The European Commission, through its EuropeAid Cooperation Office (AIDCO), has published in the Official Journal of the European Union on May 8th 2009, a public announcement for the selection and recruitment in a vacancy for a Principal Adviser (Grade AD 14). Selected candidate will contribute to improve the accountability of the Commission towards the other
Institutions (EP, Council, Court of Auditors).

The Principal Adviser, directly attached to the Director-General, will be expected to provide strategic orientation for streamlining and keeping up to standards and best practices the system of identification and management of the risks inherent to the implementation of external assistance. This includes questions on the optimisation of effectiveness and efficiency (including clarity and speed) of the control systems in place for mitigating these risks, in particular audits, verifications and ex-post controls. Special attention will be needed for the functioning of those systems in cases where aid is implemented through and/or together with bilateral and multilateral donors.

EuropeAid. Principal Adviser (Grade AD 14). Candidates' Requirements

• Have a proven track record in enhancing efficiency and effectiveness of external assistance, as well as in the promotion of transparency and accountability, in particular a solid knowledge of risk management and control concepts.
• Have a proven knowledge of and experience in the functioning of development cooperation in general and the role of the Commission in the international context, both within and outside the EU.
• Have a good knowledge of Community policies in the field of external relations in general.
• Have an adequate knowledge of the external policies and external action instruments.
• Have a solid understanding of the financial regulations applicable to the Budget of the European Communities and to the EDF.
• Have a good understanding of interinstitutional relations, in particular with the EP and the Court of Auditors.
• Have good communication skills in international fora.
• Be able to work in English and French.

Before submitting their application, candidates should carefully check whether they meet all the eligibility criteria, particularly concerning the types of diploma and professional experience required. To apply for the vacant, candidates must register via the Internet through the Senior management & advisory functions website at the Personnel and Administration DG website, and follow the instructions there concerning the various stages of the procedure.

Closing date for registration is June 5th 2009. Online registration will not be possible after 12.00 noon Brussels time. Interested candidates may contact by e-mail contact person for this procedure, Mr. Constantin Stathopoulos, or by phone (tel. 52463).

EuropeAid

EuropeAid manages the implementation of most of the external aid instruments of the European Commission funded from the Community Budget and from the European Development Fund (EDF), in an effective and efficient way, ensuring a high level of quality and rapidity in the use of the available finances (more than EUR 8 billion per year) through the execution of the projects and other implementing activities, while actively contributing to the visibility of the community external aid.

In this context EuropeAid also contributes to the formulation of development and cooperation policies as well as to the Commission sector policies from its knowledge of the field, and it puts in place those policies by establishing innovative implementing instruments and mechanisms. It also oversees and supports the cooperation activities of the Commission's Delegations, among others by providing expertise, guidelines and instructions.