We are
The European Union (EU) is an economic and political partnership between 27 European countries. It plays an important role in international affairs through diplomacy, trade, development aid and working with global organizations. Abroad, the EU is represented 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 Switzerland and the Principality of Liechtenstein (Bern) works in close coordination with the Embassies and Consulates of the 27 EU Member States. We are a fully-fledged diplomatic mission and represent the European Union in dealings with the Swiss government in areas that are part of the EU’s remit.
We offer
The post of Press and Information Officer (LA Group I) in the Political, Press and Information Section, under a fixed-term employment contract of two years, with the possibility of renewal under reserve of budgetary availability and operational considerations. The probationary period is of 3 months. For internal candidates holding an indefinite-term contract, alternative contractual arrangements may apply in accordance with institutional policies. The team consists of four people and there are occasional atypical working hours.
Under this post, the recruited person will be entrusted with functions depending on the needs of the Delegation, and on the changes of these needs. The successful candidate will serve under the supervision and responsibility of the Head of Political, Press and Information Section providing support, expertise and assistance in social media and digital communication and public relations.
Following main tasks and duties are currently required:
ROLE OVERVIEW
As Press and Information Officer (PIO), the jobholder works under the supervision of the Head of Section and will act as the EU Delegation’s (EUDEL) spokesperson, also advising the Ambassador on all communication-related aspects. The jobholder will be the first point of contact for journalists and press. The PIO will be the key contributor to the development of the Delegation’s overall press, communication and visibility strategy. The jobholder will manage EUDEL’s digital presence, proactively propose new social media, website and video content promoting EUDEL’s activities, the EU and its values. The jobholder drives the development and implementation of EUDEL’s public diplomacy outreach, notably events organization and stakeholders’ engagement
MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. PRESS, COMMUNICATION AND PUBLIC DIPLOMACY (accounting for ~85% of the jobholder’s time)
PUBLIC RELATIONS & MEDIA
- Maintain and develop relationships with local and international journalists, media organizations, and government press agencies
- Prepare and disseminate press releases, press reviews, and articles for media and internet publication, as well as interviews and speeches of the Head of Delegation
- Develop and implement public diplomacy strategies to improve the perception of the EU in Switzerland and Liechtenstein
- Prepare communication materials such as speeches, briefings, and information for the media
- Monitor local and European media and prepare press reports
- Manage media requests and coordinate responses with the relevant internal stakeholders
- Organize press coverage during official missions and events
- Collaborate with EU HQ services and strategic communications task forces to ensure consistent messaging and alignment of communication strategies
SOCIAL MEDIA & DIGITAL COMMUNICATION
- Lead the Delegation’s digital and social media strategy, managing and producing content on all relevant social media platforms and the Delegation’s website to ensure content is informative, engaging and accurate
- Oversee the creation and implementation of digital communication plans and social media campaigns (including cross-posting, streaming, and event coverage)
- Analyse social media performance and analytics, and provide / implement recommendations to improve digital communication strategies and the Delegation’s online visibility
- Coordinate digital campaigns with external service providers
EVENT MANAGEMENT & PUBLIC OUTREACH
- Lead the preparation of public diplomacy events, public outreach activities, high-level visits, and site visits for the Ambassador and other EU officials
- Coordinate with cultural, academic, and diplomatic partners to enhance event impact and ensure successful public diplomacy campaigns
- Coordinate local outreach activities and organize cultural and visibility events to promote EU values and activities
- Organize cultural and visibility events to promote EU values and activities
STRATEGIC SUPPORT & ADMINISTRATION
- Support in drafting reports, strategic documents, and preparing internal and external communication plans
- Assist with the planning and management of the Delegation's press and information budget, including procurement and contract management
2. POLICY (accounting for ~15% of the jobholder’s time)
- Monitoring, policy analysis and reporting: EU-CH cooperation in EU programmes, incl. Erasmus+, research, innovation, science, culture.
Duties and responsibilities may be adapted according to the evolving needs of the European Union and its diplomatic representations.
WORKING ENVIRONMENT
WORKING CONDITIONS
- Employment conditions are on full time basis, with 37.5 hours per week, from Monday to Friday
- Atypical working hours (evening, weekend)
- Travel for work missions
- Work is performed in an office setting and involves no specific or unusual physical requirements
WORKING RELATIONSHIPS
The jobholder works closely with other colleagues in the Section and other members of the organization to implement communication strategies and media outreach activities. He advises the Ambassador on communication. The role also involves regular collaboration with colleagues in Headquarters and cultural, academic, and diplomatic partners, as well as external service providers for event coordination and digital campaigns.
The base salary will depend on relevant and verified employment experience, typically starting from 10,343CHF. There is a competitive benefits package, subject to certain conditions, including personal leave days and public holidays and a retirement savings plan. Health insurance includes insurance against accident (LAA) and partial refund of LAMaL.
The expected start date will be 01/03/2027.
REQUIREMENTS
Minimum requirements/eligibility criteria
- University degree in a field relevant to the position (political science, communication, international relations, media, journalism, public relations or related field)
- Minimum 5 years of professional experience in a relevant field (media, online publishing, public relations, communication, events or similar). Professional experience must be acquired after the date on which the qualification allowing access to the post was obtained
- Excellent knowledge (C1) of German, French and English
- Right to residence and work in Switzerland (under the reservation of approval by the competent authorities, where applicable)
Assets/selection criteria (basis for awarding points to select the best applicant)
- Postgraduate degree in political science, communication, international relations, media, journalism, public relations or related field
- Experience in a diplomatic mission, a development agency or in a multi-cultural international setting
- Experience working with the European Union policies and procedures
SKILLS
- Ability to translate complicated policy issues into traditional and social media compatible language
- Ability to develop communication strategies and plans
- Good network within Swiss media
- Very good understanding of local and European cultural interaction
- Good knowledge of the EU Institutions, history and priorities, and of EU-Switzerland relations
- Very good knowledge of digital media and communication techniques
- Very good knowledge of graphic and layout editing and design tools
- Very good knowledge of Web publication tools
- Excellent writing skills and ability to produce concise and clear notes
- Communicate effectively and clearly, both orally and in writing
BEHAVIORAL ATTRIBUTES
- Capacity to multitask and to work under time pressure
- Ability to work proactively and take appropriate actions, without being prompted by others
- Ability to adapt quickly and flexibly to new requests
- Ability to foster connections and maintain good professional relationships with external stakeholders
- Ability to work in a multicultural team, showing good interpersonal skills
- Capacity to focus on priorities, to show initiative and to organize own workload to respect deadlines
- Comfortable speaking to a large audience to lead or introduce public events
- Service-oriented mindset, with a professional attitude and appearance
- Eager to learn and develop new knowledge and competences
- High degree of integrity, confidentiality and responsibility
How to apply
The applicant must apply by sending
- a cover letter, signed
- a Curriculum Vitæ (to include, at the minimum, exact job titles, employers’ names and detailed tasks descriptions) using one of the Europass templates available at: