Overview
Vacancy notice – Policy Officer - EU Delegation to Ottawa
21.01.2026 New opportunity
The European Union (EU) is a political and economic partnership of 27 European countries. It represents the EU in dealings with the Government of Canada through its Delegation in Ottawa. The EU Delegation to Canada coordinates with EU Member State Embassies and Consulates and conducts diplomacy, policy analysis, and public diplomacy in line with EU priorities.
We offer
The post of Policy Officer (Local Agent - Group I) in the Delegation’s Political, Press and Information Section, on a fixed-term contract of two years with possible renewal depending on budget and operational considerations. The team consists of six people and there may be occasional atypical working hours.
Under this post, the recruited person will be attributed functions based on Delegation needs. The successful candidate will report to the Head of the Political, Press and Information Section and provide support, expertise and assistance in political and academic cooperation, gender, human rights and public diplomacy.
Responsibilities
Following Main Tasks And Duties Are Currently Required
- Policy monitoring and reporting
- Observe, monitor and draft regular analyses and reports on Canadian domestic and foreign policy orientations and developments; coordinate bi-weekly reports and prepare policy reports related to designated areas or on request.
- Monitor and draft analyses on the implementation of EU-Canada agreements, notably the Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA); coordinate and monitor dialogues under the SPA and liaise with Headquarters and Canadian authorities as needed.
- Monitor and report on developments in Canada in gender, human rights and data privacy.
- Stakeholder relations
- Build and maintain contacts with federal and provincial authorities, business and academic communities, civil society clusters, and EU Member States’ diplomatic missions.
- Prepare and participate in formal and informal meetings with Canadian authorities; act as the Delegation’s main contact for political relations with provincial officials.
- Serve as contact point for Canadian academic institutions and associations active in European integration studies (including Erasmus+ and Jean Monnet).
- Contribute to EU coordination meetings and substitute for the Head of Section when requested.
- Plan and participate in the Head of Delegation’s and Head of Section’s official visits to Canadian provinces.
- Support the organisation of incoming missions from Headquarters.
- Draft replies to external requests for information on EU policies; contribute to explaining EU policies by participating in events in Canada.
- Public Diplomacy
- Contribute to public diplomacy activities in the areas of responsibility and provide input to the Delegation’s information and communications activities (newsletter, website, etc.).
- Prepare fact-sheets and position papers promoting EU positions; maintain contacts with Canada-Europe Parliamentary Association and related Parliament staff; provide input to the European Parliament’s Delegation for relations with Canada as relevant.
- Disseminate targeted information on EU positions to offices of key Canadian MPs and Canada-Europe Parliamentary Association.
Any other tasks requested by the Head of Section and/or Head of Delegation.
Location and Conditions
The place of employment is the EU Delegation, 150 Metcalfe Street, Ottawa, ON, K2P 1P1 – Canada. Working hours: 37.5 hours/week, Monday-Friday, with the possibility of one teleworking day per week. Base salary typically starting from 6,536 CAD/month (gross), plus a competitive benefits package including personal leave days, public holidays, health insurance and retirement savings plan. Expected start date: 01 March 2026.
Minimum requirements / eligibility criteria
- Canadian citizenship or a valid resident and work permit in Canada is mandatory to apply.
- Completed graduate studies (min. BA) in political science, international relations, public administration, law, communication, or related fields.
- Excellent knowledge of both official languages of Canada: English and French (level C2 CEFR).
- At least three years of relevant experience, including paid traineeships, performing the listed tasks.
It is important to note that the Delegation of the European Union does not sponsor visas for locally contracted Agents.
Assets / selection criteria
Qualification
- Additional graduate or postgraduate studies (MA or higher) in international affairs, human rights, EU external action, security and defence policy, or related fields.
Knowledge
- Strong knowledge of the Canadian political landscape and ability to analyse policy developments; ability to build relationships with stakeholders.
- Experience in Canada in foreign policy/international relations, security and defence, human rights, or global issues.
- Experience in monitoring political developments, drafting political analyses or reports on EU external action issues.
- Experience in internal and external communication on foreign/security policy issues (speeches, press releases, social media).
- Publications or speaking engagements at national/international conferences on related topics.
- Working experience with EU institutions.
Personal skills
- Clear communication, concise reporting, ability to work with limited supervision.
- Ability to prioritize and organise work to deliver on time.
- Ability to work in a multicultural environment and team; flexible under pressure.
- Commitment to quality, speed and accuracy; high confidentiality with sensitive information.
How to apply
The applicant must apply by sending:
- a signed cover letter
- a Curriculum Vitae (including exact job titles, employers, and detailed task descriptions) using one of the Europass templates at https://europa.eu/europass/en
All documents to: eeasjobs-123@eeas.europa.eu not later than: Monday 9th of February 2026 (6 pm Ottawa Time). Only complete applications received on time will be considered.
Notes
Caution: Applicants must verify they fulfil all conditions. If shortlisted, candidates will be asked to submit relevant documents. The process may include shortlisting and multiple selection phases. If questions arise, contact Delegation administration at Delegation-Canada-admin@eeas.europa.eu. The successful candidate will undergo medical and background checks.
Equal Opportunities
The EU promotes equal opportunities and welcomes candidates from diverse backgrounds. For pre-selected candidates with disabilities, accommodation can be arranged upon request.
Data Protection Notice
https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/eeas-privacy-statement-data-protection-notice-purpose-processing-personal-data-related-recruitment_en