Project Officer PESCO

European Defense Agency; Brussel Hoofdstad; Sur place; EUR 60 000 - 80 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

An international defense organization in Brussels is looking for a Project Officer for PESCO, focusing on coordinating EU capability development projects. The successful candidate will monitor and report on PESCO initiatives, assist Member States in implementation, and develop strategic communication. Candidates must have a relevant university degree, excellent command of English, and considerable experience in project management within a defense context. A valid security clearance is essential. This is a full-time position with competitive salary and benefits.

Prestations

Competitive salary

Pension arrangements

Expatriation allowances

Qualifications

• Six years of relevant professional experience.
• Good written and spoken English proficiency (C1).
• Valid Personnel Security Clearance at SECRET UE/EU SECRET level.

Responsabilités

• Coordinate monitoring and follow-up of PESCO projects.
• Assist Member States in project implementation.
• Prepare annual progress reports and stakeholder information.

Connaissances

Political document development

Project management with stakeholders

Understanding of military capabilities

Strong communication skills

Analytical and problem-solving skills

Teamwork and flexibility

Formation

University degree in relevant field

Description du poste

Directorate: Capability, Armament and Planning Directorate (CAP)

Group: N.A.

Grade: AD8

Level of Security Clearance: SECRET UE/EU SECRET

Management of staff: N.A.

Location: Brussels

Closing date for applications: 22/01/2026

The European Defence Agency (EDA) was established on 12 July 2004 and is governed by Council Decision (CFSP) 2015/1835. The Agency supports the Council and Member States to improve the Union's defence capabilities in crisis management and sustain the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP).

The Agency comprises four directorates: Corporate Services Directorate (CSD) and three operational directorates – Industry, Synergies and Enablers (ISE); Capability, Armament & Planning (CAP); Research, Technology and Innovation (RTI).

Agency’s Way of Working

EDA is an outward‑facing organisation that interacts with Member States and a wide range of stakeholders. It operates with integrated multidisciplinary teams and flexible business processes, requiring staff to demonstrate commitment, flexibility, innovation and teamwork.

CAP Directorate

The CAP Directorate identifies and proposes collaborative opportunities to support EU capability development priorities. It is responsible for planning and conducting capability development based on military requirement analysis. It coordinates the implementation of the Coordinated Annual Review on Defence (CARD) and supports the Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) secretariat, assessment of PESCO projects and National Implementation Plans.

The Directorate plans and prepares capability development activities tailored to Member States’ needs, spanning advice, roadmaps, collaborative projects and support to the European Defence Fund.

The CAP Directorate comprises six units:

• Air Domain Unit: Air Combat, Air ISR Platforms, Anti‑Access/Area‑Denial, Air‑to‑Air Refuelling, Strategic and Tactical Air Mobility
• Cooperation Planning Unit: CDP, CARD, Defence Data
• Land and Logistics Unit: Land platforms, Counter‑IED, Personnel Recovery, Military Mobility, Logistics, Medical Support
• Maritime Unit: Maritime Surveillance, Mine Counter‑Measures, Naval training, Harbour protection
• PESCO Unit: PESCO secretariat, assessment and support to project development

DUTIES

Under the supervision of the Head of Unit PESCO, the holder will:

• Coordinate the monitoring and follow‑up of PESCO projects, collaborating with Member States and cross‑unit counterparts.
• Assist Member States in project implementation, collecting and sharing best practices, and evaluating progress.
• Develop mapping, analysis and reporting on PESCO projects, preparing the annual progress report and providing information to stakeholders.
• Contribute to the annual assessment of National Implementation Plans and the High Representative’s PESCO implementation report.
• Coordinate the preparation and assessment of PESCO project proposals, avoiding duplication with existing initiatives.
• Enhance strategic communication on PESCO projects.
• Contribute to the development of the PESCO module in the electronic platform (EUCLID/EPIC) and manage correspondence on projects.
• Cooperate with the EEAS and EU Military Staff to achieve PESCO Secretariat functions.
• Perform additional tasks as required.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Applicants must satisfy all the following:

• Nation of a participating Member State; right to full citizenship; fulfilment of mandatory military service obligations.
• Provide character references and a certificate of good conduct.
• Physically fit for duties.
• Minimum C1 level in one Member State language and B2 level in another.
• No conflicting personal interests.
• Valid Personnel Security Clearance Certificate (national or EU PSC at SECRET UE/EU SECRET level).
• Completed university studies (four‑year diploma or equivalent) or Defence College graduate, or equivalent professional training.

Diplomas must be awarded in EU Member States or be recognised by equivalence certificates. Non‑EU diplomas require NARIC recognition. UK diplomas awarded before 31/12/2020 are exempt from recognition; after that date, NARIC recognition is required.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Only applications meeting all essential criteria will be assessed.

(1) Professional

• University degree in a relevant field (International Relations, Political Science, Engineering, Security Studies, etc.).
• At least six years of relevant professional experience.
• Experience in high‑level political and strategic document development.
• Experience in national Ministry of Defence or armed forces or international level.
• Proven project management experience with multiple stakeholders.
• Experience in the politico‑military arena.
• Good understanding of EDA’s functions, EU decision‑making and PESCO.
• Very good written and spoken English.

(2) Personal

• Teamworking and proactive support role.
• Independence in area of responsibility.
• Effective in multinational environment.
• Reliability under pressure.
• Strong communication and organisational skills.
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills.
• Results orientation and strong motivation.
• Flexibility and innovation.
• Commitment to the Agency’s objectives.

Advantages:

• Understanding of capability development domains (Land, Maritime, Air, Information superiority).
• Work experience in a multinational defence environment.

APPOINTMENT AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

The Project Officer PESCO will be appointed by the Chief Executive. The role will be for a temporary staff member for a 4‑year period, renewable once for another 4 years. The successful candidate will be a temporary agent, grade AD8.

Financial Entitlements

Basic salary: 8,911.48 € plus applicable allowances and expatriation or family allowances. Salaries are exempt from national tax; an Agency tax is deducted at source.

Pension Arrangements

• Transfer to a public pension scheme.
• Transfer to a private pension scheme.
• Direct payment as a severance grant.

INDEPENDENCE AND DECLARATION OF INTEREST

The selected candidate must declare independence and any conflicting interests.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

EDA is an equal opportunities employer and accepts applications without distinction on the grounds of age, race, political or religious conviction, sex or sexual orientation, and regardless of disabilities, marital status or family situation.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Applications will be accepted until 31/12/2027, but the reserve list may be extended by the Chief Executive. Candidates must submit their application electronically via the EDA website no later than midnight (Brussels time, GMT+1) on the deadline. Only electronic applications will be accepted. The application process will be conducted by a confidential selection panel. Candidates may be invited for an interview, written test and assessment centre. EDA does not accept applications prepared with artificial‑intelligence tools. Candidates will provide documentary evidence when requested. Medical checks and physical fitness assessments may be required. A Personnel Security Clearance Certificate (PSCC) is mandatory; the PSCC process is initiated by EDA on behalf of the candidate. Failure to obtain the required PSCC before probationary expiration may lead to termination.

DATA PROTECTION

EDA will not return applications to candidates. Personal data will be processed in line with Regulation (EU) N° 2018/1725 and related EU data‑protection regulations. The purpose of processing is to manage applications in view of pre‑selection and recruitment.