Policy Officer

Overview

The European Union (EU) is an economic and political Union between 27 European countries. It plays an important role in international affairs through diplomacy, trade, development aid and working with global organizations. The EU is represented globally through more than 140 diplomatic representations, known also as EU Delegations, which have a similar function to those of an embassy.

The EU Delegation to the Republic of South Africa works in close coordination with the Embassies and Consulates of the 27 EU Member States. The Delegation is a fully‑fledged diplomatic mission and represents the EU in dealings with the South African government and society in areas that are part of the EU’s remit.

The post of Policy Officer (Local Agent Group I) is in the Delegation’s Cooperation Section. The team consists of 21 people divided into two units, and there may be occasional atypical working hours. The successful candidate will serve under the supervision of the Team Leader and the Head of Cooperation Section, providing support, expertise and assistance in civil society and youth.

The Policy Officer will contribute to the definition, implementation, follow‑up and communication of EU Delegation‑managed and/or headquarters‑managed projects/programmes, and coordination internally and among Team Europe. The officer will participate in all phases of the project cycle—appraisal, implementation, monitoring and evaluation—particularly in the thematic focus of civil society and youth. Technical expertise will be provided on partnerships, knowledge management and general communication to ensure visibility of cooperation activities.

• Review sector trends, institutional frameworks, government programmes and identify support gaps.
• Initiate and participate in project formulation and preparation of new activities.
• Monitor implementation of EU‑funded programmes, review and approve contracts and reports, and conduct field visits as appropriate.
• Coordinate and follow‑up on results‑oriented monitoring, manage reviews and evaluations, and collaborate in audits.
• Report on activities and programme implementation.
• Ensure implementing agencies follow EU regulations and procedures.
• Review and approve all technical aspects of supporting documentation before payment.
• Promote better coordination between development partners and stakeholders, including Civil Society Organisations.
• Encode entries accurately in the Commission’s electronic database and maintain full documentation of all transactions.
• Support inclusiveness dimensions in EU cooperation (child rights, gender equality, rights of persons with disabilities, environmental sustainability, climate change).
• Support knowledge management activities within the Cooperation Section.
• Assist the section management on external coordination, including with Team Europe.
• Assist in visibility and communication of EU‑SA and Team Europe’s cooperation and monitor compliance.
• Support other members in identifying and implementing suitable communication and visibility activities.
• Work closely with colleagues in the Section and other sections of the Delegation.
• May be required to perform the above duties for other sectors as the portfolio evolves.

• 37.5 working hours per week.
• Occasional atypical hours (evening, weekend).
• Occasional travel for work missions, which may be located in remote areas.

• Minimum of Bachelor’s University Degree in Social Sciences, Political Sciences, Economics, Public Administration, Communications or equivalent.
• Experience working with international organisations or embassies in the domain of the post.
• Minimum 6 years of professional experience in project management or similar after obtaining the required diploma.
• Working knowledge of English.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Right to residence and permit for employment under local law. A copy of the work permit must be included with the application.
• Medically fit to perform the required duties.

• Understanding of the European Union and desire to advance the strategic partnership between South Africa and the EU.
• Good understanding of the…