(Local Agent) External Action Policy Officer

The _**_European Invest_**_me_**_nt Bank_**_ (EIB) is the European Union’s bank. The EIB is seeking to recruit for its _**_EIB Global Directorate, Strategy and Partnerships Department (S&P), External Action Representation Division (EAR), ACP Unit (ACP)_**_, at its Regional Representation for Southern Africa & Indian Ocean in Pretoria, _an _**_External Action Policy Officer_**_. This is a full-time position._

The term of this contract will be 3 years.
- This position is open to nationals of South Africa._

**Purpose**:
The External Action Policy Officer will support the EIB operations in Southern Africa & Indian Ocean and will work within a team of international and national personnel located both in Pretoria and at the EIB’s headquarters in Luxembourg.

The External Action Policy Officer will (i) proactively advise and provide professional support to the Head of the Regional Representation for Southern Africa & Indian Ocean, in order to assist him/her in fulfilling his/her role ii) support the development of high-level relations with international financial and other institutions based in the region; (iii) support the relationship and communication with local authorities as well as local economic actors on issues of common interest; (iv) promote the EIB as the Bank of the EU; (v) promote the EIB as a potential partner of regional stakeholders investing in EIB countries of operation.

The External Action Policy Officer will report to the Head of the Regional Representation for Southern Africa & Indian Ocean. S/he will coordinate and cooperate with colleagues working in the Regional Representation for Southern Africa & Indian Ocean in Pretoria and with Luxembourg-based teams, in particular with the team of External Action Policy Officers in the External Action Representation (EAR) Division.

**Accountabilities**:

- Proactively advise and provide professional support to the Head of the Regional Representation for Southern Africa & Indian Ocean in order to assist him/her in fulfilling his/her role; this includes:

- Support to representing and promoting the EIB and protect its Interests, as an integral instrument of EU External Action;
- Under the guidance of Head of the Regional Representation identify and gather Bank-relevant insights and information and contribute to the drafting of various documents such as briefing material, reports, memoranda, speeches, presentations and notes
- Support the Head of the Regional Representation for Southern Africa & Indian Ocean in the exercise of his duties, by advising him on topical issues, as well as business and strategic relations;
- Upon request of the Head of the Regional Representation for Southern Africa & Indian Ocean, intervene in meetings or events both inside and outside the Bank
- Produce and maintain Country Reports and briefings for internal use for the countries in the Southern Africa and Indian Ocean region
- Develop and maintain up-to-date knowledge of the political, operational, institutional, economic, social and cultural dimension of the countries under the responsibility of the Head of Regional Representation for Southern Africa & Indian Ocean
- Share own specialised knowledge and experience with other members of the team, producing and delivering presentations, workshops and training seminars and materials;
- In alignment with the EIB Group’s communication strategy and under the direct guidance of the Head of the Regional Representation pro-actively support the Bank’s communication and visibility objectives;
- Collaborate with the global team of External Action Policy Officers in the External Action Representation (EAR) division, based in Luxembourg, and in other locations, etc.
- Help develop and maintain a regular relationship with development partners, by proactively liaising with them and producing regular reports on the status of such relations for the Head of the Regional Representation for Southern Africa & Indian Ocean;
- In close cooperation with the Head of the Regional Representation for Southern Africa & Indian Ocean, network with local authorities and with local bilateral and multilateral institutions, commercial banks, and other partners;
- Track the delivery of political, strategic, business and organisational priorities of EIB in the region.

**Qualifications**:

- University degree in a relevant business-related discipline or equivalent qualification, preferably in international relations
- Minimum of 8 years' relevant experience, for example as policy officer, policy analyst, communication officer or relationship manager
- Proven experience in research, analysis and report writing
- Familiarity with the work of International Financial Institutions would be advantageous
- Very good knowledge of and work experience in specific country(ies) related to the post and strong understanding of the geopolitical and economic situation in the Southern Africa & Indian Ocean region
- Multi-country working experience in the region would