Vacancy Notice - Policy Officer - 247704 / 57913
15.01.2026 Expiring soon
Overview
The European Union Delegation to the Republic of South Africa, based in Pretoria, is looking for a Policy Officer in the Cooperation Section.
About the EU Delegation
The EU is an economic and political Union of 27 European countries. It plays an important role in international affairs through diplomacy, trade, development aid and collaboration with global organisations. The EU Delegation to the Republic of South Africa works closely with the Embassies and Consulates of the 27 EU Member States and represents the EU in dealings with the South African government and society in areas that are part of the EU’s remit.
Key Responsibilities
- Review sector trends, institutional frameworks, government programmes and identify support gaps and possible roles for the EU.
- Initiate and participate in the identification and all subsequent stages of project formulation and preparation of new activities to be supported in sub-sectors.
- Monitor the implementation of EU-funded programmes, review and approve contracts and reports, and carry out field visits as appropriate.
- Coordinate and follow-up on Results Oriented Monitoring, manage reviews and evaluations and collaborate in audits and their follow-up.
- Report on activities in the sectors and on programme implementation.
- Ensure implementing agencies follow EU regulations and procedures for the implementation of projects.
- Review and approve all technical aspects of supporting documentation before payment.
- Promote better coordination between development partners and other stakeholders including Civil Society Organisations.
- As operational initiator in the Commission’s electronic database, encode entries accurately and comprehensively and ensure full documentation of all transactions in the system.
- Contribute to the inclusiveness dimension in the EU cooperation with South Africa (such as child rights, gender equality, rights of persons with disabilities, environmental sustainability, climate change).
- Support knowledge management activities within the Cooperation Section.
- Support the section management on external coordination, including of the Team Europe.
- Provide support towards assuring visibility and communication of EU-SA and Team Europe’s cooperation and monitor compliance.
- Provide support to other members of the Cooperation section in identifying and implementing suitable communication and visibility activities.
- Work closely with colleagues in the Section and other sections in the Delegation.
- May be required to perform the functions and tasks described above for other sectors according to the evolution of the portfolio of projects.
Base Salary and Benefits
The base salary will depend on verified employment experience, typically starting from ZAR 75,049.00. There is a competitive benefits package, subject to certain conditions and including personal leave days, public holidays, health insurance and a retirement savings plan.
Expected start date: April 2026.
Working Conditions
- 37.5 working hours per week.
- Occasional atypical hours (evening, weekend).
- Occasional travel for work missions, which may be located in remote areas.
Minimum Requirements / Eligibility Criteria
- Minimum of Bachelor’s University Degree in Social Sciences, Political Sciences, Economics, Public Administration, Communications or equivalent.
- Experience in 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 communication skills, both orally and in writing.
- 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.
Assets / Selection Criteria
- Understanding of what the European Union stands for and desire to advance the strategic partnership between South Africa and the European Union.
- Good understanding of the socio-economic challenges and the political environment in South Africa.
- Good knowledge of project cycle management in development cooperation.
- Knowledge/experience of international cooperation policy, particularly related to the EU.
- Good knowledge of communication strategies and tools and social media, and eagerness to lead in these areas of activities.
- Ability to work independently, prioritise tasks, meet deadlines, and perform as a team worker.
- Team player.
- Master’s degree in relevant domain is an asset.
How to Apply
Please submit your application, consisting of a cover letter and Europass format CV, to the following email address: eeasjobs-048@eeas.europa.eu (Quoting Reference No: 247704/57913 – Policy Officer); no later than 30 January 2026, 18:00 hours local time. Only complete applications received on time, via the abovementioned email address, will be considered.
The Europass CV Template can be found at the following link: https://europa.eu/europass/en
The successful candidate will be subject to a medical check, background check, etc.
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 and to preventing discrimination on any grounds. 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