Director’s position in the General Secretariat of the Council

We are looking for a manager with the ability to lead and motivate a large multi-skilled team and who has knowledge and experience in areas within the Directorate’s remit and is familiar with the role and functioning of the European Council and Council.

The General Secretariat of the Council (GSC) assists the European Council and the Council of the EU and their preparatory bodies in all fields of their activities. It provides advice and support to members of the European Council and the Council and to their Presidents in all areas of activity, including policy and legal advice, coordination with other institutions, elaboration of compromises, supervising as well as attending to all the practicalities that are necessary for the good preparation and running of the European Council and the Council.

Directorate-General ‘Organisational Development and Services’ (DG ORG), is responsible for the organisational development of the GSC and the provision of key support services. The Directorate-General currently consists of five Directorates (Human Resources, Protocol and Meetings, Buildings and Logistics, Finance, and Safety and Security).

The Directorate ‘Buildings and Logistics’ (ORG.3) is responsible for providing the material infrastructures (buildings, installations and technical equipment) and logistic services (fitting out, removals, transportation) which enable the European Council, the Council, its bodies and the GSC to carry out their functions in all situations and circumstances, including in extraordinary situations of emergency and crisis. ORG.3 is responsible for an annual budget of approximately EUR 42 million as well as an important number of service contracts and must ensure the purchase of goods and services according to set procedures.

The Directorate is currently made up of three Units dealing respectively with Buildings (buildings policy and environmental management, technical management and engineering, and operations and general maintenance), Logistics (equipment and operations, transport services) and Finances (budget implementation and public procurement contracts).

Description

The post of Director of ORG.3 is a challenging position in a politically interesting and fast-moving environment, leading a team of over 150 staff members from all function groups who are supported by a substantial number of external contractors in highly varied areas (cleaning, HVAC techniques, electricity, lifts, construction). You will be responsible for the operational, strategic and financial aspects of planning and implementing all the activities of the directorate.

Under the authority of the Director-General, you will manage your Directorate and its resources in a professional manner, organise its activities and support and motivate staff in their work. You will ensure the quality of the services and products delivered by the Directorate, as well as effective communication and cooperation both within the Directorate and across the Directorate-General, as well as with other GSC services.

You will provide strategic leadership and develop policies, concepts and innovative solutions on all matters falling within the Directorate’s remit. You will drive initiatives and policies aiming at improving GSC environmental sustainability and accessibility. You will provide professional advice at the highest level on the Council’s building and environmental policy and on technical choices with a high financial impact, and you will ensure sound management and professional reporting of the Directorate’s budget.

You will be responsible for engaging with external bodies on matters of urban and environmental planning. In this context, you will be required in particular to represent the European Council and the Council in discussions and negotiations with other EU institutions and the host country authorities in areas within the Directorate’s remit.

You will define the objectives to be met and contribute to meeting them by establishing the Directorate’s work programme and ensuring the appropriate monitoring of its implementation.

Occasional missions abroad are required, usually within the EU (e.g. to Luxembourg or Strasbourg).

Requirements

Knowledge and experience in the field of buildings and offices management would be an advantage. Although it is not essential to have an understanding of the budgetary and/or financial rules and procedures in the EU Institutions as well as of the principles governing the awarding and management of contracts in the EU public sector, the jobholder will be expected to develop understanding in that area.

A sound understanding of the environmental challenges would be an asset.