“My name is Jakub and I work at the European Commission’s Directorate General for Mobility and Transport. I am a deputy Head of Unit responsible for inter-institutional relations, planning and programming and coordinating response to crisis – such as COVID-19 pandemic or Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. I am economist by education and before joining the Commission, I worked for the Polish administration on Poland’s accession to the EU.

What I cherish most at my current position is the variety of tasks and skills I need to be successful, the fantastic work atmosphere, as well as the high quality of work we are expected to deliver. What I find quite unique about the Commission is that, if you want, you can easily change your job, while preserving your position and pay. In the past, I enjoyed working for the Directorate General for Environment, the Secretariat General, the Office of the Commissioner for Climate Action, and the Office of the Commission President, and at each of these places I learned something new.

Brussels is a great place to be. It is of much more human scale than the bigger EU capitals, and it still offers plenty of top-notch cultural events.  It also makes it easy to meet new people and to make new friends.”

I am currently the Peace and Security Programme Manager of the delegation of the European Union to Nigeria and to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). I manage several security programmes in Nigeria and West Africa. My job involves collaborating with several United Nations agencies and peace-building stakeholders in Nigeria and the region. I am very proud to promote EU values and interests in this part of the world.

My studies have been the starting point of my international career. I first took a Master’s degree in International Relations and Modern History at the University of St Andrews (UK), followed by a Master's degree in Political Science at the Institut d'Études Politiques de Paris (France) with a specialisation in International Relations. In addition, I received a Master of Arts in European studies from the College of Europe in Warsaw (Poland), a few years before the accession of 10 new member states to the EU in 2004.

I have been working in EU affairs since 1997. Throughout my EU career, I have had the opportunity to work in several countries (France, Austria, Germany, Belgium, the Philippines and Nigeria). My personal identity has been shaped by my experiences in so many different countries and goes beyond France where I come from. Feeling European – and even a citizen of the world – is like a second nature to me!

"Hi,

I am Ville, legal officer in the Commission’s Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety and blind since my birth. 
For me working for the EU Institutions was a dream and succeeding it seemed so unlikely that I almost never tried. 
But with the encouragement and support of those closest to me, I did - and now I have been working here since 2013. If I could do it, why couldn't you? 
However, there is no prize without effort. Make sure that your professional skills match the job you are applying for and find out as much as possible so that you are prepared for each step. 

Think what you can give to the Institutions instead of what they can give to you, be honest about your disability if you have one and any special needs. 
Think proactively about how to cope with any issues the disability could cause in your work as smoothly as possible. 
Show that you have the competences, knowledge and initiative to be entrusted with the responsibilities of the job. Be motivated and show it. It may sound a lot and it is indeed a bit unfair. 
As persons with a disability we need to be even better prepared than others, not to admit it would be dishonest, but it is possible, you can do it!"

What is the role of a HoA in an EU Delegation?

The job of Head of Administration is probably one of the most multifunctional ones within an EU Delegation. The Head of Administration manages and coordinates all administrative, HR, security and other key areas in the work of a delegation. In real practice, the role of the Head of Administration is to ensure that everything in the delegation works correctly, to support the technical work of the rest of the colleagues in the delegation, with special emphasis on the work of the Head of Delegation.

Why should people apply to work for the EU and in particular for the job of Head of Administration in an EU Delegation?

It is a fascinating job, which encompasses very different functions, and which is the basis for the proper functioning of an EU Delegation. Without the engine that is the administration section working properly, a delegation cannot function properly. It is a real challenge, and a very rewarding job.

How do you see the frequent rotation and opportunities for professional growth in EU Delegations/in the EEAS?

It is very interesting to have several alternatives to be able to grow within the EEAS, both professionally and personally, in different functions and/or countries. Each rotation represents personal and professional growth (including for our families) and a challenge.

What are the advantages of working in a diverse environment like the one of EU Delegations?

Allowing you to enrich yourself with the experience of people of different nationalities, residing in other countries of the world with cultural values ​​and ways of thinking different from Europeans, but at the same time, being able to share the values ​​that make the EU a bastion of democracy, human rights and international cooperation.

What do you find difficult in turn?

Having to solve situations that are not always common at a European level (heavy bureaucracy, different cultural behaviours), and being able to adapt to them, is a challenge, which is none other than getting out of your comfort zone.

What is it like to  be posted in EU Delegations ?

