Euromed and Middle East Unit - Post A: Delegation for relations with the Maghreb countries and the Arab Maghreb Union and Parliamentary Assembly of the Union for the Mediterranean

The Directorate-General for External Policies (DG EXPO) is made up of four directorates: Committees, Regions (covering interparliamentary delegations), Resources and Democracy Support. Staff of DG EXPO form a European team of advisers supporting the European Parliament's President and political bodies in their work on the EU's external policies. Colleagues in DG EXPO provide advice on matters of substance and procedure, liaise with other EU institutions and manage resources. The focus is on legislation, parliamentary oversight of the European Commission and the European External Action Service (EEAS), and support for parliamentary democracy. Most of the work is done in Brussels.

The Euromed and Middle East Unit forms part of the Directorate for Regions and supports the European Parliament’s inter-parliamentary relations with countries across the Middle East and North Africa.

The Unit supports four bilateral delegations covering Iran, Iraq, Israel and Palestine, as well as three regional delegations covering the Maghreb, Mashreq and Arabian Peninsula. It also supports the work of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union for the Mediterranean (PA-UfM).

Our work includes:

• Closely following political, economic, security and human rights developments in the Middle East and North Africa, including the Middle East Peace Process, developments in the Gulf, EU relations with the region and Euro-Mediterranean policies;
• Organising inter-parliamentary meetings at the European Parliament and in the countries and regions falling within the Unit’s remit;
  Providing procedural and organisational support and expertise to Delegation Chairs and Members;
• Acting as European Parliament desk officers for the countries within the Unit’s remit;
• Supporting the activities of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union for the Mediterranean; 
• Maintaining working relations with counterpart parliaments, EU institutions, diplomatic missions and other relevant stakeholders.

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Want to find out more about what being a trainee in DG EXPO is like? Check out our DG EXPO podcast for trainees, by trainees: CLICK HERE.

As a trainee in the Euromed and Middle East Unit, you will work alongside the Unit’s administrators and assistants and contribute to its day-to-day parliamentary work.

Your tasks will include:

• Providing support to all European Parliament delegations within the remit of the Unit, with a particular focus on relations with the Mashreq countries and on supporting the work of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union for the Mediterranean (PA-UfM);
• Monitoring political, economic, security and human rights developments in the countries and regions covered by the Unit;
• Following and reviewing developments in the EU’s bilateral relations with countries and regions within the Unit’s remit;
• Attending and reporting on meetings, hearings and events, both within and outside the European Parliament, in areas relevant to the Unit’s work;
• Researching, compiling and analysing up-to-date information and data for reports, briefings and other parliamentary work;
  Drafting contributions to reports, minutes, briefings, notes, draft correspondence and Chair’s notes;
• Contributing to the preparation, organisation and follow-up of inter-parliamentary meetings, delegation visits and PA-UfM activities;
  Supporting desk officers in maintaining and organising country-specific information and documentation;
• Assisting with contacts and exchanges with other EU institutions, diplomatic missions, counterpart parliaments and other relevant stakeholders;
• Contributing to other activities of the Unit according to operational needs.

• An excellent English drafter with strong communication skills; a research or academic background would be an asset;
• You have a good knowledge of the countries of the Euro-Mediterranean region and of political developments in the Middle East and North Africa;
• You have a good knowledge of EU external relations and current international affairs;
• You have a general knowledge of the structure, role and powers of the European Parliament;
• You have the ability to research, analyse and summarise complex political and policy information clearly and concisely;
• You are able to plan and prioritise your work, meet deadlines and work effectively under pressure;
• You have the ability to manage and organise information effectively;
• You have strong drafting and organisational skills;
• You have a strong team spirit, a diplomatic manner and excellent interpersonal skills;
• You have a good command of French and/or Arabic which would be an asset;
• You have obtained/will obtain a university degree (level 6 of EQF or higher) at least three months before the starting date of the traineeship.

The European Parliament is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace. We welcome all candidates, regardless of their geographical, racial or ethnic origin, political or religious beliefs, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, civil status, or family situation.