Director of the European Union Diplomatic Academy

Description of the Programme

The European Union Diplomatic Academy (EUDA) is a flagship initiative launched by the European External Action Service (EEAS) and established by Council Decision (CFSP) 2024/1472 of 21 May 2024. The programme is implemented by the College of Europe.

The EUDA aims to equip junior diplomats and EU officials with in-depth knowledge on the European Union External Action, including geographic and thematic priorities as well as its working processes. By doing so, in the long term the EUDA aims at strengthening the EU’s ability to promote and defend its interests globally and to foster a common diplomatic culture, contributing to a more cohesive European diplomatic corps.

The EUDA is a hands-on programme designed for professionals who already have some experience in national diplomatic services - in capitals and/or abroad - as well as within the EU institutions.

The Academy uses a mix of learning tools, including academic modules, study visits, group exercises, and simulations, applying a practical approach to EU external action. To this end, the programme primarily involves practitioners from the EU institutions, Member States, and international organisations as speakers and guests.

 

The Role

The Director of the EUDA will be responsible for the strategic steering of the EUDA as well as of the European Union Diplomatic Programme for the Enlargement Region (EUDP)[1] in line with the decisions and guidance provided by the Steering Committee of the EU Diplomatic Academy as well as the Steering Committee of the EU Diplomatic Programme for the Enlargement Region. 

The Director will report regularly to the Steering Committee of the EUDA and of the EUDP on the implementation of the programme, challenges encountered and lessons learned.  

The Director will ensure synergies between the EUDA and the EUDP programmes as well as strategic coordination with the EU institutions and other key stakeholders relevant for the programmes, such as Member States, national diplomatic academies and think tanks.

The Director will mentor the participants of the programmes, by coaching them in developing their skills. The Director will regularly hold sessions with participants and discuss current affairs.

 

Your Profile

For the position of Director of the EUDA, the College is looking for candidates with:

  • EU nationality.
  • A master’s degree, preferably in international affairs or a related field.
  • Minimum 20 years of professional experience in EU/national diplomacy, security, or international relations.
  • Proven experience at senior management or executive level within:
    • EU institutions or bodies, and/or
    • National administrations of EU Member States, particularly in ministries responsible for European and foreign affairs.
  • Outstanding and in-depth knowledge of the EU Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), including the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP).
  • Experience in diplomatic education and training, particularly related to the EU or international relations.
  • Strong strategic thinking and policy analysis capabilities.
  • Ability to represent the EU Diplomatic Academy at senior political and diplomatic level, and in international fora.
  • Thorough command of English (C1/C2 level), both written and spoken.
  • Knowledge of French is considered a strong asset.

 

Our offer

  • A pleasant and stimulating international working environment.
  • An excellent academic setting.
  • A part-time employment contract under Belgian law of definite duration (and renewable).
  • A competitive remuneration.
  • An invaluable opportunity to contribute to a renowned project of European integration.

 

How to apply

Applications in English, comprising a CV (max. 2 pages) and a motivation letter (max. 1 page) should be submitted by 01 March 2026 to the HR Office at recruitment.be@coleurope.eu, mentioning “Application for the position of Director of the EU Diplomatic Academy” in the subject line. Short-listed candidates will be invited for an interview.

Envisaged start date: As soon as possible.

For further information on the position, please contact Elisabetta LA GALA (Elisabetta.lagala@coleurope.eu). 
For HR related questions, please contact Julie Favril, HR Co-Director at recruitment.be@coleurope.eu.

 

 

***

By submitting your application, you consent to have your personal data processed for the purpose of recruitment and the specific position you are applying for. You acknowledge that your data, as well as data we receive from academic institutions we can contact for verification purposes, will be processed by the College of Europe, the members of the selection committee appointed by the College of Europe related to this recruitment process. All information will be treated with the utmost confidentiality and in line with the current data processing regulations. For more information on how we use the information you have provided and how to exercise your rights, please see our privacy notice for recruitment (https://www.coleurope.eu/privacy).

***

The College of Europe is committed to equal treatment and opportunity. It aims to reflect the diversity of our society and to offer an inclusive work and study environment for all members of its community. Consistent with these goals, the Bruges campus has a zero-tolerance policy for any acts against the dignity and integrity of individuals, whether in the form of discrimination, bullying, harassment, stalking, violence, or sexual misconduct. Candidates are therefore recruited and selected on the basis of skills and experience, regardless of sex, age, ability, ethnicity, class and background, political belief, race, religion, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, culture, or any other grounds.

***
 

 

[1] The EUDP is a programme funded by the European Commission (DG ENEST) and implemented by the College of Europe since December 2024. Building on the successful experience of EUDA, it aims to strengthen knowledge among diplomats and officials from enlargement countries on EU external action and enlargement policy, while fostering meaningful exchanges with diplomats from EU Member States. Running until 2028, the programme will train up to 90 diplomats and officials across six editions, each lasting five months. The programme is tailored to diplomats and officials of the following countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia[1], Kosovo*, the Republic of Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Ukraine and Türkiye.

[1] Subject to the evolution of the political situation in the country.

*The designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSCR 1244/1999 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo Declaration of Independence.