208a - Head of Unit in the EDA Policy and Management Office (3 posts)

4. DUTIES

Heads of Unit support the Head of EPMO in advising the Chief Executive and Deputy Chief Executive in the implementation of their functions, notably in strategy and policy development. Under the supervision of the Head of EPMO, and in close cooperation with the operational Directors, Heads of Unit will contribute to the following activities:

• propose and develop strategy and policy positions, define and review EDA priorities and objectives in close cooperation with operational directorates and all EU institutional stakeholders;
• engage with Member States at policy level as well as third parties, including NATO;
• coordinate the development of the Agency’s planning framework, including budgetary aspects; provide final quality assurance of documentation, including outgoing correspondence; and supervise the secretariat of the Steering Board and the Agency Management Board;
• coordinate day-to-day support to top management, including briefings, speaking notes, reports of meetings, and coordinate cross-Directorate thematic files and contribute to the EDA transversal way of working;
• lead and manage the specific/designated functions within EDA Policy and Management Office including planning and organizing resources, the development and improvement of skills and knowledge, setting priorities and objectives, and acting as line manager;
• take on additional tasks as required in the interest of the service.

Duties may evolve depending on the development of EDA activities and decisions of EDA management.

SELECTION CRITERIA

A. Essential

Only applications meeting all essential selection criteria will be assessed.

(1) Professional

Candidates will be required to demonstrate the following qualifications:

• 10 years of professional experience in defence and security matters;
• extensive experience in political-military matters in the defence international environment;
• a proven track record in a strategy and/or policy department or ministerial cabinet of a national administration; or similar experience in an international organisation;
• very good knowledge of EDA;
• practical management experience;
• excellent oral (e.g. interventions in conferences) and written (e.g. drafting of strategic/conceptual documents, articles, and speaking notes) communication in English;
• a proven track record of delivering successful business outcomes.

(2) Personal

All staff must be able to fit into the Agency's way of working (see para. 2). Other attributes important for this post include:

• very good leadership and management skills;
• ability to prioritise tasks, coordinate a wide range of activities under pressure, and work under minimal supervision;
• strong motivation, flexibility and results-driven;
• strong conceptual, drafting, and analytical skills;
• ability to take and pursue appropriate initiatives under the general guidance of top management and to promote innovative ideas and concepts;
• strong team-working and networking in an international environment;
• genuine commitment to the Agency's objectives.

B. Desirable

The following will be considered an advantage:

• a minimum of 15 years of professional experience acquired after the award of the qualification required as a condition of eligibility;
• direct experience in EU defence, either in the national system or in EU institutions.