Press and Information Officer (m/f/x)

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 pro j4id10362965a j4it0835a j4iy26a