of EU's relations with the USA an advantage;
• Experience with the Washington diplomatic & foreign policy community, EU Member State diplomatic service or EU institutions, UN system, an advantage;
• Excellent proficiency of English (written and spoken); a command of at least one other European language is considered an advantage;
• Excellent computer skills (and knowledge of commonly used programs such as Microsoft office suite).

How to apply

It is important to note that the Delegation of the European Union does not sponsor visas for Local Agents. Applicants must have an existing and valid US work authorization that does not require Delegation of the European Union sponsorship.

Please submit your application including a cover letter and resume via the Indeed.com website (Reference EUWAS 05/24) no later than Tuesday 13 August 2024 (EST). Only applications received via Indeed.com will be considered.

The resume must also include the names and contact details of at least two referees who can attest to your professional and personal attributes in the event you are shortlisted for the post. References will only be taken up for those who are shortlisted. The successful candidate will be subject to a background check.

The process

After the deadline for applications, the applications will be reviewed by a Selection Panel set up for this purpose. The Selection Panel will prepare a short-list of candidates who are considered the most suitable for the post based on a preliminary assessment of the information provided in the cover letter and resume. The short-listed candidates will be invited to an assessment phase, which will include an interview and practical test. During this phase, the Selection Panel will assess the suitability of the candidates for the post. Those 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 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 Panel, but address your questions and comments to the Delegation’s Administration.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $121,000.00 - $133,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Vision insurance

Schedule: Monday to Friday

Application Question(s):

• You must have an existing US work authorization (e.g. US Citizen, Permanent Resident, EAD) that does not now or will not require EU Delegation sponsorship in the future.
• Please describe in 1-2 sentences: How is your previous experience relevant to this role? Why are you a good fit for this job?

Education: Bachelor's (Required)

Experience: Relevant international affairs: 3 years (Required)

Work Location: In person