• Function title: International Affairs Assistant
• Reference: NOC-EG-2024-FGIII/764
• Location: Brussels
• The selected candidate must reside either at this location or within a reasonable proximity that allows for the satisfactory execution of their duties – Information about living in Brussels
• Nature of the competition: Internal and external competition
• Applicable regulations: Conditions of Employment of Contract Staff at EUROCONTROL
• Function group: Function group III
• Job level: 8-10 – Check salary simulations for the basic grade
• Generic post: Assistant
• Number of posts: 1
• Duration of engagement: 5 Year(s) – extension or conversion of the contract is possible – see “Useful information” section
• Security clearance: Security vetting may be required in accordance with the relevant EUROCONTROL security policies
• Directorate/Service: EGSD/PCS/SCS – Standards, Cooperation & Support Unit
• Working arrangement: Hybrid work (A blend of onsite and remote work). Please note that EUROCONTROL does not offer full-time remote working arrangements.
• Competition publication date: 14/03/2024
• Competition closing date: 04/04/2024 (23:59 Brussels time)
• Reserve list: Applicable – See details in the “Useful information” section

Your team

Within the The European Green Sky Directorate, the “Plans, Cooperation, and Stakeholder Support” division plays a crucial role in supporting the implementation of the Single European Sky by providing technical standards, specifications, guidelines, plans, and other materials to States and stakeholders. The division actively cooperates with European and other organisations and stakeholders through agreements and work programs to support their activities.

The International Affairs Assistant will provide support to the team responsible for coordinating and implementing EUROCONTROL’s international cooperation strategy. The team prepares and manages agreements that bring value to the aviation stakeholders inside and outside Europe. Additionally, the team advises and supports EUROCONTROL in fostering, establishing and maintaining effective international cooperation with existing and new international partners.

Your role

Your role will be to:

• Support the relations with non-EUROCONTROL member states, including coordinating and collaborating with internal and external stakeholders.
• Maintain agreements such as data exchange agreements, Memoranda of Understanding, and Memoranda of Cooperation. Monitor their implementation by keeping track of the work-in-progress management dashboard.
• Contribute to the drafting of agreements and other documents in coordination with technical and legal experts, among others.
• Review status of international agreements with a view to identifying opportunities for user pays principle (UPP) for non-member states.
• Conduct research and gather relevant information to support the analysis of requests from interested states and the preparation of proposals and recommendations that outline the implications for EUROCONTROL and its Member States.
• Coordinate activities such as providing support to the EU Aviation Partnership Projects (EU APP), collect relevant information and prepare briefings as required.
• Coordinate the smooth and efficient provision of technical support and expertise to international partners, engage with technical experts internally.
• Organise meetings and events such as high-level delegation visits and liaise with other relevant services as required (e.g. Communication team).
• Organise all relevant team channels (e.g. Microsoft Teams, Cloud) and working tools (e.g. SharePoint) to ensure effective collaboration.
• Maintain organised records of correspondence, official documents, agreements, etc. and ensure compliance with applicable document management protocols and processes.
• Participate in initiatives and networking events to promote collaboration and exchange ideas.
• Carry out any other task in line with the main purpose of the job.

Required qualifications, experience & competencies

• Completed university studies of 4 years (Master’s degree) in a relevant field (e.g. Law, Political Science, International Relations) or completed relevant university studies of 3 years plus 1 year relevant professional experience. A Master’s degree would be an advantage.
• In addition to the above, a minimum of 2 years’ relevant experience to carry out the described responsibilities, preferably acquired in an international environment.
• Experience in coordinating activities (project / event coordination, etc.).
• Experience in in conducting research (collecting data, analysing information and interpreting).
• Experience or ability to engage with diverse stakeholders. Awareness of geopolitical implications.
• Understanding of instruments of international relations.
• Drafting skills (English) to write briefings, reports, minutes, etc.
• Interest and commitment to stay informed about political, economic, social and developments trends in aviation.
• The following would be considered a plus:
  • Understanding of customary practices and governing principles in the international community.
  • Knowledge of EU and international law and institutions relevant to aviation.
• Communication: You are able to foster two-way communication.
• Analytical thinking: You analyse information and are able to identify relationships.
• Planning & Organising: You display an organised and methodical approach.
• Networking: You identify sources of information and develop trusting relationships.
• Teamwork: You display a collaborative approach.
• Diplomatic skills.
• Ability to work in a multinational and multicultural environment.
• Professional conduct in line with the corporate behaviours of the Agency, i.e. result-driven, readiness to change, customer focus, integrity and team-player approach.
• The working languages of the Agency are English and French. For this particular job, candidates must be proficient users of English at level C1/C2. The candidate will have to become at least a basic user of French at level A1 by the end of the probation period.
  The levels relate to the European-framework-reference Common European Framework of References for languages (CEFR).

Useful information

• Applications will be accepted from nationals of EUROCONTROL Member States only.
• The selected candidate will be offered a contract of 5 Year(s) and it may be renewed up to a maximum of 9 years or converted into an undetermined contract pursuant to the provisions of the Conditions of Employment of Contract Staff at EUROCONTROL. Before being established in the post, he/she will be requested to provide certified copies of his/her degrees and successfully serve a probationary period of 9 months.
• The successful candidate shall be engaged in principle at the basic grade of the advertised grades.
• Candidates declared suitable who are not selected for the post will be placed on a reserve list for similar roles. The reserve list will be valid for one year from the closing date of applications.
• Information on salary and benefits can be found on our Careers site
• EUROCONTROL is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to equality and diversity. In the event of equal merit, preference may be given to the applicant from the under-represented diversity characteristics in order to complement diversity of teams and rebalance the workforce.
• Candidates should go to our Careers site and read the tips on how to apply.