Policy Assistant 59 views1 application

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 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 the African Union is located in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and employs 50 staff members. It comprises the Head of Delegation’s office, Political, Press and Information Section, Cooperation Section, Finance, Contracts and Audit Section and Administration section. The establishment of the Delegation in January 2008 was an important political statement by the EU: the recognition that the African Union and its Commission has become a strategic partner in EU relations with Africa.

We offer

• We offer a post in an international environment in the Research & Innovation (R&I) area of the Cooperation Section with the Delegation of the European Union to the African Union.
• Upon recruitment, the successful candidate will occupy a specific job function as Policy Assistant grade 2 – this job function may be changed in accordance with the needs of the Delegation.
• Under this job function, the successful candidate will serve as technical and support staff for the promotion of Research & Innovation cooperation between the European and African Union and African Member States Union and will be primarily responsible for the tasks allocated to her/him under the supervision and responsibility of the Science Counsellor.
• We offer a permanent contract in Function Group 2, in a dynamic and multi-cultural environment. Place of employment is Addis Ababa, Ethiopia at the Delegation of the European Union to the African Union premises. Normal working hours are 37.5 a week.
• Starting basis gross salary is EUR 1,913.00 (paid in ETB). Final salary step will depend on number of years of relevant professional experience. Benefits, such as transportation allowance, additional pension scheme and medical insurance, are offered to employees and their families under certain conditions.

Responsibilities and duties:

The Policy Assistant will work under the direct supervision of the Science Counsellor.

The duties of the candidate will include, but will not be limited to the following

• The science, technology and innovation policy assistant will be primarily responsible for the tasks allocated to her/him and will manage all activities under the supervisor of Science Counsellor. Tasks will include:
• Promotion of research & innovation cooperation between the European Union and African Union, and more specifically the promotion of African participation in the EU’s framework programmes (end of ‘Horizon 2020’)  and preparing transition to new programme ‘Horizon Europe’;
• Participating in various conferences and workshops on research and innovation or where role of research and innovation is important, and in which the EU Delegation is invited, including making presentations in some of them. Travelling in the continent may be required;
• Preparing materials for the participation (PPTs and flyers); speeches or speaking points and ensure dissemination of information and follow-up;
• Contributing to the setting up of the internal folders in the share drive and preparation of the missions of the SC;
• Providing information, inputs and analysis of developments in African S&T landscape and actions impacting the EU-AU R&I agenda;
• Input and follow-up to information on EU Delegation Website and social media and other promotion materials like brochures;
• Responding to requests for information related to research and innovation.

Selection Criteria

Minimum Requirements:

• Medically fit to perform the required duties;
• Enjoys civil rights and permits for employment under local law;
• High school diploma or equivalent ;
• Minimum 2 years working experience relevant to the job description;
• Minimum required language competence:  English and Amharic
• Listening : C1 Reading: C1 Spoken interaction: C1 Spoken production: C1 Writing: C1
• See https://www.coe.int/en/web/common-european-framework-reference-languages/level-descriptions
• Proficient in ICT (knowledge of the whole Microsoft Office Package) required.

Following qualifications will be considered as an asset:

• Higher level education (university degree or equivalent) in scientific area;
• Experience as scientist or working in a technical environment;
• Excellent drafting and communication skills;
• Must be able to communicate clearly;
• Management and interpersonal skills;
• Capacity to focus on priorities and organize work to deliver on time and in cooperation with the Section;
• Must be able to operate in a small team and thus show flexibility and share experiences and expertise;
• Relevant working experience with international organisations or diplomatic missions;
• Other African/European language minimum level B1: Listening : B1 Reading: B1 Spoken interaction: B1 Spoken production: B1 Writing: B1 See https://www.coe.int/en/web/common-european-framework-reference-languages/level-descriptions