DG EXTERNAL RELATIONS

Publication of a vacancy for Principal Advisor

(Article 29(1a) and 29(2) of the Staff Regulations)

COM/102/04

(2004/C 169 A/03)

The Directorate-General for External Relations contributes to the formulation by the Commissioner for External Relations, together with his colleagues of an effective and coherent external relations policy for the European Union, so as to enable the EU to assert its identity on the international scene. This work encompasses policies falling both within the Community competence and within the Common Foreign and Security Policy. To this end DG RELEX works closely with other Directorates-General, notably AIDCO, DGs Development and Trade and ECHO.

Description of the specific tasks linked to this function

The Principal Advisor will provide advice and support to the Director-General on promoting greater coherence on External Relations policies and ensuring coordination between the different external relations services.

He/she will provide advice to the Director-General on strategic questions relating to the work domains of external relations services.

He/she will ensure coherence and consistency in the formulation of the policies in the areas covered by external relations services.

He/she will ensure coordination and implementation of policies of the Directorate-general, whilst ensuring coherence and compatibility with the external relations policies of the Commission.

He/she will analyse priorities within the geographical and political domains covered by the external relations services.

He/she will develop mid-term reflections on the different policy areas covered by the external relations services.

Specific requirements for this post

University degree or postgraduate qualification, preferably in the field of international relations, law or political science.

Excellent knowledge of EU policies, legislation and programmes in the area of external relations and foreign affairs.

Excellent knowledge of decision-making procedures and the functioning of the European institutions.

Excellent skills in diplomacy and negotiation/representation.

The working languages of the DG are English and French. A good command of these languages is an advantage.

General conditions

Applicants should demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the EU Institutions.

Applicants must:

Independence and declaration of interests

Candidates are required to confirm their willingness to make a declaration of their commitment to act independently in the public interest and a declaration of any interests which might be considered prejudicial to their independence.

 Appointment and conditions of employment

The Principal Advisor will be selected and appointed by the Commission according to its selection and recruitment procedures. A shortlist of candidates will be called for an interview by the Commission's Consultative Committee on Appointments.  

Salaries and conditions of employment are those laid down for officials occupying a function corresponding to the basic post of Director of the European Communities.

Applicants should note the requirement under the new Staff Regulations for all new staff to complete successfully a nine-month probationary period.

This appointment will be made in Brussels.

Equal opportunities

The European Union applies an equal opportunities policy.

Application procedure

This post is being published in parallel with a number of other Principal Advisor posts. Candidates who wish to apply for more than one post must submit a separate application for each post.

Applications should comprise the following documents only: supporting documents (e.g. certified copies of degrees/diplomas, references, proof of experience etc.) should not be sent at this point but must be submitted at a later stage of the procedure, if requested:

Applications will be rejected if incomplete (i.e. absence of a letter of motivation or curriculum vitae or both).

Applications should be sent by e-mail to ADMIN-JOB-VACANCIES-MANAGEMENT@cec.eu.int. Applicants should clearly mention the vacancy number COM/102/04 in the subject field of their email.

Only applicants who are not able to send their application by e-mail may send it by registered post or express courier service to:

Closing date

Applications must be sent on or before 30 July 2004 (date of e-mail or date as postmark for registered mail).

Applications sent by express courier service must be delivered to the address above before 17.00 on 30 July 2004.