Press and Information Officer in the Political, Press and Information Section

The European Union Office to Hong Kong and Macao

Recruitment of a Press and Information Officer in the Political, Press and Information Section.

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 organisations. Abroad, the EU is represented through more than 140 diplomatic representations, known also as EU Delegations or EU Offices, which have a similar function to those of an embassy.

The EU Office to Hong Kong and Macao represents the positions and the interests of the European Union to the Hong Kong and Macao Governments and works to advance the wide-ranging relations with the two special administrative regions.

We offer

We offer a post of Press and Information Officer in the Political, Press and Information section.  Under this post, the recruited person will be attributed functions depending on the needs of the Office. Upon recruitment, the successful candidate will occupy a specific job function as Pres and Information Officer – this job function may be changed in accordance with the needs of the Office. Under this job function the successful candidate will serve in the political, press and information section under the supervision and responsibility of the head of section.  Responsibilities will include: 

• Relations with the media, including securing coverage of the activities of the EU Office and management of social media
• Drafting of press releases and other media materials
• Media monitoring and analysis, in particular of Chinese-language publications
• Support to public diplomacy initiatives, including drafting and implementation of the public diplomacy budget
• Support to other aspects of the section’s work, including research, analysis and preparation of briefings
• Support to preparation of official visits to Hong Kong

Working Conditions and Environment

The length of the working week shall be 37.5 hours.

The place of employment is Hong Kong.

The starting basic salary will correspond to the salary in Group I Step 1. For every two years of previous relevant documented experience, an additional step will be given.

Final grading and starting step will be established after recruitment is finalised and following the evaluation and approval of the relevant and proven experience by Headquarters.

We offer a competitive position in an international environment. Benefits, such as additional pension scheme and medical insurance, are offered to employees and their families under certain conditions.

The job-holder can be asked to support other priorities of the Office as defined by the Head of Office for up to 20% of his/her total working time.

Contract Duration

The contract will be given for one year period, including a 3-month probationary period.

Selection Criteria

Minimum Requirements:

1. A university degree;
2. Has a fluent command of English;
3. Good knowledge of Hong Kong and Macao, including their political systems and institutions;
4. Familiarity with the media, including social media, in Hong Kong and Macao;
5. Medically fit to perform the required duties;
6. Enjoys civil rights and permits for employment under local law;
7. Experience of at least 2 years in politics and press in Hong Kong or related fields.

The following will be considered an asset:

1. Relevant working experience, including working in international relations and/or the media;
2. A master's degree in a relevant discipline;
3. Fluency in Chinese (Cantonese and/or Mandarin);
4. Knowledge of French or of a European language other than English;
5. Knowledge of the EU

How to apply

Please send your application and supporting documents to Delegation-Hong-Kong-Vacancies@eeas.europa.eu . The package should include a cover letter and a detailed CV (preferably using the EUROPASS template to be found on: https://europass.cedefop.europa.eu/editors/en/cv/ ). 

The subject line of your application should indicate the post title: "EU Press and Information Officer", please note that all attachments should be in PDF format or they will be automatically discarded.

The Office will not supply additional information or discuss the selection procedure by telephone: please address any queries concerning this procedure to  Delegation-Hong-Kong-HOA @eeas.europa.eu .

The procedure

After the deadline for applications, the applications will be reviewed by a Selection Committee set up for this purpose. The Selection Committee will prepare a short-list of candidates who are considered to be the most suitable for the post on the basis of a preliminary assessment of the information provided in their application letter and the supporting documents. The short-listed candidates will be invited to an assessment phase which will include an interview if necessary – during this phase, the Selection Committee will assess the suitability of the candidates for the post.

The candidates who have not been short-listed will not be contacted individually; however, the Delegation will use the same means of publication as for this Vacancy Notice to inform the remaining candidates once the recruitment procedure has been completed and that a candidate has (or has not) been recruited.

The deadline for applications is: 12pm, 15/12/2024 (Hong Kong Time).

Procedure on Data Protection:

EEAS PRIVACY STATEMENT FOR THE PURPOSE OF THE PROCESSING OPERATION – Recruitment of Local Agents in EU Delegations:  https://eeas.europa.eu/sites/eeas/files/7_eeas_privacy_statement_-_data_protection_notice_-_recruitment_local_agents_eu_delegations.pdf