NORCAP’s mission is to improve aid to protect and empower people affected by crises and climate change. With expertise in the humanitarian, development and peacebuilding sectors, we collaborate with local, national and international partners on finding solutions that meet the needs of people at risk.
We do this by:

• Supporting humanitarian, development and peacebuilding initiatives that protect and empower people.
• Improving impact at the global and local level through joint projects with partners and stakeholders
• Providing expertise and developing capacity that enable partners to meet the needs of people in fragile situations and crises.
• Strengthening the global system that we are part of through support for leadership, coordination and policy development.
• Building bridges between the humanitarian, development and peacebuilding sectors
• NORCAP is part of the Norwegian Refugee Council.

NORDEM is NORCAP`s programme on human rights, democracy and peace. As part of its mandate, NORDEM seconds Experts to the European Union to help support democratisation processes and assisting in establishing solid democratic and effective national institutions. NORDEM contributes to the EU’s capacity building missions and operations as well has a history of seconding national experts to the core EU institutions.

We are currently recruiting a Seconded National Expert as Desk Officer for the Ukraine Division of the EU External Action Service (EEAS) in Brussels. The duration of the secondment is 2 years with possible extension.

Seconded National Experts are national staff seconded by each member state or third country (such as Norway) to the EU so that the EU institutions can benefit from their professional knowledge and experience. It also gives the opportunity to the National Authorities to profit from the exchange of professional experience and increased knowledge of the EU system.

Role and responsibilities:

The selected candidate will join the Ukraine Division, which is responsible for policy definition and strategic planning for EU’s bilateral relations with Ukraine and for providing support and advice to the HRVP, to EEAS Management, to Commission management and the President of the European Council, on all aspects of EU-Ukraine relations.
Under the authority of the Head of Division, the selected candidate will:

• Monitor and analyse the developments in Ukraine (political, incl. human rights, security, social and economic); follow-up as appropriate;
• Contribute to the development and implementation of EU policies towards Ukraine, including in the context of the implementation of the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement and in the context of EU’s response to Russia’s war of aggression;
• Coordinate, organise and maintain relations with other divisions and departments within the EEAS, the EU Delegation in Kyiv, Ukrainian authorities, Member States, EU institutions as well as with civil society, business and/or other actors;
• Prepare briefings, speeches, statements, lines to take and drafting strategy papers, and contribute to the preparation of high level visits as required;
• Participate in relevant Council working groups, European Parliament, and other relevant meetings.

Qualifications:

Professional knowledge: Have a professional experience of at least 5 years, preferably in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or International organisations. Have good working knowledge of the EU (institutional) environment and instruments in the area of external and security policy. The candidate should have a good understanding of EU policy-making and decision-making processes, and an understanding of inter-institutional relations.

Skills: Have the capacity to work and communicate under time constraints in an international diplomatic and multilingual environment. Intercultural sensitivity skills are required. Have the ability to work in teamwork, to coordinate and to communicate effectively. Have solid analytical capability as well as drafting and reporting skills. Rapid grasp of problems and capacity to identify issues and solutions.

Languages: A thorough knowledge (capacity to write and speak) English is required. A good understanding of French is an asset. Knowledge of Ukrainian or Russian would be a strong asset.

Personal qualities: Be dynamic. Motivated and flexible personality. Able to adapt quickly to new situations and deal with new challenges.

Pre-requisites:

As this is a Seconded National Expert (SNE) position, candidates must:

• Be a Norwegian Citizen
• Obtain a security clearance of minimum level EU-SECRET/SECRET-UE
• Be a member of the Norwegian social security scheme (Folketrygden)

The main competencies of a NORCAP Expert:

• Building working relationships
• Planning and organising
• Adaptability
• Resilience

What we offer:

• Rewarding work for a renowned global organisation
• Access to a network of humanitarian, peace, and development professionals
• Join NORCAP’s team of experts and be considered for future assignments elsewhere
• A dedicated Staff Care Unit

How to apply:

• When submitting your application, kindly register in English your full employment history and education. Please include your full name as written in your passport.
• Uploaded CVs alone will not be reviewed.
• NORCAP values diversity, equity and inclusion. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of race, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, religion or disability.
• NORCAP reserves the right to conduct a full background check on shortlisted candidates
• Approved Health Certificate will be required prior to contract commencement and assignment
• Feedback will be given to all applicants within four weeks after the closing of this advertisement