It is a very enriching experience, both professionally and personally, and every day is a challenge.

“Brussels has a lot to offer. You can easily find your place and feel at home and there is always something going on. I've been living here for twelve years now, and I have to say that over the years, depending on my stage of life, Brussels has always managed to enchant me.

I love walking through the old streets, around the Sablon in the centre of the city, enjoying its market and having lunch there over the weekend. On sunny days, I enjoy the beautiful parks with my husband and my two little girls (night life is no longer compatible :) ). Finally, I am proud to be able to show around the Parlamentarium that gives a taste of what it is like to work for the European Parliament.”

Working as a Graphic Designer was my dream job, everyone is recognizing that image is taking the lead in a more and more virtual world. But it’s much more than that. The European Commission helped me find my place. Many fields are directly interlinked, we work as a team and everyone is bringing a piece to the puzzle, to form a whole. We work together in unison in Communication. I love my job.

“Hello, my name is Aléxandros, and I work as policy officer in the European Commission’s Directorate General for Environment. I am currently working in the unit that deals with the safe and sustainable use of chemicals. Before that I worked in policy areas such as ozone layer protection, industrial emissions or major accidents involving chemicals.

Many people do not expect that the European Commission needs staff with technical or scientific expertise but in environmental policy there are a lot of technical aspects that need to be understood and communicated. Together with lawyers and economists we are working in a multi-disciplinary team to develop solid policies and legislation.

With my background in chemistry and practical experience, I can assess technical information that we receive, provide responses to technical questions, advise on practicalities, or communicate with experts in the field.

It is a great feeling to know that my work is contributing to improving our quality of life, protecting the environment and the sustainable development of the European society, and not to forget, contribute to the possibly most important peace project ever.”

“What I like about my job is the exposure to the most interesting topics concerning the economy and financial markets in the EU and beyond.

I joined the Council in 2017 to work in the Financial Services Unit, dealing mostly with banking legislation. Then this year, I moved to my current unit. I provide support to the Presidency in preparing for discussions on specific topics at the Economic and Financial Affairs Council, especially in relation to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and the coordination of working parties aimed at identifying ways to support Ukraine’s reconstruction. The work is demanding because ECOFIN ministers meet almost every month and Ukraine is always high on their agenda, but it is also wide-ranging and interesting.”

"My first visit to Brussels was as a university student, when I realised that this would be a great place to work in an international context and contribute to advancing European integration.

After starting my career in the European Commission in the Directorate General for Employment and Social Affairs, I moved to Home Affairs 9 years ago.

I have worked on different files related to migration and security, including a two-year deployment in Italy dealing with the migration crisis. I have dealt with both operational and policy files. There is great diversity of tasks and files you deal with in DG HOME, so it never gets boring.

Working in Home Affairs in the European Commission gives you the opportunity to deal with subjects that are under the spotlight of politics and public opinion, directly related to the welfare and security of our societies.

I have been living in Brussels for 13 years now, it is my second home, a diverse and multicultural city, where it is easy to connect with people."

"Hi, my name is Judit. I am a lawyer and before joining the EUIPO, I worked in the private sector, in a Trade Mark and Patent Attorney and in a Law Office in Hungary.
When I joined the EUIPO in 2008, I started as a temporary agent in a very competent and supportive team. After joining the Office, I participated in several EPSO and also internal competitions. Finally, I managed to pass an EPSO IP competition and in 2014, I became an official.
From the beginning, I have been working in the Operations Department of the EUIPO. I am responsible for taking decisions in Cancellation and Opposition proceedings against European Union trade marks applications and registrations. I mainly work in German and English, but I also have the chance to deal with Hungarian files. I have defended litigation cases before the General Court in Luxembourg as well, and I have prepared responses for the Court, as well as pleaded at oral hearings.
I enjoy my work because of its diversity, it always offers new learning opportunities. Working in a multicultural environment is a great experience, both culturally and professionally. I have the opportunity to meet interesting and inspiring people from different backgrounds. Mentoring newcomers also fills me with energy, and beyond work, I have the opportunity to get to know colleagues by participating in the different social clubs available.
On top of this, I love sunny Alicante.
So, don’t hesitate to apply! You will have the opportunity to work in a dynamic and multicultural environment, improve and grow, both personally and professionally, explore different areas, not only developing your practical knowledge in the IP field, but also collaborating with colleagues from other teams and departments and working on different projects."