PpbTitle of post /b Head of Unit /p pbFunction group and grade /b AD9 to AD12 /p pbLegal basis /b Internal and inter-institutional selection procedure under Article 29(1)(a) points (i) and (iii) and(b) of the Staff Regulations of Officials of the European Union /p pbPlace of work /b Brussels or Strasbourg /p pbDeadline for application /b 26 June 2026 at 12.00 (midday), Brussels time /p pbStarting date /b September 2026 /p h31. Who we are /h3 pThe European Ombudsman’s mission is to help resolve complaints and ensure that the EU administration applies the highest standards of integrity, transparency, accountability and responsiveness. We do this by putting citizens and their rights at the heart of our actions and by fostering constructive dialogue with the EU institutions, bodies, offices, agencies (‘EU IBOAs’), as well as engaging with other relevant stakeholders. /p pThis important role provides people and organisations with a means of redress in situations where they consider that their concerns remain unresolved by the EU IBOAs concerned. It also empowers the Ombudsman to carry out own-initiative inquiries and to engage with the EU IBOAs and other stakeholders to proactively identify areas for improvement and address systemic issues. In doing so, the Ombudsman contributes to ensuring good administration and thus to strengthening the democratic standards and values on which the EU is founded. /p pThe Office’s guiding principles are integrity, fairness, impartiality, independence and accountability. /p pRespect, openness, inclusiveness, collaboration and efficiency are our core values. /p pThe European Ombudsman is a small, dynamic office with an establishment plan of roughly 75 posts and an annual budget of approximately EUR 16 million. /p pIts offices are located in Strasbourg and Brussels. /p pIt offers a dynamic and respectful workplace including a good balance between professional and private life and a pleasant working atmosphere. The Office’s organisational structure encourages participation, facilitates skills’ development and our modern working tools allow for efficiency and flexibility. /p h32. Your role as Head of Unit /h3 pWe seek experienced and highly qualified professionals with a strong sense of integrity who are eager to contribute to the Ombudsman’s mission. /p pThis job requires excellent understanding of the Ombudsman’s strategy and of the EU legal and institutional context. Very good coordination and communication skills as well as a strong sense of initiative and responsibility are essential. We value dynamic colleagues who take initiative and are at ease assuming responsibility. Collaborative work and service-orientation are essential. Commitment to maintaining a positive work environment and ability to resolve conflicts are also essential. /p h3a. General description /h3 pThe Head of Unit is responsible for leading and managing a team of Inquiries Officers within the Directorate of Inquiries. The post-holder ensures the effective handling of inquiries in line with the Ombudsman’s mandate, maintaining high standards of legal analysis, drafting, and procedural quality. The role contributes to the strategic objectives of the Office and supports the Director of Inquiries in delivering timely, impactful, and well-reasoned decisions. /p h3b. Main duties and responsibilities /h3 ul liLead and manage a team of Inquiries Officers, fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing working environment; /li liEnsure the effective coordination, allocation, and timely handling of complaints and inquiries, including appropriate supervision and quality control of casework; /li liGuarantee a high standard of legal analysis and drafting in all inquiries, ensuring consistency with the Ombudsman’s mandate, case-law, and established practices; /li liSupport and advise the Ombudsman, the Secretary-General, and the Director on inquiry-related matters and broader institutional issues; /li liContribute to the development and implementation of the Ombudsman’s strategic priorities, including the identification and proposal of own initiative inquiries; /li liCoordinate the activities of the Unit, including planning, monitoring performance, and ensuring the efficient use of resources; /li liContribute to the planning and reporting of the Directorate’s activities, including input to annual management plans and reports; /li liPrepare, develop, and implement policies and internal guidelines relevant to the Ombudsman’s work; /li liManage personnel matters within the Unit, including appraisals and promotions, setting objectives, providing feedback, supporting staff development and learning, and contributing to selection procedures; /li liManage and coordinate projects across the different areas of activity of the European Ombudsman; /li liRepresent the Office in meetings with external stakeholders, including EU institutions, bodies, agencies, and other relevant actors; /li liSupport cooperation and coordination within the Directorate and across the Office. /li /ul h3c. Reporting line /h3 pThe Head of Unit reports to the Director of the Inquiries. /p h3d. Place of employment /h3 pBrussels or Strasbourg depending on the needs of the service. /p h33. Who can apply /h3 h3a. Eligibility requirements /h3 pApplicants must, on the closing date for the receipt of applications: /p ul liBe established officials of the European Ombudsman at grade AD 8 and have a seniority of at least two years in that grade, or /li liBe established officials of the European Ombudsman or another EU institution, body, office or agency of the European Union at grades AD 9 to AD 12. /li /ul pWhen a post is to be filled by way of promotion (Article 29, paragraph 1a, point iii) of the SR), the concerned officials must demonstrate the ability to work in a third language (Article 45 § 2 of the SR) before their first promotion since their recruitment. /p h3b. Knowledge and skills required /h3 ul liThorough knowledge of the mandate, role, procedures, and strategic objectives of the European Ombudsman, including principles of good administration and oversight within the EU institutional framework; /li liExcellent knowledge of the European Union institutional and legal framework, in particular EU administrative law and jurisprudence; /li liLeadership and people management skills, including the ability to lead, motivate, develop, and support a multidisciplinary team in a collaborative and inclusive working environment; /li liExcellent analytical, legal reasoning, and problem-solving skills, including the ability to assess complex and sensitive cases and provide sound, well-balanced recommendations; /li liSound judgement and strong decision-making capacity, particularly in complex or high-profile situations; /li liDemonstrated ability to manage complex workloads, competing priorities, and deadlines while ensuring high standards of quality, consistency, and efficiency; /li liStrong organisational, coordination, and project management skills, including the ability to lead cross-functional cooperation and support organisational change and continuous improvement; /li liExcellent drafting, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate effectively and diplomatically with internal and external stakeholders at all levels; /li liStrong sense of integrity, impartiality, responsibility, and service orientation, combined with high ethical and professional standards; /li liAbility to contribute strategically to the work of the Office, including identifying emerging issues, supporting institutional priorities, and promoting impactful own-initiative inquiries; /li liAbility to work effectively in a multilingual, multicultural environment, fostering cooperation, inclusion, and mutual respect; /li liExcellent knowledge of English. /li /ul pAs the official seat of the European Ombudsman is in Strasbourg and the institution has offices in both Strasbourg and Brussels, very good knowledge of French will be an asset. /p /p #J-18808-Ljbffr