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

Secretary in the Trade and Agriculture 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

We offer an interesting and challenging post of a Secretary (Local Agent Group III) in the Trade and Agriculture Section also covering the digital economy. The section, comprising 14 people in total, is managed by the Head of the Trade and Agriculture section. In this position, you would report to the Head or the Deputy Head of Section and be responsible for the following:

• Organizational and administrative management of the Trade section: including administrative and financial aspects for the section and co-ordination with other sections;
• Drafting of correspondence;
• Management of the agenda of the Head of Section (or Deputy HoS) and requests for meetings, calls and speaking engagements;
• Formatting, and editing of reports and documents including e-notes;
• Maintenance of section staff files and common calendars;
• Classification, filing, and registering of correspondence and documents;
• Logistical support to organisation of meetings (internal & external meetings- conferences, seminars, others – organised by Delegation) and of visits from Headquarters, including high-level events and protocol arrangements;
• Logistical support to missions carried out domestically and internationally as well as missions and representation budgets;
• Liaising with services in HQ;
• Serve as intermediary as necessary between HoS and others.

The post involves occasional atypical working hours.

In return, you will work in a section with a great team spirit and in an environment, which will allow you to develop professionally and deepen your understanding of the functioning of the European Union.

The salary range is dependent on relevant and verified employment experience, starting from $64K (3 years of experience), $69K (6 years' experience), $75K (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 or 1 October 2024.

We look for

We look for a committed and energetic colleague with strong experience and proven track record as secretary/assistant (minimum 3 years). You should have:

• Minimum secondary school education or equivalent;
• Well-developed, demonstrated task management skills, particularly in capacity for organizing meetings and agendas, handling confidential matters;
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to multi-task, as well as to balance demands and manage needs of the section;
• Outstanding capacity to work and feel at ease in a diverse team; high flexibility and capacity to work under pressure, efficiency and resourcefulness.
• Ability to take initiative, anticipate and resolve problems autonomously and accept responsibility;
• Fluency in English, knowledge of second European language an advantage;
• Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills;
• Excellent computer skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook, knowledge of scheduling tools and internet applications, as well as database experience.

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 04/24) . 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. This is planned for the week of 15 July 2024. 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: $64,000.00 - $75,000.00 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: High school or equivalent (Required)

Experience: Relevant secretary/assistant: 3 years (Required)

Work Location: In person