Communications Specialist

• Function title: Communications Specialist


• Reference: NOC-DG-2019-AD/148


• Location: Brussels


• Nature of competition: Internal and external competition


• Applicable regulations: Staff regulations


• Grades for publication: AD5-6-7-8


• Type of post: Administrator (AD5-AD12)


• Number of posts: 1


• Duration: 3 Year(s)


• Security clearance: Security vetting may be required in accordance with the relevant EUROCONTROL security provisions


• Directorate/Service: DG/COM - Corporate Communications


• Competition publication date: 10/10/2019


• Competition closing date: 07/11/2019 (23:59 Brussels time)


• Reserve list: Applicable - See details in the "Useful information" section

Your team

Within the Office of the Director General, the Corporate Communications Service is responsible for providing cost-effective, forward-looking and timely communications solutions that contribute in a measurable way to the Agency’s mission, activities and reputation.

Your role

Your role will be to:

• conceive, coordinate and deliver strategic communication campaigns and marketing campaigns in support of key business areas; assess results of campaigns and propose improvements as required;


• take on particular responsibilities regarding strategic corporate communications activities in the domains of Environment and Network Management;


• provide effective strategic communications advice to internal customers (e.g. senior experts and managers) to help them define messages, target audiences and communications approaches in support of EUROCONTROL’s key activities;


• produce communications material including content for publications, social media, online tools and presentations as well as scripts for videos and animations;


• implement distribution strategies for the different communications products;


• respond to media queries, prepare spokespeople for interviews, coordinate media positions and lines-to-take;


• support the EUROCONTROL Network Manager for crisis communications activities including supporting communications for the European Aviation Crisis Coordination Cell;


• build and maintain regular contacts with the business; acquire and maintain knowledge of EUROCONTROL’s key activities and developments;


• perform any other task in line with the main purpose of the job.

Required qualifications, experience & competencies

• Completed university studies of at least 3 years in a relevant domain (Communications, Public Relations, etc.). A relevant Master’s degree would be considered an advantage;


• Internal candidates should check on the intranet to see what level of in-house experience is considered equivalent to educational qualifications where appropriate;


• A minimum of 3 years professional experience in an external communication function;


• Experience in crisis communications and media management would be a strong asset;


• Experience in making technical content understandable to a general audience;


• Experience in drafting a range of different communication material for different audiences;


• Knowledge of the aviation sector would be a strong asset;


• Thorough knowledge of the EU and in particular its role in aviation would be an advantage;


• Communication: Adapts communication to different situations and audiences;


• Customer focus: Adopts services to respond to customer needs;


• Planning & Organisation: Plans ahead and adapts as required;


• Analytical thinking: Analyses information and identifies relationships;


• Creativity and Innovation: Is open to new approaches;


• Ability to work in a multinational and multicultural environment;


• Professional conduct in line with the corporate behaviours of the Agency, i.e. result-driven, readiness to change, customer focus, integrity and team-player approach;


• The official working languages of the Agency are English and French. For this particular post, an excellent knowledge of English and a working knowledge of French is required. Other languages would be an advantage.

Useful information

• Applications will be accepted from nationals of EUROCONTROL Member States only. At the closing date of the notice of competition, internal candidates must have completed their probationary period.


• This is an appointment for a determined period of 3 Year(s). It could be extended up to a maximum of 9 years or converted into an undetermined contract. Before being established in the post, the external candidate will be requested to provide certified copies of his/her degrees and successfully serve a probationary period of 9 months.


• Internal candidates appointed to an established post or for an undetermined period: If successful, the staff member will be appointed under the conditions set out above, while maintaining the previous terms of employment regarding his/her appointment (whether for an undetermined period or to an established post). At the end of the period of  employment as mentioned above, if the assignment to this post is not extended or its duties do not become of a lasting nature, the staff member will, in accordance with the service regulations, be transferred to another post corresponding to his/her last type of post, grade and function group.


• Internal candidates appointed for determined period: If successful, the person will continue his/her current type of appointment if compliant with duration limits laid down in Annex Xb of the Staff Regulations/General Conditions of Employment.


• The successful candidate shall be appointed at the grade in the function group and to the type of post indicated in the vacancy notice, or, if a group of grades has been published, in principle at the basic grade.


• In case of reserve list: Suitable candidates, however not selected to fill the post, will be placed on a reserve list for similar functions. The period of validity of reserve list is 1 year from the approval of the selection board’s recommendations.


• Information on salary and benefits can be found on the web page: http://jobs.eurocontrol.int/what-we-offer


• EUROCONTROL is committed to non-discrimination and equal opportunities. In the event of equal merit, preference may be given to the applicant from to the under-represented diversity characteristics in order to complement diversity of teams and rebalance the workforce.


• Candidates should read the tips on how to apply. Item 1 includes information on the EUROCONTROL competency models (technical & behavioural) – Candidates should refer to the behavioural competency model to know the behaviours expected for the different levels.