Position of Policy Adviser - Hoofdinhoud

Job Mission

Under the authority of the Director of the Council of Europe Liaison Office with the European Institutions, the incumbent will report and provide sound advice on policy issues with regard to Human Rights and Rule of Law matters in a larger international context (special focus on neighbouring developing countries) as well as on those affecting Council of Europe relations with the European Union; liaise with the EU Institutions on these matters.

Key Activities

The incumbent performs all or a combination of the following duties:

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  reports and advises on Human Rights and Rule of Law matters affecting North Africa, Central Asia and South Caucasus as well as Council of Europe relations with the European Union Institutions, in order to streamline co-operation, promote partnerships, increase efficiency and enhance Council of Europe external visibility within the European Union Institutions;
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  with special regard to development effects in the target countries, follows developments and advise on EU - Council of Europe co-operation in the field of their respective neighbourhood policies;
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  follows developments in North Africa, Central Asia and South Caucasus vis-à-vis EU institutions aiming at promoting democracy and human rights, and advises on Council of Europe - EU co-operation in the framework of their respective neighbourhood policies with special regard to development effects in these countries;
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  compiles information and provide analysis on Human Rights and Rule of Law developments in the EU in order to facilitate a sound and regular understanding in the Council of Europe with a view to building a coherent approach;
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  follows and advises on the Council of Europe’s input in the various EU institutions (European Commission, EEAS, European Parliament, European Council, Council of the European Union) on EU initiatives and developments such as, for instance, the implementation of the Stockholm Programme, the Human Rights guidelines, the Human Rights dialogues, the strategies in Human Rights international fora;
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  liaises with representatives of the various EU institutions so as to ensure proper flow of information on Council of Europe standards and initiatives in the Human Rights and Rule of Law fields, and develops opportunities for co-operation and synergies;
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  ensures regular contacts with colleagues from Strasbourg Headquarters so as to follow the developments in the Council of Europe and to inform and advise them.

Competencies

Essential competencies

· Vision on international affairs: expertise on European Human Rights law and on the functioning of European Institutions, primarily the Council of Europe and the European Union, awareness of the European and global Human Rights context, awareness of the international economic, social and cultural context.

· Professional and technical competencies:

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  University degree equivalent to a masters degree (2^nd cycle of the Bologna process framework of qualifications for the European Higher Education Area);
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  professional expertise: at least four years of relevant professional experience in Human rights and European Affairs from international organisations and/or a national government department;
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  good knowledge of the Council of Europe and the functioning of international organisations, in particular the European Union;
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  good understanding of multilateral co-operation within different contexts.

· Communication and linguistic skills: communication, writing and presentation skills; has very good knowledge of one of the official languages (English or French) and a good knowledge of the other; can express oneself, present and draft clearly, concisely and convincingly in English or French.

Other competencies

· Professional and technical competencies:

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  experience in conducting or supporting Human Rights litigation before a national, European or international judicial body would be an advantage;
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  direct experience in national, European or International Parliamentary body and ability to easily networking with EU policy makers;
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  ICT skills: can use current ICT tools, including management software;
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  planning and work organisation;
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  information-seeking;
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  analytical thinking, problem-solving and judgement skills;
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  conceptual thinking and creativity.

· Interpersonal skills: service and client orientation, teamworking, relationship-building and networking, advising and diplomacy.

· Personal attitudes: initiative and responsibility; result orientation and sense of continuous improvement; concern for quality and efficiency; adaptability; self-management and development; organisational alignment.

· Personal values: integrity; loyalty and conscience; discretion; independence and confidence; respect for diversity.

Additional Information

The Organisation

The Council of Europe is a political organisation founded in 1949 in order to promote greater unity between its members. It now numbers 47 member States. The Organisation’s main aims are to promote democracy, human rights and the rule of law, and to develop common responses to political, social, cultural and legal challenges in its member States. Since 1989 it has integrated most of the countries of Central and Eastern Europe and supported them in their efforts to implement and consolidate their reforms. The Council of Europe has its permanent headquarters in Strasbourg (France). By Statute, it has two constituent organs: the Committee of Ministers, composed of the member States’ Ministers for Foreign Affairs, and the Parliamentary Assembly, comprising delegations from the national parliaments. The Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of Europe represents the entities of local and regional self-government within the member States. The European Court of Human Rights is the judicial body competent to adjudicate complaints brought against a state by individuals, associations or other contracting states on grounds of violation of the European Convention on Human Rights.

Applications

Applications must be made in English or French using the Council of Europe on-line application system. By connecting to our website http://www.coe-recruitment.com you can create and submit your on-line application. Applications must be submitted by 8 March 2012 (midnight Central European Time / midnight Central European Summer Time) at the latest.

Additional Information

The recruitment procedure consists of the following stages: preliminary selection, if necessary job-related tests, and an interview.

Depending on the number of applicants, the length of the required professional experience may be increased.

The successful candidate will be appointed on an initial fixed term contract, at grade A1 or A2, depending on the professional experience of the candidate. The first year of employment will constitute a probationary period. Provided the staff members’ work is considered satisfactory, he/she may be offered contracts of fixed term duration. However, the total length of employment will not exceed five years. The staff member so recruited shall not be eligible for any subsequent internal competition, promotion or transfer to a post, nor for secondment. The compulsory retirement age is 65.

For the moment, this position is limited until 31 December 2012, and may be prolonged.

Following this competition, a list of eligible candidates, in order of merit, for posts or positions with identical duties and qualification requirements may be established. It will be notified to the applicants concerned. This list will be valid for two years with the possibility of extending it to a maximum of four years. During the period of validity of the list, candidates on the list may be offered employment of fixed term duration, should an identical permanent post or a fixed-term position become vacant. It should be noted that placement on this list does not give candidates the right to an appointment within the Council of Europe.

Details on conditions of employment including salaries, allowances, pension scheme and social insurance can be consulted on our recruitment website.

Under its equal opportunities policy, the Council of Europe is aiming to achieve parity in the number of women and men employed in each category and grade. In the event of equal merit, preference will therefore be given to the applicant belonging to the under-represented sex (at the time of the appointments Board making its recommendation).

The Council of Europe welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates, irrespective of gender, disability, marital or parental status, racial, ethnic or social origin, colour, religion, belief or sexual orientation.

During the different stages of the recruitment procedure, specific measures may be taken to ensure equal opportunities for candidates with disabilities.

(External recruitment procedure organised in accordance with Article 16 of the Regulations on Appointments)