Project Officer for Private Sector Development and Investments

About the Job

The Delegation of the European Union to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan is seeking a qualified and driven professional to serve as a Project Officer for Private Sector Development and Investments. This role is positioned within the Delegation’s Cooperation Section, specifically supporting the Rural Development and Economic Growth team in a multicultural environment of nine people.

Operating under the direct supervision of the Head of Section, the successful candidate will play a central role in managing development assistance programs, financial investments, and technical cooperation. The position involves facilitating policy dialogues with public and private stakeholders, maintaining key diplomatic and institutional networks, and supporting the strategic rollout of the EU's Global Gateway Strategy and Team Europe initiatives across Pakistan.

Job Details

• Position Title: Project Officer for Private Sector Development and Investments
• Employment Type: Fixed-term contract (2 years, with the possibility of renewal based on budget and operational needs). For internal candidates holding an indefinite term contract, alternative contractual arrangements may apply in accordance with institutional policies.
• Staff Category: Local Agent, Group 1
• Duty Station: Islamabad, Pakistan
• Working Hours: 37.5 hours per week (with occasional atypical working hours as required)
• Expected Start Date: July 1, 2026, or earlier

Key Responsibilities

• Project & Program Management: Advise on, monitor, and coordinate the execution of ongoing and future interventions in economic growth, infrastructure investments, and private sector development.
• Policy & Strategy Support: Contribute substantive inputs to policy dialogues with public and private sector actors, with a dedicated focus on infrastructure development and the EU's Global Gateway initiatives.
• Stakeholder Coordination: Maintain professional relations with national authorities, local operators, diplomatic missions of EU Member States, international financial institutions (IFIs), non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and civil society.
• Reporting & Briefing: Prepare high-quality briefings, institutional inputs, and reporting materials for both local leadership and EU Headquarters.
• Mission & Visibility Management: Facilitate official delegations visiting from Headquarters and support communication campaigns to enhance the visibility of EU-funded programs.

Benefits

The European Union offers a highly competitive employment package for local staff, subject to specific organizational conditions:

• Compensation: An annual base salary starting from 7,718,664 PKR, with final figures dependent upon verified and relevant professional experience.
• Paid Time Off: Comprehensive leave provisions, including dedicated personal leave days and observed public holidays.
• Health & Security: Full medical insurance coverage for the employee.
• Retirement Planning: Access to a structured retirement savings plan.
• Professional Environment: Opportunity to work within a highly respected international diplomatic mission, offering cross-cultural collaboration and professional development.

Eligibility Requirements (Mandatory)

Candidates must meet all of the following criteria to be considered for selection:

• Education: A master’s degree in (agricultural) economics, finance, business administration, public administration, international development, rural development, or a similar relevant discipline.
• Overall Experience: Minimum of 8 years of professional experience, with at least 3 years spent working within an international organization or on internationally funded projects.
• Specialized Experience: Minimum of 3 years of professional experience specifically in finance or private sector development (this can be counted within the overall 8 years of professional experience).
• Language Proficiency: Proven proficiency in understanding, speaking, reading, and writing English. The ability to draft documents to a high standard is essential.
• IT Literacy: High level of general IT literacy, particularly with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Outlook, Excel).
• Legal & Health Status: Medical fitness to carry out assigned tasks, full enjoyment of civil rights, possession of valid legal permits for employment under Pakistani law, and a clean criminal record at the time of recruitment.

Assets (Preferred Selection Criteria)

The following attributes will serve as the basis for awarding points to select the best applicant:

• Experience in project management, procurement, and contract management.
• Strong knowledge of access to finance, financial instruments, investment facilitation, and public-private partnerships (PPPs).
• Knowledge of or experience in international development cooperation.
• Knowledge of or experience in EU development cooperation, particularly in relation to the Global Gateway strategy, is considered a strong asset.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills to effectively engage with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong organizational and multitasking skills, with the demonstrated ability to manage complex tasks under pressure.
• A results-oriented approach paired with a highly developed ability to work as part of a team.

How to Apply

Applications and all supporting documents must be submitted exclusively by email to eeasjobs-232@eeas.europa.eu.

• Email Subject Line: Application – post 113126– [Name of the Applicant]
• Required Documents: 1. A formal cover letter.
• 2. A detailed CV, preferably prepared in the Europass Format.
• 3. Copies of educational transcripts, degrees, and employment experience letters referenced in the application.

Caution to Applicants: Applicants must verify that they fulfill all eligibility conditions. For easy verification, applicants must mark all checkboxes relating to each document or application condition on the official application. The absence of just one of these conditions or required documents will result in the automatic rejection of the application. Applications not sent according to the prescribed procedure will not be considered.

Application Deadline: May 31, 2026

The Selection Process

1. Initial Review: Following the application deadline, the eligible applications will be admitted to the selection phase by a designated Selection Committee.
2. Shortlisting: Depending on the volume of submissions, successive phases of selection will be initiated. The Selection Committee will prepare a short-list of candidates deemed most suitable based on a preliminary assessment of their cover letter, CV, and supporting documents.
3. Assessment Phase: Short-listed candidates will be individually invited to an assessment phase, which may include a written practical test and a formal interview to evaluate their suitability for the post.
4. Communication: Only candidates admitted to each successive selection phase will be contacted individually. Once the recruitment procedure is finalized, the Delegation will use the same public channels as this advertisement to inform remaining candidates whether a candidate has been successfully recruited.
5. Inquiries: The Delegation will not supply additional information or discuss the selection procedure. Candidates are requested not to contact members of the Selection Committee directly; all questions and comments must be addressed to the Delegation Administration.
6. Complaints: Candidates wishing to lodge a complaint regarding the recruitment process may submit a written communication to the functional mailbox used for the initial application. The Delegation will review the matter and, where appropriate, consult Headquarters before providing a formal response.

Equal Opportunities

The European Union is committed to an equal opportunities policy for all of its employees and applicants. As an employer, the EU promotes gender equality and works actively to prevent discrimination on any grounds, welcoming applications from qualified candidates of all diverse backgrounds. The institution aims for a service that is truly representative of society, where each staff member feels respected, is able to give their best, and can develop their full potential.

If pre-selected, candidates with disabilities are invited to contact the Delegation at eeasjobs-232@eeas.europa.eu to arrange for any necessary accommodations or assistance. If a candidate with a disability is selected and recruited, the European External Action Service (EEAS) is committed to implementing appropriate measures to accommodate their specific needs in the workplace or working conditions.