Vacancy notice cost-free SNE CESE_END_CF_D5-CSS_002_2025_EN

VACANCY NOTICE
No CESE/END/CF/D5-CSS/002/2025
concerning ONE position of COST FREE
Seconded National Expert (M/F)
(administrator level)
Directorate D – Communication and Interinstitutional Relations
Unit CSS - Relations with National Economic and Social Councils and Civil Society
Selection procedure under Article 2 of Decision No 161/24 A, laying down rules on the secondment of national experts to the
EESC

Temporarily seconding national experts to the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) enriches the experts' careers, contributes to policy coordination, helps the national authorities operate more efficiently and provides the EESC with a range of expertise.
For the seconded national experts (SNEs), secondment is a unique opportunity to acquire valuable experience in the European institutions (and specifically at the EESC), to broaden their professional skills and to develop an international network of contacts. This experience fosters better understanding of
European policies and enhances career prospects.
For the national authorities, the secondment of national experts strengthens their ties with the European institutions (particularly the EESC) and ensures more effective coordination of national and European policies. Whichever institution they are seconded to, SNEs are involved in shaping European policies and so contribute to the development of the European Union. They also play a role in ensuring that all Member
States are represented and a wide range of languages are used within the institution. When they return to their own authorities, SNEs bring added value thanks to their experience and in-depth knowledge of how the EU works. This input will enable the national authorities to operate more efficiently.
For the EESC, secondment enables it to benefit from the SNEs' expertise and knowledge, thereby enriching the Committee's work and opinions. The range of views brought by the national experts and their often- detailed knowledge of the situation in their own Member State help convey the interests of Member
States more effectively and contribute to more balanced decision making.
Place: Brussels
Head of Unit: Janine BORG
Duration of secondment: 6 months, renewable
Expected date of secondment: As soon as possible
Closing date for receipt of applications by the EESC: Open vacancy – Application possible at any time
Information for applicants and selection procedure: see point 6 below

1. Description of the unit's mission

The ‘Relations with National Economic and Social Councils and Civil Society’ unit (CSS) fosters the EESC’s collaboration with EU national ESCs (NESCs) and civil society organisations (CSOs) and creates synergies among them. It does so by organising large and small-scale events and meetings, facilitating cooperation, and cultivating networking platforms. The unit aims to create a vibrant environment that encourages the exchange of knowledge, a common reflection on shared challenges and the sharing of good practices, ultimately empowering stakeholders to drive positive societal change in Europe.

1. Description of tasks

Under the supervision of the Head of Unit, and in collaboration with the staff involved in these tasks, the main tasks would be to help to:
 further develop close relations with the national economic and social councils in the Member States;
 develop relations with regional economic and social councils where they exist (in particular France, Spain,
Italy and Belgium), linking with EESC and NESC priorities;
 link the EESC’s work with the activities of the national and regional economic and social councils;
 create and implement innovative new forms of structured and continuous cooperation with NESCs;
 organise the annual meeting of the national economic and social councils, including preparations for the
President’s and Secretary-General's participation in this event;
 communicate the activities and opinions of the national ESCs and the EESC in particular on the EESC/NESC collaborative platform and on the EESC website and on social media;
 contribute to the other activities of the unit, developing activities linked to European Citizens’ Initiatives (ECI) and Partnerships and contributing to the Liaison Group’s initiatives.

In this context, the SNE could:
 be entitled to attend training courses organised by the EESC;
 attend study group meetings focusing on an opinion or report of interest to the SNE and their work activities and be able to meet rapporteurs or section/CCMI members (subject to prior authorisation);
 attend EESC plenary sessions.

1. Eligibility criteria on the date of submission of the application

 Have a university degree;
 Have been employed by an international, national, regional or local public or quasi-public institution, on an established or contracted basis, for at least 12 months and remain in the service of this employer throughout the period of secondment;
 Have at least three years' full time professional experience within administrative, scientific, technical, advisory or supervisory functions where important files were treated at national or international level.

1. Main qualifications required

 Relevant professional experience in the field of communication;
 Good knowledge of standard IT applications (Microsoft Office) and willingness and ability to train in more specific applications;
 Experience in drafting notes, briefings, speeches, website and social media content;
 Positive and flexible attitude to deal with challenges and ability to resolve problems, manage priorities and master complex subjects;
 Ability to work independently as well as in a team;
 good interpersonal skills and openness to interact with different services;
 Initiative and sense of responsibility;
 A solid understanding of the functioning of European institutions, the EESC, its role and its activities would be an asset;

1. Languages

 A good command of English and/or French is required (minimum B2 level of the Common European
Framework of Reference for Languages).
 A good knowledge of another EU language would be an asset.

1. Information to applicants and the selection procedure

1) Applicants should send a covering letter and a curriculum vitae (based on the Europass model) to [email protected]. All candidates will be individually informed of the outcome of their application.
In the meantime, they should not contact directly or indirectly members of the selection panel or representatives of the Human Resources Directorate.
2) Applications will be examined by the head of the concerned unit to determine the candidates to be invited for an interview. Interviews for short-listed candidates will take place at the EESC's Brussels offices or via Teams (for candidates from abroad). Secondment of the selected candidate will be requested, through the Permanent Representation of their Member State, once the interviews have taken place. The dates of the secondment will be confirmed once the administrative procedures have been completed.
3) All personal data provided by candidates will be dealt with in compliance with regulation (EC) No 45/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2000.
The EESC applies a policy of equal opportunities and strongly encourages applications from all candidates who fulfil the eligibility and selection criteria without any distinction whatsoever on grounds of nationality, age, race, political, philosophical or religious conviction, gender or sexual orientation and regardless of disabilities, marital status or other family situation.