The European External Action Service (EEAS) has announced a new opportunity for skilled professionals interested in serving as Regional Security Officers (RSO) within the European Union Delegations worldwide. Through this call for expression of interest, the EEAS seeks to establish a reserve list for future recruitments of RSOs under the category of Contract Agents Function Group III (FGIII).
The EEAS functions as the diplomatic service of the European Union, supporting the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy in coordinating and implementing the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP). It represents the Union globally, promotes European interests, and ensures the coherence of external actions across 145 Delegations and Offices, including nine attached to international organizations.
This recruitment aims to strengthen the network of Regional Security Officers who play a vital role in advising, coordinating, and implementing security policies and crisis management procedures to safeguard EU staff, assets, and missions abroad.
Overview of the Position
Job Title: Regional Security Officer (RSO)
Category: Contract Agent Function Group III (Article 3a of CEOS)
Location: EU Delegations worldwide
Mobility Allowance (LCA): 0% – 40%
Contract Type: Initial 3-year contract, renewable for 5 years, with the possibility of an indefinite contract thereafter
Recruitment Basis: Reserve list (no specific post at the time of application)
This call for expression of interest is intended to identify and pre-select candidates who may later be appointed to active RSO positions as vacancies arise. Successful applicants will be placed on a reserve list valid for two years, subject to renewal based on operational needs.
Job Description: Regional Security Officer (RSO)
The Regional Security Officer will serve under the operational authority of the EEAS Field Security Division (FSD) and the administrative supervision of both the FSD and the Head of Delegation. The role involves extensive field coordination, advisory responsibilities, and operational security management across designated regions or Delegations.
The position’s core objective is to ensure the effective implementation of the EU’s duty of care obligations by protecting staff, dependents, assets, and classified information under challenging and often high-risk international conditions.
The main responsibilities are divided into the following functional areas:
1. Risk Analysis
The RSO will provide ongoing risk and threat assessments in relation to EU Delegation activities in designated countries or regions. Key duties include:
- Advising the Field Security Division and relevant EEAS divisions on country-specific threats and recommending appropriate preventive and mitigating security measures.
- Preparing, maintaining, and updating local threat and security risk assessments, including analysis of Travel Clearance Applications.
- Conducting surveys of premises and accommodation to evaluate vulnerabilities and recommend necessary security improvements aligned with EEAS Security Guidelines and Standards.
- Developing, updating, and monitoring the Delegation’s Security Action Plan to ensure its compliance with operational requirements and situational developments.
2. Analysis and Advisory Functions
RSOs are expected to support both Headquarters and field operations in maintaining building security, safety compliance, and operational oversight. Responsibilities in this domain include:
- Advising on the security design of new and existing Delegation premises and ensuring adherence to EU protection standards.
- Supervising security-related works, installations, and testing the performance of completed security systems.
- Performing routine safety checks, including the maintenance and operational functionality of fire safety equipment, smoke detectors, and medical kits.
- Providing regular advice to Security Management Teams (SMT) and Heads of Administration on the functionality and effectiveness of security installations and equipment.
- Supporting EEAS Headquarters in ensuring compliance with EU Classified Information (EUCI) protection procedures.
- Offering assistance during medical emergencies, including evacuations or repatriations, in collaboration with Delegation management and EEAS Crisis Response Centre.
- Conducting pre-deployment briefings for mission personnel traveling to high-risk locations.
- Advising visiting EU staff, agencies, and institutions under Service Level Arrangements on local security measures and travel safety.
3. Safety, Security, and Crisis Management
A crucial element of the RSO’s mandate is maintaining security readiness and managing crisis response protocols. Duties include:
- Contributing to the design, implementation, and supervision of physical security procedures and infrastructure protection.
- Overseeing the deployment and operational conduct of armed guards, close protection teams, and armoured vehicle use.
- Managing the use and maintenance of communication systems such as radio networks, satellite phones, and personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Conducting routine communication checks and ensuring personnel are trained in equipment use.
- Developing and testing contingency plans to ensure operational continuity and effective crisis response, including drills and simulations.
- Supporting procurement processes related to security contracts, contributing to drafting technical specifications, evaluating tenders, and monitoring contractor performance through key performance indicators (KPIs).
4. Communication and Reporting
Efficient communication and accurate reporting are essential aspects of the RSO’s responsibilities. The role includes:
- Preparing regular and ad-hoc security reports for the Field Security Division and Delegation Security Management Teams.
- Contributing to periodic Delegation reports covering security developments, incident trends, and situational updates.
- Ensuring that contingency plans and security data are up to date and accessible through official EEAS systems.
- Following up on audit and inspection reports, implementing corrective actions as required.
- Reporting all security incidents, non-compliance issues, and staff-related safety matters to the Field Security Division.
- Maintaining contact with security contractors to monitor service delivery and compliance with contractual terms.
