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."
 

“Svoju prácu už viac ako 15 rokov, keď som úspešne absolvovala výberové konanie na miesto právneho lingvistu, vnímam ako poslanie. Jednou z hlavných úloh právnika lingvistu na Súdnom dvore v Luxembursku je zabezpečiť, aby právne dokumenty Súdneho dvora boli presne a v súlade s právnou terminológiou preložené do všetkých úradných jazykov Únie. Právnik lingvista pracuje v multikultúrnom a multijazyčnom prostredí. Samotné Luxembursko poskytuje vysokú kvalitu života, kultúrne a športové vyžitie pre všetky vekové kategórie. Ak ste zanieteným lingvistom so záujmom pre právo a európsku integráciu, táto práca a životný štýl v Luxembursku môžu byť pre vás ideálnou kombináciou.”

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“After successfully completing the selection process for the position of legal linguist, I have been seeing this job as a mission for more than 15 years. One of the main tasks of a lawyer linguist at the Court of Justice of Luxembourg is to ensure that the legal documents of the Court of Justice are translated accurately and in accordance with legal terminology into all the official languages of the Union. As a lawyer linguist, you have the opportunity to work in a multicultural and multilingual environment. Luxembourg itself provides a high quality of life, cultural and sports activities for all age groups. If you are a passionate linguist with a passion for law and European integration, this job and lifestyle in Luxembourg could be the perfect combination for you.”

“I have been working for the European institutions for more than 10 years and I have not regretted a single day. It was my dream to work for the institutions, since I was 16. I must say, it turned out even better than what I imagined at 16. For me, not a single day has been the same. And every day has been great. The job has offered me a lot of satisfaction. You find challenges to resolve. You get opportunities to learn new skills. All this in a multi-cultural environment. I find it amazing to work with people from all over Europe and in a multi-lingual environment.”

I joined the European Commission services in 2019, working as a policy officer at DG EMPL (Employment, Social Affairs & Inclusion). I work in a geographical unit, which means I follow and monitor a specific country, Sweden in my case. Other colleagues in my unit monitor developments in Italy and Denmark.

My job is very diverse and challenging; and involves a combination of policy work (focusing on employment and social issues in the European semester) and programme management of the European Social Fund in Sweden.

The main working language in my DG is English, but since I focus on Sweden, I also work in Swedish. Other colleagues also work in the respective languages of the countries they monitor, my unit is quite multilingual!

I have a master’s degree in law, from Stockholm University. Before working for the European Commission, I worked for an advocacy and campaigning NGO in Brussels.