Ref.
2026/SCM/15424
Job offer type
Field staff jobs
Type of contract
Fixed-term contract (CDD)
Activity sectors
Global threats and organized crime ; Strengthening Defence and Security Forces ; Communication
Deadline date
2026/05/25 23:55
Contract
Wage portage
Duration
1 year (with possibility of extension)
Strategic Communication Manager (M/W)
Département Paix, stabilité, sécurité - P2S > Pôle Menaces globales et criminalité organisée
Published on : 2026/05/11
NORTH AFRICA / MIDDLE EAST
SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA
BELGIUM
BRUSSELS
Mission description
Expertise France is seeking a Strategic Communication Manager. Under the Head of Project’s supervision, the Strategic Communication Manager will have the overall responsibility to define and implement the strategic communication plan aiming at promoting EU’s actions on maritime security to a broad audience, highlighting its successes and commitments, thus raising awareness of EU’s increasing role as maritime security provider. This plan will be adapted to various audiences (national and regional maritime stakeholders in the targeted regions, EU institutions, EU Member states, coastal communities, international partners, private sector, research institutes…). Working closely with FPI, EEAS, EU delegations, project team, and regional partners, she/he will have the responsibility to implement strategic communication activities in this area. She/he will rely on ad-hoc short-term communication experts. In addition, she/he will be responsible for producing internal and external documentation for the project, including research material and reporting documents.
Description of tasks:
Strategic Communication
- Draft and implement a strategic communication plan to promote and raise awareness on EU maritime actions among various audiences, following validation by the Head of Project and EU services.
- Build strong connections with communication officers from EU services and other EU projects to develop joint actions and offer EnMAR+’s support to increase their visibility.
- Develop a strong network of amplifiers, including media, influencers, research institutes with a maritime focus, etc.
- Manage and feed the project’s social media accounts (Facebook, LinkedIn) as well as its YouTube channel.
- Produce external documentation for the project, including briefs, presentations, and visibility materials.
- Organise or support public diplomacy events in Europe and in areas of implementation to highlight the EU as a maritime security provider.
- Ensure communication and visibility around EU actions, including EnMAR+ activities.
- Identify relevant experts and service providers to implement communication tasks. In collaboration with the Head of Project, manage and coordinate these short-term experts.
- Advise the EnMAR team on any topic related strategic communication.
- Support any other strategic communication requests.
Reporting
- Produce internal documentation for the project, including reporting documents and analytical briefs.
- Draft the inception, progress, and final reports under the supervision of the Head of Project and with inputs from other experts.
- Contribute to project reviews organised by Expertise France’s HQ.
- Support the data collection process undertaken by the MEAL expert.
- Support any other reporting requests.
Project or context description
Maritime security is an important priority for the European Union (EU) and its relevance for external and internal policy is growing dramatically in recent months. The protection of maritime routes and critical maritime infrastructure is vital to ensure the European economic security. Disruptions caused by piracy, armed robbery, and geopolitical tensions—such as recent escalations in the Red Sea and in the Persian Gulf—pose direct threats to European supply chains, increase insurance costs, and destabilise energy security.
For several years, the European Union (EU) has been committed to improving maritime security through the development of strategies and implementation of initiatives (cooperation projects, naval operations, etc.). It aims to become a reliable partner and a key maritime security’s actor, promoting maritime cooperation and partnerships for secure waters.
In this context, the new EnMAR+ project aims to enhance maritime security and governance in the Gulf of Guinea (GoG), the Red Sea, and the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) through a more political, coordinated and visible EU approach. The project will work under the supervision of the European External Action Service’s Senior Coordinator for Maritime Security and FPI. It follows an initial phase (EnMAR – 2022-2026), which focused exclusively on the Gulf of Guinea, while this new phase will also cover the Red Sea and the Western Indian Ocean. Furthermore, EnMAR+ will act as a Facility to provide support based on requests received from stakeholders.
The EnMAR+ project has three (3) specific objectives:
- To deepen the EU’s maritime diplomacy, political influence and partnerships in the GoG, Red Sea and WIO by fostering political dialogue and enhancing collaboration with regional and national stakeholders, including the protection of critical maritime infrastructure.
- To streamline the EU’s maritime security efforts across targeted regions and to optimise the use of resources, enhance operational synergy, and prevent duplication.
- To bolster the EU’s role as a leading maritime security provider through strategic communication efforts that enhance visibility, promote EU values, and highlight the benefits of collaborative security initiatives.
Organisation of the project team:
The Strategic Communication Manager will be based in Brussels, and join a team of 6 members, placed under the supervision of the Head of Project:
- A technical unit composed of two key experts: a Maritime Security Expert for Gulf of Guinea and a Maritime Security Expert for Red Sea and Western Indian Ocean.
- A support unit composed of an Administrative and Financial Officer and a Logistics Officer, supporting the Head of Project in daily implementation of the project.
- Ad hoc expertise will be mobilised based on requests for support.
Relevant EU services will closely monitor the project in order to support the identification and validation of activities proposed under the facility modality.
The project is implemented by Expertise France, the French public agency for international technical cooperation and a subsidiary of the AFD Group. Expertise France designs and implements projects that strengthen public policies in partner countries. It works across various areas such as governance, health, climate, security, and education, and operates in nearly 150 countries.
Required profile
Qualifications and experiences:
- Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Communications, Journalism, International Relations, or related fields.
- Minimum 5 years of proven experience in strategic communication (thinking, design, planning, implementing), preferably in an EU-funded project environment.
- Experience in stakeholder’s engagement and networking (e.g. media, think tanks, and institutional partners).
- Robust writing and editorial experience: drafting reports and communication materials.
- Experience in planning and organising communication events or campaigns.
- Proficiency in digital communication tools, platforms, and dissemination strategies.
- Knowledge of EU institutions, policies, and external actions, particularly in maritime security or international cooperation would be an asset.
- Working experience in Africa would be an asset.
- Experience in managing external consultants or short-term experts valued.
Skills and qualities:
- Communication: Ability to prepare high-quality content and adapt it to diverse audiences (institutional, regional, international, technical, public).
- Writing: Proven analytical skills, ability to synthesise complex information into clear communication outputs.
- Interpersonal:
- Strong diplomatic skills and liaison skills.
- Capacity to work in a multicultural and multi-stakeholder environment.
- Language:
- English: full proficiency.
- French: full proficiency appreciated, minimum B2 level.
- Others:
- Strong coordination and teamwork skills combined with autonomy.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
- Flexibility and responsiveness to ad hoc communication needs.
Additional information
Application:
All applications must be sent in English via Expertise France's GEX recruitment platform and must include the following documents:
- CV, including 3 professional references (max 3 pages)
- Cover letter (max 1 page)
Selection:
The process of selection will occur in several phases:
- A shortlist will be established by Expertise France.
- A written test may be organised.
- Selected candidates will be invited to a technical interview.
- Selected candidates may then be invited to a second interview.
Interviews may be conducted remotely. Any expenses incurred in travelling to Paris for the above-mentioned interviews will be borne by the candidate and will not be reimbursed.
Expected start date is 15 June 2026.
Deadline for application : 2026/05/25 23:55
Expertise France is the public agency for designing and implementing international technical cooperation projects. The agency operates around four key priorities :
- democratic, economic, and financial governance ;
- peace, stability, and security ;
- climate, agriculture, and sustainable development ;
- health and human development ;
In these areas, Expertise France conducts capacity-building initiatives and manages project implementation, leveraging technical expertise and acting as a project coordinator. This involves combining public sector expertise with private sector skills to drive impactful results.