Information and Communications Officer
The European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) is organising a selection procedure to constitute a reserve list for an Information and Communications Officer (function group FG IV) [1] and to fill a short-term vacancy of one year in the Communications and Awareness Raising Unit.
[1] The reserve list may, on request, be shared with other agencies and joint undertakings of the European Union requiring a comparable profile. Candidates placed on the reserve list will be asked for their explicit and optional prior consent to share their details with any requesting agency/JU.
Background
The European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) provides independent, evidence-based advice to policymakers, to help ensure the full respect for fundamental rights across the EU, for everyone. To this end, the Agency collects and analyses information and data on a range of fundamental rights issues, provides assistance and expertise to EU institutions and Member States, raises rights awareness, communicates its findings, and strengthens cooperation and ties between fundamental rights actors.
The Communications and Awareness Raising Unit
The Communications and Awareness Raising Unit is responsible for shaping and promoting narratives on fundamental rights across Europe. Guided by FRA’s Communications Strategy 2023–2028, it designs and delivers impactful communication activities that highlight both the core values of fundamental rights and their practical relevance in people’s lives. The unit ensures that FRA’s work reaches and resonates with diverse audiences – from EU and Member State policymakers to civil society organisations, human rights practitioners, the media and the wider public – through compelling online and print content and outreach activities.
The unit is organised in two sectors:
- Media and Public Relations: This sector manages FRA’s multi-channel communication and outreach, including media relations, and the production of audiovisual content for all FRA communication platforms.
- Web and Publishing: This sector develops, produces and disseminates FRA’s multi-lingual outputs online and in print, including the annual Fundamental Rights Report. It also maintains FRA’s corporate website fra.europa.eu.
Duties
The successful candidate will contribute to implementing FRA’s Communication Strategy 2023-2028 through the tasks in one or more of the following areas:
- Supporting media relations activities, including drafting, preparing and distributing press releases, correspondence with journalists, maintenance of media databases, scheduling and preparation for interviews and other related tasks;
- Carrying out media monitoring, verifying accuracy, and producing clear, concise media impact reports;
- Assisting in planning, preparing and drafting materials for press conferences, campaigns, meetings and other media related activities and events;
- Preparing high-quality media and communication materials, including speaking points, presentations and other related materials;
- Providing advice and editorial support on the Agency’s publications to ensure clarity, accuracy and consistency;
- Identifying and proposing information opportunities, activities and approaches on fundamental rights issues, considering the topic and target audience;
- Drafting and preparing engaging content for FRA’s social media accounts and supporting social media campaigns;
- Assisting in the organisation of conferences, seminars and other events;
- Carrying out administrative, financial and contract-related duties, as required.
Duties applicable to all staff:
- Actively work towards the achievement of the goals of the Agency in accordance with the FRA Strategic Plan;
- Perform any other work-related duties and responsibilities that may be assigned by the manager.
Eligibility requirements
To be admissible for this selection, candidates must fulfil all the following conditions by the deadline for submission of applications:
General conditions [1]
- Be a national of one of the Member States of the European Union;
- Be entitled to his or her full rights as a citizen;
- Have fulfilled any obligations imposed by the laws concerning military service;
- Meet the character requirements as to suitability for the performance of the duties involved [2];
- Be physically fit to perform the duties linked to the post [3].
Education
Have a level of post-secondary education in communication, journalism, international relations, political science, public administration or related field attested by a diploma [4].
Language skills
- Have a thorough knowledge (level C1) of English, as English is the working language of FRA, the language used on its social media platforms and all communication materials the selected candidate will be required to produce will be in English; and
- Have a satisfactory knowledge of another language of the EU (minimum level B2).
The levels indicated correspond to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages [5].
[1] See Article 12 of the Conditions of Employment of Other Servants of the European Union.
[2] Prior to appointment, successful applicants will be required to produce an official document showing that they do not have any criminal record.
[3] Before being engaged, successful applicants will be required to undergo a medical examination to ensure that they fulfil the requirements of article 12(2)(d) of the Conditions of Employment of other Servants of the European Communities.
