• Contract type: Local Agent

We are

The European External Action Service (EEAS) supports the High Representative in the exercise of his mandate to conduct and implement an effective and coherent EU Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), of representing the EU and of chairing the Foreign Affairs Council. It also supports the High Representative in his capacity as Vice-President of the Commission with regard to his 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 General Secretariat of the Council, the services of the Commission and the Secretariat General of the European Parliament.

We offer

One position of Project Officer – Operations (Local Agent, Group I) at the Delegation of the European Union to Panama, linked to specific EU-funded cooperation projects, under an initial fixed-term contract of one (1) year, renewable for one (1) additional year, with the possibility of conversion to an indefinite-term contract thereafter, subject to satisfactory performance and operational needs.

Overall purpose

The person fulfilling the position will be a member of a small team implementing the EU's Global Gateway strategy in Panama. With emphasis on the energy and green transition, he/she will have a specific focus on energy, and the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity within the Global Gateway initiatives Central America Regional Electricity Market (MER), and the electrical Interconnection Colombia-Panama (ICP).

 Functions and duties

Under the supervision of the AD Programme Officer based in Panama, the LA-1 Project Officer carries out the assigned duties. Head of Cooperation is based in Costa Rica and the LA-1 works closely with him on matters related to cooperation activities

  • The LA-1 Project Officer, contributes to the identification, formulation, contracting, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of technical and financial cooperation that facilitates sustainable "Team Europe" infrastructure investments in the energy and green transition with specific focus on the Global Gateway initiatives MER and ICP, and taking into account the comprehensive "360 degree approach" (governance and policies; capacities; private sector and civil society involvement; inclusion; security focused).

  • Within the framework of MER and ICP, maintain relationships with national Authorities and  administrations, international cooperation agencies, industry, civil society and academia. Ensure close coordination with HQ and the REI Initiative (Regional Electricity Integration in America Latina y Caribe).

  • Preparation, participation and follow-up to public events, visits and meetings that involve the Delegation, institutional counterparts, the public and visits from Headquarters.

  • Contribute to the management and monitoring of contracts related to EU cooperation programmes and projects, including the operational assessment/ approval of technical and financial plans, progress and expenditure reports, payments, and contract amendments.

  • Provide support to and ensure communication and coordination with the Partnership section, the Delegation team and relevant EU headquarter services.

  • Maintain good and effective contacts, communication and coordination with relevant local and EU stakeholders, both private/public sector, as well as with international and regional development partners.

  • Contribute to the visibility of EU cooperation and the Global Gateway in Panama.

 

Selection criteria: 

Candidates should have legal right to reside and work in Panama, full enjoyment of civic rights.

  1. Education:

    Minimum Bachelor's University degree in Economics, Law, Social, Natural Sciences, Engineering, or equivalent. Master Degree in the field mentioned would be an asset.

  2. Professional knowledge:

    Proven knowledge of international cooperation, and the design, modalities and tools of international cooperation projects and programmes, including Project Cycle Management. Minimum experience of 5 years in areas relevant to the position.

    Proven knowledge of policy implementation and formulation, project development, or equivalent, related to green transition, incl. sustainable transport, energy transition, water management, circular economy, biodiversity etc.

    Knowledge of EU's Global Gateway strategy.

    Knowledge of EU institutions, EU external action and development cooperation, green transition-related EU policies, and/or EU procedures will be an asset.

    Experience in working in Panama will be an asset

    Work or academic experience in the EU will be an asset.

  3. Skills

Linguistic skills

  • Proficient in Spanish (written and spoken): Excellent

  • Working knowledge of English

  • Both languages at C1 according to Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) or equivalent.

Communication skills

  • Capacity to communicate and write clearly, present complex matters in a simple way

 Interpersonal skills

  • Ability to consult, listen, and share information and ideas

  • Ability to work in and as a team

Intellectual skills

  • Ability to analyse key points in verbal and numerical information, evaluate alternatives objectively and make sound logical and well-argued judgments considering well the impact of decisions.

  • Ability to grasp quickly and summarize complex issues as well as to propose sound solutions.

  • Capacity to set priorities and deliver good quality work under pressure and tight deadlines

  • Capacity to process a considerable amount of information in an effective and efficient way.

  • Ability to rapidly produce high-quality, short, concise and analytical reports

Computer literacy

  • Proficient user of Microsoft Office applications and Internet research tools

  • Knowledge of EU applications would be an asset.

How to Apply

  • Please send your application, including a motivation letter, a CV in Europass format, and supporting documents demonstrating that you meet the minimum eligibility criteria and any additional assets, to the following email address: eeasjobs-116@eeas.europa.eu

(Reference: 503863 – Project Officer), no later than 17:00 (Panama time) on 24 November 2026.

  • Only complete applications received by the deadline through the email address indicated above will be considered.

  • The selected candidate will be required to undergo a medical examination and provide valid residence and work permits (if not a Panamanian national), as well as a Panamanian police clearance certificate issued within the last three (3) months.

Selection Process

  • After the application deadline, the Selection Committee established for this purpose will review the applications that meet the eligibility requirements.

  • Depending on the number of applications received, the successive stages of the selection procedure may include shortlisting candidates based on the information provided in their motivation letters and CVs, practical written tests, and interviews. The three highest-ranked candidates will be invited to the final stage of the selection process.

  • Only candidates admitted to each successive stage of the selection process will be contacted individually.

  • Once the selection process has been completed and a candidate has been recruited (or not), the Delegation will use the same publication channels as those used for this vacancy announcement to inform the remaining applicants of the outcome.

  • The Delegation will not provide additional information or comments regarding the selection procedure.

  • During the selection process, candidates are kindly requested not to contact members of the Selection Committee directly. Any questions or comments should instead be addressed to the Delegation's Administration Section by email at delegation-panama-hoa@eeas.europa.eu.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES: 

The European Union is committed to an equal opportunities policy for all its employees and applicants for employment. As an employer, the EU is committed to promoting gender equality, preventing discrimination on any grounds and ensuring a zero tolerance approach to any form of harassment. It actively welcomes applications from all qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds. We aim at a service which is truly representative of society, where each staff member feels respected, is able to give their best and can develop their full potential.

If pre-selected, candidates with disabilities are invited to contact the Delegation (functional mailbox to which the applications shall be sent) in order to accommodate any special needs and provide assistance to ensure equality of opportunities with other candidates. 

If a candidate with a disability is selected and recruited, the EEAS is committed to appropriate measures in order to accommodate his or her special needs to the working place or working conditions in accordance with Art 4 of the Decision ADMIN(2025)13 of the Director-General for Resource Management of the European External Action Service on providing reasonable accommodation for local staff with disabilities working in Union Delegations.

DATA PROTECTION NOTICE:

https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/eeas-privacy-statement-data-protection-notice-purpose-processing-personal-data-related-recruitment_en 

At Impactpool we do our best to provide you the most accurate info, but closing dates may be wrong on our site. Please check on the recruiting organization's page for the exact info. Candidates are responsible for complying with deadlines and are encouraged to submit applications well ahead.
Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify. Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.