Secondment to the CoE
To advance the CoE’s work, the Centre relies upon the specialist expertise, experience, and professional insights of Seconded temporarily deployed from a Member State National Experts (SNEs). SNEs are sent by members to work at the CoE in Berlin for a defined time period. While working at the CoE they have the job title ‘Senior Advisor’. All members are encouraged to second Senior Advisors as part of their commitment to the CoE.
What do Senior Advisors do?
- Play an active role in the strategic development of the CoE, as part of the senior management team;
- Support implementation of the CoE’s workplan e.g. by facilitating exchanges, building and sharing knowledge, conducting outreach, producing deliverables for EU Member States;
- Act as the primary CoE contact for an allocated group of Member States – building long-term relationships with civilian CSDP focal points and ensuring tailored, continuous support to the CoE’s members.
Why second to the CoE?
- Directly contribute to the CoE’s work in supporting EU Member States to implement commitments from the 2023 Civilian CSDP Compact;
- Actively help shape the CoE’s support to serve Member States in their national capability development processes;
- Advance the CoE’s efforts to promote civilian CSDP as a foreign policy tool;
- Build valuable expertise, networks, and skills in a dynamic, international environment, benefitting the Senior Advisor's career path development and home ministry/agency upon their return.
How does secondment to the CoE work?
- Members are invited to contact CoE Director Johanna Sumuvuori if they are interested in exploring opportunities for secondment.
- Terms of Reference for a specific thematic profile will be developed, based on discussions regarding the CoE’s and interested member’s priorities and available expertise.
- Once a suitable candidate has been selected for secondment, a Memorandum of Understanding is signed, setting out the terms and conditions for the secondments.
- The SNE is welcomed to the CoE’s office in Berlin, where they are seconded as a Senior Advisor for usually no less than one and no longer than four years.
For more information about secondment to the CoE, take a look at our Secondment Factsheet.
Testimonials