5. Training and Awareness
RSOs are expected to foster a strong culture of security awareness and preparedness within Delegations. Their tasks in this area include:
- Organizing and delivering regular security awareness sessions, briefings, and communication updates based on evolving threat levels.
- Supporting the design and delivery of local Hostile Environment Awareness Training (HEAT) and other security training sessions for Delegation staff.
- Monitoring staff compliance with established security protocols and issuing recommendations for improvement.
- Collaborating with the EEAS Consular Affairs Division in training exercises and the integration of security aspects into consular preparedness.
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must meet the eligibility conditions set out under Article 82 of the Conditions of Employment of Other Servants (CEOS) and relevant EEAS administrative decisions. To be eligible for the RSO position, applicants must:
- Have successfully passed an EPSO CAST exam for Function Group III or be registered in the Permanent EPSO CAST database for FGIII.
- Hold at least post-secondary education or secondary education with equivalent professional experience as defined under CEOS.
- Possess the capacity to work in English and French, which are the main working languages of the EEAS.
- Be nationals of an EU Member State and enjoy full rights as citizens.
Selection Criteria
The EEAS seeks candidates with substantial professional experience and leadership skills in the field of security operations and management. Ideal candidates should demonstrate:
- A minimum of five years of full-time management or coordination experience in law enforcement, military, or intelligence services within EU Member States.
- Strong theoretical and practical knowledge in Security Operations Management, Risk Management, Crisis Management, and Business Continuity.
- Experience in managing security operations, particularly in high-threat environments or international missions.
- Familiarity with security conditions in specific countries, including risks related to conflict, terrorism, organized crime, and civil unrest.
- Excellent analytical, drafting, and communication skills.
- Ability to perform effectively under pressure and adapt to multicultural, multidisciplinary work environments.
- Physical and psychological fitness to perform long-term field assignments under challenging conditions.
Proficiency in additional languages such as Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic, Chinese, or Russian is considered an asset.
Posting Policy and Duration
RSOs are normally assigned to Delegations for a standard posting period of four years. Calls for early mobility or extension are launched annually but remain subject to service requirements.
Staff members assigned to non-family posts or Delegations under evacuation level three may apply for reassignment after two years. Temporary assignments to EEAS Headquarters in Brussels are possible in exceptional cases for durations between two and four years, in accordance with EEAS mobility regulations.
It is also a requirement that appointed officers be able to complete their full posting before reaching the statutory retirement age.
Conditions of Recruitment and Employment
All appointments are made under the CEOS provisions and are subject to the following conditions:
Conflict of Interest and Security Clearance
Applications from individuals with dual nationality of the host country will undergo specific assessment to ensure no conflict of interest exists. Successful candidates must hold or be eligible to obtain a Personnel Security Clearance (PSC) at the level of SECRET UE/EU SECRET issued by their national authority.
Medical Clearance
Prior to appointment, candidates will undergo a medical and psychological evaluation to confirm fitness for posting in the designated region.
Living and Working Conditions
Selected candidates are expected to familiarize themselves with the living and security conditions of their assigned duty station, as described in the relevant EEAS Country Post Reports. These conditions may include varying levels of medical facilities, accommodation standards, education availability, and security risks.
Equal Opportunity Commitment
The EEAS upholds a strict policy of equal opportunity for all applicants. The service promotes diversity and inclusion across its workforce and prevents discrimination based on gender, ethnicity, disability, or other grounds.
Candidates with disabilities are encouraged to inform the recruitment team in advance to ensure reasonable accommodation throughout the selection process.
Application and Selection Procedure
The selection process is conducted in three stages:
Step 1: Application
Applicants should submit the following documents in English or French:
- A Europass-format Curriculum Vitae clearly indicating the EPSO CAST number or application;
- A motivation letter explaining suitability for the position;
- A signed declaration of potential conflict of interest.
Applications must be sent by email to: [email protected]
Email subject line: Call for Expression of Interest RSO EU Delegations – October 2025
Deadline: 19 November 2025 at 12:00 (midday Brussels time). Late submissions will not be accepted.
All correspondence related to this selection should be directed to: [email protected]
Step 2: Pre-selection
A selection panel will review submitted applications based on CVs and motivation letters. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to complete theoretical and practical tests related to security management. Those who meet the required threshold will proceed to an interview stage to assess competencies and interpersonal skills.
Step 3: Selection
The selection panel will submit a final shortlist for approval by the Authority Authorised to Conclude Contracts of Employment (AACC). The AACC may choose to conduct additional interviews before finalizing the recruitment decision.
Inclusion in the reserve list does not guarantee appointment, as recruitment will depend on operational needs and budget availability.
For inquiries:
[email protected]
This opportunity offers a significant role in ensuring the safety and security of EU operations globally through effective risk management and crisis response leadership.
Applications should be submitted via email as instructed above before the stated deadline.
