All EULEX Mission Members are subject to restrictions on engaging in outside activities and assignments to prevent conflicts of interest and to safeguard the independence and integrity and reputation of the Mission and its staff. Generally, the primary focus of all Mission Members remains on their Mission duties. If a Mission Member wishes to engage in activities outside their Mission assignment, such as research activities, they must seek prior approval from the Head of Mission. This ensures that the additional work does not interfere with their Mission responsibilities and does not present a conflict with the Mission’s mandate.

Holding the title of lawyer (e.g., being a licensed attorney) certainly may be beneficial for legal positions within the EULEX Mission. However, it is not always a strict requirement. Candidates with a background in law, criminology, international relations, human rights, or other related fields may also be suitable. Relevant educational qualifications, combined with practical experience in areas such as international law, human rights, criminal justice, or legal research, are highly valued.

The required experience level for legal positions within the EULEX Mission can vary. Typically, positions demand several years of professional experience in the legal field. This could include experience in legal practice, work with international organisations, human rights advocacy, or judicial systems. Senior roles may require more extensive experience, including leadership.

Most members of the local public recognise the Mission’s role in assisting Kosovo authorities to establish and maintain a sustainable rule of law system and appreciate the expertise and support provided by the Mission members.

Yes, EULEX Kosovo has protocols in place for emergency situations, including evacuations. Mission members are briefed about these protocols and provided with contact information in case of emergencies upon their arrival in the Mission. The Mission provides a variety of support to ensure the safety and well-being of their staff what includes also medical assistance and coordination with local authorities.

To ensure the safety of all staff the Mission developed guidelines to inform about the most common security threats in Kosovo. Depending on the identified security level some regions in Kosovo shall only be frequented due to duty-related activities. Generally, any security measure mitigates risks associated with the local security environment. All Mission members are briefed on restrictions upon their arrival or informed if temporary or permanent restrictions are to be adhered to.

Yes, there is an age limit for applicants to ensure duty of care in all civilian CSDP Missions, such as EULEX Kosovo. Generally, applicants shall be able to serve the full period of a secondment (usually one year) or contract (up to two years) before reaching the normal age of retirement in their respective States of citizenship in case of selection.

Yes, our positions are open to retired members of the police service provided they possess the required qualifications and experience and provided that they are within the age limit as described above. The mission values the expertise and practical knowledge that retired police officers bring.

Seconded Mission members are individuals sent by their home governments to work in the Mission. These staff members have a contractual relation with their sending institution but are assigned to the mission for a specified period. Contracted Mission members are employees of the Mission and sign an employment contract with the Mission directly. These employment contracts are usually limited to the Mission’s mandate period.

To be seconded by their home governments, individuals typically apply through what are known as seconding authorities. The number of seconding authorities as well as their institutional association varies amongst sending country. A general recommendation to gain information about seconding authorities is to contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of somebody’s home country. In addition, all Calls for Contributions of CSDP Missions provide contact details of a Civilian Planning and Conduct Capability (CPCC) representative who might be able to provide information on seconding authorities.

Usually, Mission members shall be accommodated within 15 kilometers of their duty station. New Mission members are requested to find their own accommodation. How easy or difficult it is to find accommodation partly depends on the exact duty location. EULEX Kosovo provides support mainly in the form of informal assistance and recommendations as to how to find a suitable accommodation. Flats and houses are usually set for lease with furniture and, generally, new Mission members find an accommodation within one week. It is therefore not necessary to start searching for an accommodation prior to arrival in the Mission area; hotel accommodation for the first week is sufficient. The arrangements with the homeowners differ sometimes, some rental agreements include utilities, others do not.

EULEX Kosovo primarily recruits from EU Member States or locally in Kosovo. Some of EULEX Kosovo’s positions, including internship positions, are open to Third Contributing Countries (TCC) which are Canada, Norway, Switzerland, Türkiye and the United States of America; with the caveat that there should be at least one seconded Mission member of a TCC working in EULEX Kosovo to be able to consider recruiting a contracted Mission Member from a TCC.

Generally, any citizen of an EU Member State is eligible to apply for an international position if they fulfill the minimum requirements set out in the advertised job descriptions. To prevent conflicts of interest and ensure the Mission’s neutrality, former citizens of Kosovo or people with family ties in Kosovo may face specific considerations during the recruitment. Applicants in this situation should disclose their background during the application process to receive guidance on any potential limitations.

EULEX Kosovo does not have national quotas to adhere to when recruiting. However, it is required to prioritise candidates of under-represented Member States where two candidates are equally suitable for a position.

The remuneration package for Mission members can vary based on factors such as position, assignment type (seconded or contracted), and individual qualifications. Seconded Mission members often retain their home government's salary and benefits, while contracted staff receive a remuneration package directly from the Mission. The Mission is not able to provide information on the remuneration package of seconded Mission members.

The application process usually includes a selection interview where candidates are assessed by a selection panel of three or five. Sometimes an additional assessment assignment complements the recruitment process, such as written tests, language tests or presentation tasks. These practical exercises are designed to assess candidates' skills, knowledge, and suitability for the position and may involve case studies, situational analysis, or role-specific challenges. For more information on the EULEX application process please visit our website.

The EULEX Kosovo selection process usually takes about three to four months from application to deployment, in case of selection. Typically, the selection involves multiple stages, including application review, shortlisting, interviews, and reference checks. This process can take some months, depending on the volume of applications and the engagement regime of the candidate (seconded or contracted). Candidates are usually kept informed about the progress of their application and are welcome to follow-up on own initiative via email.

EULEX Kosovo provides various health and well-being support services to its staff. This includes access to medical facilities through the Mission’s Medial Unit, health insurance, counseling services, and recreational initiatives. The mission aims to ensure that staff have the necessary support to maintain their physical and mental health while on assignment.

EULEX Kosovo generally offers a health insurance scheme for its staff, covering medical expenses, emergencies, dental and vision care. The specifics of the insurance coverage are typically provided upon hiring.

Knowledge of a local language can be highly useful for effective communication with local counterparts during an assignment with EULEX Kosovo.

Candidates should demonstrate a strong commitment to the Mission’s goals, ethical standards, and a willingness to work in diverse and sometimes challenging environments. Attributes such as adaptability, resilience, and the ability to work collaboratively are important.

Generally, field experience is valued in a candidate's application. Such experience provides practical insights and skills that are beneficial in a Mission setting. Experience in similar environments or roles is considered an indicator of the candidate's ability to handle the demands and challenges of a CSDP Mission. Nonetheless, this is not always an essential requirement for a position. In those posts where it is required, field experience will be expressly included in the description of required skills and experience.