[4] Only diplomas and certificates that have been awarded in EU Member States or that are the subject of equivalence certificates issued by authorities in the said Member States shall be taken into consideration. In the case that an equivalence certificate was issued, this should as well have been done by the deadline for application. More information on recognition of academic diplomas available here: https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/education/university/recognition/index_en.htm
Selection criteria
To select the best qualified candidates for the test and interview phase, FRA will assess the following essential criteria:
- Professional experience of at least 3 years relevant to the tasks described under “Duties”;
- Proven experience in media relations, including handling media requests, preparing interview briefs and producing press and media materials;
- Proven experience with supporting the development and implementation of media and social media campaigns;
- Experience with media monitoring, including the use of media management and monitoring tools and software;
- Experience and/or knowledge of organising press events and meetings;
- Experience developing communication activities and materials for a variety of professional and non-technical audiences.
The following criteria will be considered as advantageous:
- Knowledge of EU affairs related to fundamental rights;
- Knowledge of the EU media landscape;
- Knowledge of graphic design and visual communication principles, tools and best practices.
In addition to the essential and advantageous criteria, candidates invited to the interview and test phase will also be assessed behavioural competencies relevant for the position. In particular, the successful candidate will be expected to demonstrate:
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to communicate clearly and precisely both orally and in writing; demonstrate excellent drafting skills;
- Critical thinking and an ability to identify central messages and themes in complex reports or messages and translate them into accessible content for various audiences;
- Working with others across the organisation and fostering a sense of teamwork and team spirit;
- Ability to prioritise the most important tasks, work flexibly and organise own and others’ workload efficiently;
- Resilience and ability to remain calm and effective under pressure, and to embrace changing circumstances.
Selection criteria
To select the best qualified candidates for the test and interview phase, FRA will assess the following essential criteria:
- Professional experience of at least 3 years relevant to the tasks described under “Duties”;
- Proven experience in media relations, including handling media requests, preparing interview briefs and producing press and media materials;
- Proven experience with supporting the development and implementation of media and social media campaigns;
- Experience with media monitoring, including the use of media management and monitoring tools and software;
- Experience and/or knowledge of organising press events and meetings;
- Experience developing communication activities and materials for a variety of professional and non-technical audiences.
The following criteria will be considered as advantageous:
- Knowledge of EU affairs related to fundamental rights;
- Knowledge of the EU media landscape;
- Knowledge of graphic design and visual communication principles, tools and best practices.
In addition to the essential and advantageous criteria, candidates invited to the interview and test phase will also be assessed behavioural competencies relevant for the position. In particular, the successful candidate will be expected to demonstrate:
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to communicate clearly and precisely both orally and in writing; demonstrate excellent drafting skills;
- Critical thinking and an ability to identify central messages and themes in complex reports or messages and translate them into accessible content for various audiences;
- Working with others across the organisation and fostering a sense of teamwork and team spirit;
- Ability to prioritise the most important tasks, work flexibly and organise own and others’ workload efficiently;
- Resilience and ability to remain calm and effective under pressure, and to embrace changing circumstances.
Engagement and conditions of employment
A contract as a member of the contract staff will be offered pursuant to Article 3(a) of the Conditions of Employment of Other Servants of the European Union for 1 year. The contract may be renewed.
The successful candidate will be recruited in function group FGIV. At the time of publication of the call, the monthly gross basic salary for new recruits in function group FGIV ranges from €4,319.72 (grade 13) to €6,256.88 (grade 16) depending on the number of years of professional experience. In addition to the basic salary, staff members may be entitled to various allowances, in particular a household allowance, expatriation allowance (16% of basic salary + household allowance), dependent child allowance and education allowance. The salary is subject to a Union tax deducted at source and it is exempt of national taxation.
FRA also offers a comprehensive welfare package including pension scheme, medical, accident and occupational disease insurance coverage, unemployment and invalidity allowance and travel insurance.
Under certain circumstances, in particular where staff members are obliged to change their place of residence in order to take up employment, the Agency may also reimburse various expenses incurred on recruitment, notably removal expenses.
Additional information can be obtained from the website of the European Commission.
For any further information on the contractual and working conditions please refer to the Staff Regulations of Officials of the European Union and the Conditions of Employment of other Servants.
Submission of applications and deadline
Candidates are requested to submit their application electronically through the Agency’s website. Only online completed applications via the e-recruitment system will be accepted.
Applications must be sent no later than 24 October 2025, 13:00 (Central European Time).
Information concerning the status of the selection procedure can be found on our website.
