Programme Manager

We are

The Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion Directorate General pursues policy, legislative and financial initiatives to build a competitive social market economy in the EU by shaping and promoting a modern European social model. Directorate C works towards promoting social dialogue and improving working conditions through effective labour law and safe and healthy working environments. The Directorate is also responsible for the programming and implementation of the European Social Fund (ESF+) and the Social Climate Fund in Spain, Malta, Romania and Bulgaria. EMPL C5 "Romania, Bulgaria" contributes to the objectives of the European Pillar of Social Rights, supporting the green and digital transitions as well as enhanced economic and social resilience in these two countries. It promotes efficient and inclusive labour markets and social protection systems as well as supports skills development and accessible social services and healthcare for all. It is the source of country intelligence for the European Semester and fund management. In cooperation with the relevant Member States, the unit ensures efficient management of the European Social Fund Plus (2021 2027), the Social Climate Fund (2026-2032) and other funds.

We propose

EMPL C 5 is seeking a Policy Officer/Programme Manager year contract . The role consist within s in its Bulgarian team policy development and programme management, for a one such as:

• Monitor and assess Bulgarian employment, social , education and skills policies, reforms and progress on Country Specific Recommendations; build country intelligence and contribute to the European Semester, Country Report and related draft recommendations; provide research on policy developments in Bulgaria, policy advice and pro national authorities towards the achievement of EU targets.

• Manage the 2021-2027 ESF+ programmes in the relevant policy areas and support result oriented ESF+ implementation

• Coordinate, with other Commission services, other EU funds, including the National Recovery and Resilience Fund and the European Regional Development Fund.

• Contribute to the design of the new programming period (2028–2034), including the assessment of proposals for investments and reforms in the EMPL policy areas in the draft National and Regional Partnership Plan (NRPP).

We look for

We are seeking a highly motivated, proactive and results-driven colleague, committed to delivering high-quality outputs with a tangible policy impact. The ideal candidate has at least two years of relevant professional experience and feels at ease working with statistical information. Experience with EU funding instruments would be a strong advantage. The future colleague is expected to possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills as well as strong communication, negotiation and presentation skills. Sense of initiative and of responsibility, combined with accuracy, attention to detail and a commitment to timely delivering quality and results are also expected. Finally, the position requires the ability to prioritise and work in a structured manner to meet demanding deadlines, as well as resilience and the ability to contribute constructively to teamwork in a multicultural environment. Strong drafting and communication skills in English are a huge advantage, and a high proportion of the tasks under this position will be implemented in English and/or Bulgarian.

How to express your interest?

With a view to guaranteeing equal access to all, the Commission recruits from an open database of spontaneous applications. The present call for interests aims at helping the recruiters to identify potentially interested candidates within this database.

In practice, to express your interest, please follow the subsequent two steps:

1. If you are not registered yet in the open EPSO database, please do so at the following address: CAST Permanent. Please select under selection procedures for contract agent the CAST permanent profile that best suits your education and experience.

2. You should send your documents in a single pdf in the following order: 1. your CV 2. completed application form. Please send these documents by the publication deadline to empl-CS vacanciesec [dot] eurooa [dot] eu (vacancies[at]ec[dot]eurooa[dot]eu) indicating the call for interest reference EC-2026-EMPL-367391 in the subject. 

No applications will be accepted after the publication deadline.

Read full vacancy notice attached below.