An open vacancy notice published by the European External Action Service (EEAS) provides extensive details on the role of Personal Assistant to the Ambassador at the EU Delegation to Algeria. The successful applicant will work directly for Ambassador Diego Mellado, who was appointed in September 2024, at the diplomatic mission in Algiers. The position requires a high degree of administrative skill, discretion, and the ability to work in a challenging, multicultural environment. As of August 2025, applications are being accepted until the August 28 deadline.
Key responsibilities
The Personal Assistant (Contract Agent FGII) role involves a variety of administrative and secretarial tasks to support the Head of Delegation’s office.
- Office support: Provide general administrative and secretarial assistance to ensure the smooth operation of the Ambassador’s office.
- Calendar and scheduling: Manage the Ambassador’s demanding schedule, including meetings, missions, and social events, with a keen awareness of diplomatic protocol.
- Document management: Handle correspondence, manage documents, and oversee filing and digital management systems. The role also involves managing classified and secure communications.
- Information flow: Coordinate with different sections of the delegation to ensure the timely preparation of briefing files, notes, and other information requested by the Ambassador.
The operating environment in Algiers
The delegation has specifically highlighted the demanding nature of the environment in Algiers:
- Complex and high-risk: The job requires a high degree of flexibility and adaptability to work in a complex, high-risk multicultural environment.
- Fast-paced: The assistant must be able to perform a wide variety of tasks with speed and accuracy and respond quickly to new demands under pressure.
Required skills and qualifications
The selection criteria emphasize both formal qualifications and personal competencies:
- Experience: Proven, pertinent experience as a secretary or assistant to a senior manager in external relations is required. Experience with handling classified information is also a prerequisite.
- Language: The capacity to work effectively in both English and French is required, while knowledge of Arabic is an asset.
- Diplomatic skills: Candidates must demonstrate a sense of discretion, initiative, and responsibility. The ability to deal with confidential matters professionally and interact courteously with people is essential.
- EU background: Applicants must be EU nationals and enjoy full citizenship rights.
Application details
- Deadline: 12:00 (midday, Brussels time) on August 28, 2025.
- Submission: Applications must be emailed.
- Process: The procedure includes an application review, pre-selection, and potentially written tests for shortlisted candidates before a final interview. Due to the nature of diplomatic work, the selected candidate must be able to obtain a SECRET UE/EU SECRET level security clearance.

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