In case you experience technical problems during your application please contact: recruitment@fra.europa.eu.
Please note that due to the large number of applications we receive, the system may face problems in processing such amounts of data when reaching the deadline for submission of applications. We therefore advise to apply well ahead of the deadline.
Selection procedure
A Selection Committee is nominated by the Appointing Authority.
Eligibility of candidates will be assessed according to compliance with all formal requirements by the closing date for applications (please see section 3 “Eligibility criteria”).
Only the applications of eligible candidates will be evaluated in accordance with the selection criteria as specified in the publication notice (see section 4 "Selection Criteria"). The Agency will invite for the next phase the top candidates among those who have obtained at least 60%.
The selection procedure will be composed of a test and an interview, which will be held in English. They will take place either in Vienna (Austria), the place of employment where the Agency has its seat, or online. The shortlisted candidates will receive further detailed information in due time.
Candidates invited to an interview will be requested to submit a non-certified copy of their diploma(s) and evidence of their professional experience, clearly indicating the length and nature of their experience and whether full time or part time work. Prior to contract signature, the successful candidate/s will be requested to provide FRA with copies of all relevant documents proving the eligibility requirements.
Successful candidates will be included on a reserve list drawn up by the Selection Committee and adopted by the Appointing Authority. This reserve list will be valid from the date of its establishment (in year ‘N’) until 31 December of year ‘N+2’. Its validity may be extended. The reserve list may be used for future recruitment, should vacancies arise. Candidates should note that inclusion on a reserve list does not guarantee recruitment.
On the basis of the adopted reserve list, the Appointing Authority of FRA may offer a contract of engagement.
Please note that the Selection Committee’s work and deliberations are strictly confidential and that any contact with its members is strictly forbidden.
Due to the large volume of applications, the Agency regrets that only candidates selected for the interviews will be contacted. Applicants are invited to follow the recruitment process on the FRA website.
Equal opportunities
FRA is an equal opportunities employer and ensures that its recruitment procedures do not discriminate on any ground such as sex, race, colour, ethnic or social origin, genetic features, religion or belief, political or any other opinion, membership of a national minority, property, birth, disability, age, gender identity or sexual orientation. FRA encourages candidates with disabilities to apply. FRA encourages candidates with disabilities to apply. If you consider yourself to have a physical, mental, intellectual or sensory disability, please indicate any adjustments or arrangements needed, relating to your disability, to recruitment@fra.europa.eu, so that FRA can ensure your full and equal participation in the interview.
Data protection
Personal data shall be processed solely for the purpose of the selection procedure.
Please note that FRA will not return applications to candidates. The personal information FRA requests from applicants will be processed in line with Regulation (EU) 2018/1725 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2018 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data by the Union institutions, bodies, offices and agencies and on the free movement of such data. This applies in particular to the confidentiality and security of such data.
Should the candidate have any query concerning the processing of his/her personal data, he/she shall address them to: recruitment@fra.europa.eu .
For further information with regard to the processing of personal data, please see FRA’s Privacy Statement.
Appeal procedures
If a candidate considers that he/she has been adversely affected by a particular decision, he/she can lodge a complaint under Article 90(2) of the Staff Regulations of Officials and Conditions of employment of other servants of the European Union, at the following address:
The Director
European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights
Schwarzenbergplatz 11
A-1040 Vienna
Austria
The complaint must be lodged within 3 months. The time limit for initiating this type of procedure start to run from the time the completion of the selection procedure is published on the Web-site at the following link: http://fra.europa.eu/en/about-fra/recruitment/vacancies.
Should the complaint be rejected, pursuant to Article 270 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and Article 91 of the Staff Regulations of Officials and the Conditions of Employment of Other Servants of the European Union, a candidate may request judicial review of the act. The appeal must be lodged within 3 months from the date of notification to the following address:
Court of Justice of the European Union
Rue du Fort Niedergrünewald
L-2925 Luxembourg
Luxembourg
It is also possible to lodge a complaint to the European Ombudsman pursuant to Article 228(1) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and in accordance with the statute of the Ombudsman and the implementing provisions adopted by the Ombudsman. Before the Ombudsman can accept a complaint, it is necessary that the complaint is first addressed to the Agency. Any complaint to the Ombudsman (http://www.ombudsman.europa.eu) must be made within two years of receiving the Agency’s final position on the matter.