Secondments
We regularly have secondment opportunities for officials employed by our member states. It is a mutually beneficial arrangement - officials can gain experience and contacts in the international environment at the Council of Europe, while we can benefit from the specific skills and expertise they bring.
As well as being published on our website, these opportunities are also issued to the members states' Permanent Delegations to the Council of Europe.
Who do seconded officials include?
International, national, regional and local officials, as well as other persons sent by member states in accordance with their national legislation.
What are the requirements?
Seconded officials:
- must remain in employment or be paid by the member state from which they are seconded throughout the period of secondment, and receive no salary from the Council of Europe;
- must be nationals of a member state of the Council of Europe and, in the case of partial agreements, nationals of a member state of the Council of Europe or of the partial agreement concerned;
- may work in any field where their services are deemed necessary, provided that there is no conflict with the interests of the organisation. While on secondment with the Council of Europe, seconded officials may neither receive nor seek instructions in connection with the performance of their duties from any government, authority, organisation or person outside the Council of Europe.
What minimum qualifications are required?
- Experience
Seconded officials must have at least three years' experience of administrative, advisory or supervisory duties in a grade equivalent to categories A or B4 to B6 at the Council of Europe. Detailed job descriptions are available with each call for candidates.
- Languages
Seconded officials must have thorough knowledge of one of the Council of Europe's official languages (English or French) and, where necessary for the performance of their duties, satisfactory knowledge of the other.
What is the length of secondments?
The period of secondment must be at least four months and not more than two years. Secondment may be prolonged or renewed, but the total duration of one secondment period may not exceed three years, except in cases of derogation.
How to apply to a call for candidates for secondments at the Council of Europe
- On the page Secondments Opportunities you can consult the list of calls for candidates. Click the “Apply” button next to the one that interests you.
- Complete the online application following the instructions within. Other than in exceptional circumstances, only applications using this online system will be accepted (if you have any issues, please contact us before the deadline by sending an email to [email protected]).
TIP: Before completing the application form, make sure you read the call for candidates carefully, and that you meet the conditions. Candidates who do not meet the requirements will not be accepted.
- Note that in the on-line form you will be asked to select from a drop-down list, your country’s Permanent Representation to the Council of Europe. When you submit your application, an e-mail will be sent directly to this Representation informing them about your application and tasking them to validate your application within 10 working days. Without this validation, your application cannot be considered.
TIP: Please contact the Permanent Representation concerned to ensure the proper follow-up of your application.
- Applications can be made in French or English only, and must be submitted before the deadline (midnight Central European Time).
- If you can't complete your application in one session, you can save it and come back later. Once it is submitted however you can't make any changes.
TIP: Don't wait until the last moment to submit your application. To fully complete the application form requires some time and we don't want you to miss the deadline.
Useful Links
- Resolution CM/Res(2012)2 establishing Regulations for secondments to the Council of Europe
- List of member states of the Council of Europe