European External Action Service (EEAS)
The European External Action Service (EEAS) is the EU's diplomatic service. It supports the High Representative in the exercise of her mandate to conduct and implement an effective and coherent Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), to represent the EU and to chair the Foreign Affairs Council. It also supports the High Representative in her capacity as Vice‑President of the Commission with regard to her responsibilities within the Commission in the external relations field, including the coordination of other aspects of the EU's external action. The EEAS works in close cooperation with the EU Member States, the General Secretariat of the Council, the services of the Commission and the Secretariat General of the European Parliament.
The EEAS currently has 145 Delegations, 9 of which are to international organisations. In all, 6000 staff are currently serving in these Delegations.
Job Title
Press and Information Assistant
Contract
Contract Agent FGIII
Location
Vienna, Austria
Posting Availability
16/01/2026
Responsibilities
* Carry out press, information and communication activities; promote the visibility of the European Union in the host country and pursue EU policies.
Eligibility Criteria
* Have passed a valid EPSO CAST in FG III; or be registered in the EPSO Permanent CAST for FG III (registration renders candidate eligible for selection, but recruitment will be subject to passing the CAST exam).
* Meet the minimum qualifications for engagement as contract agent FG III:
o Have a level of post‑secondary education attested by a diploma; or
o Have a level of secondary education attested by a diploma giving access to post‑secondary education, and appropriate professional experience of at least three years; or
o In exceptional circumstances and where justified in the interest of the service, professional training or professional experience of an equivalent level.
* Have the capacity to work in languages of CFSP and external relations (English and French) necessary for the performance of duties.
* Be a national of one of the Member States of the EU and enjoy full rights as a citizen.
Additional eligibility criteria for an internal call for expression of interest
* Be an EEAS contract agent in the function group concerned by the call for expression of interest.
* Having been recruited under Article 3b of the CEOS and assigned to the EEAS Headquarters for no less than three years; or
* Having been recruited under Article 3a of the CEOS and temporarily assigned to the EEAS Headquarters for at least two years.
Selection Criteria
* Very good knowledge of EU institutions, policies, decision‑making processes and instruments, particularly related to CFSP and CSDP.
* Strong drafting, communication and analytical skills combined with sound judgement.
* Demonstrated ability to accurately report on sensitive political matters under strict and tight deadlines.
* Experience in public speaking, communication activities and drafting information documents.
* Experience with social media management.
* Good knowledge of multilateralism.
* Ability to maintain a positive work environment.
* Ability to work in different socio‑cultural environments and adapt quickly to evolving situations.
* Strong interpersonal skills.
* Experience in EU external relations.
* Experience in interacting with third countries, national authorities, diplomatic representations, international organisations and civil society.
* Experience in handling secure communications and classified information.
* Knowledge of IT tools used in EU institutions (including ABAC LCK and basics of Summa).
* Experience working in a team in multidisciplinary and multicultural environment.
* Experience working with the media in an international context.
* Experience in financial and contract management and public procurement.
* Capacity to work in languages of the CFSP and external relations (English and French) necessary for the duties.
* Very good knowledge of German will be considered an asset.
Posting Policy
The EEAS career development policy places the need for staff to develop a mix of competences at its core, e.g. working in various fields of expertise and responsibilities in the course of a person's career, including postings at Headquarters and Delegations. Contract staff in Delegations is usually posted for 2, 3, 4 or 6 years in a given EU Delegation.
Conflict of Interest and Security Risks
Applicants with dual nationality of the host country or whose family member has the nationality of the host country will be considered eligible for a posting in that host country only as a positive result of a case‑by‑case assessment. Candidates must fill in a declaration of potential conflict of interest.
Personnel Security Clearance
The requested level of security clearance for this post is: SECRET UE/EU SECRET. Candidates should hold, or be able to obtain, a valid Personnel Security Clearance (PSC) issued by the competent authority of the Member State concerned.
Medical Clearance
The signature of the contract will be subject to prior favourable opinion of the Medical Service. Candidates must indicate any serious health problems or requirements for specialised medical treatment.
Equal Opportunities
The EEAS is committed to an equal opportunities policy for all its employees and applicants for employment. The EEAS actively welcomes applications from all qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds and the broadest possible geographical basis amongst the EU Member States. Candidates with disabilities are invited to contact the Functional mailbox CONTRACTAGENTS-DELEGATIONS@eeas.europa.eu to accommodate special needs.
Application and Selection Procedure
Deadline for applications: 26/02/2026 at 12.00 hours (midday, Brussels time). Late applications will not be accepted.
Application Documents
* Curriculum Vitae (preferably Europass format), indicating EPSO CAST number.
* Letter of motivation (maximum 2 pages).
* Declaration of potential conflict of interest.
The Procedure
The procedure will take place in three steps:
1. Application: Submit documents to CONTRACTAGENTS-DELEGATIONS@eeas.europa.eu.
2. Pre‑selection: The panel will review CV and motivation, produce a shortlist.
3. Selection: Shortlisted candidates invited for interview, possible written tests, and CAST exam if required.
Contact Email
CONTRACTAGENTS-DELEGATIONS@eeas.europa.eu
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