🔵 We're Hiring: Secretary-General of the EPP Group secretariat in the European Committee of the Regions (AD12)
📍 Location: Brussels | 🕒 Deadline: 1. September 2025, 12:00 (Brussels time)
Are you an experienced people manager with a passion for European politics and local democracy? The European People's Party (EPP) Group in the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) is looking for a new Secretary-General to lead its secretariat and support its political mission across Europe. The recruitment will be done at grade AD12 following the provisions of article 2c) of the CEOS under an indefinite contract, subject to periodical revision by the EPP Bureau (at the beginning of each 5-year political mandate of the CoR; the last one started in January 2025) of the alignment of the profile of the Secretary-General with the evolving political and administrative priorities of the EPP Group. The contract includes a mandatory nine-month probationary period.
👥 About Us
The EPP Group is the largest political group in the CoR which is composed of 329 local and regional leaders from across the EU. We shape EU policy from the ground up—ensuring that decisions reflect the voices of cities and regions. Our secretariat plays a vital role in supporting members, preparing policy positions and coordinating with the broader EPP family across EU institutions.
🧭 About the Role
As Secretary-General (Type of post: Head of Unit or equivalent, AD12 level), you will:
- Lead and manage the EPP Group secretariat, currently including 17 staff members and budget.
- Advise the Group President and the EPP Bureau on strategic, political and administrative matters.
- Coordinate the Group’s activities in CoR commissions and plenary sessions.
- Represent the Group in inter-institutional negotiations and maintain strong ties with the European Parliament and the EPP Party.
- Drive cohesion, team spirit, innovation and excellence in a dynamic, multilingual team.
This is a high-impact leadership role requiring political acumen, managerial excellence and a deep understanding of EU institutions and EPP values.
✅ Who Can Apply?
We’re looking for candidates who:
- Are EU nationals with at least 10 years of relevant professional experience, including 5 years in a formal managerial role (acquired at the level of Head of unit or equivalent at least).
- Hold a university degree (minimum 4 years or 3 years + 1 year experience).
- Have experience in political party work, ideally within local/regional government, EU institutions or political research.
- Possess strong people management, negotiation, diplomatic and communication skills.
- Are fluent in English or French (minimum B2), with working knowledge of the other of these two languages. Additional official EU languages are an asset.
📝 Selection Process
The process includes:
- Pre-selection by the EPP Group leadership based on qualifications and experience – Early September 2025
- First interview round with the selection panel – Mid-September 2025
- Assessment centre to evaluate managerial competencies – End September 2025
- Second and final interview round with the selection panel - Mid-October 2025
Only the top candidates will progress through each stage. The selected candidate is expected to start ideally before End 2025.
👩⚖️ Selection Panel
The panel is chaired by the EPP Group President and includes:
- One of the EPP vice chairs
- A Staff Committee representative
- A representative from the Directorate for HR and Finance
📩 How to Apply
Submit your application (CV and cover letter) in PDF format to:
📧 sari.rautio@hmlkaupunki.fi
📌 Reference: COR/AD12/13/25/EPP
🗓️ Deadline: 1. September 2025 at 12:00 (Brussels time)
💬 Interested or know someone who fits the profile? Share this opportunity or reach out for more details. Let’s shape Europe together - starting from its regions.