Introduction
European officers have a co-ordinating role, linking local
government departments, local businesses, government departments
and the European Union. A main task is to secure EU funding
for their authorities and other organisations in the area.
They are employed in most of the councils.
Work Environment
The majority of the work takes place in an office environment
within the local authority's offices. However, travel is a
vital part of the work, throughout the UK and Europe.
Daily Activities
An important part of the work is to prepare proposals to attract
EU grants (economic development, tourism, unemployment training
etc). European officers often link with a wide range of
stakeholders including representatives from across local and
national government departments, professional bodies, private and
voluntary sectors. Often working with representatives from
other European countries on projects. EU funding application
remains an important part of the work. Responding effectively to
application forms sent out by the European Union and specialist
government departments; working to deadlines and writing guidelines
are important. European officers develop systems to monitor
successful projects. They also keep track of other funds available.
Often representatives have contact with Members of the European
Parliament to brief them on issues in the local authority.
Networking between different European areas with similar
agricultural or industrial backgrounds can also lead to the sharing
of experiences and mutual solutions. European officers have
contact with members of the public who ring with enquiries on new
European legislation, for example, or who need information on
funding available.
Skills & Interests
European officers must be able to communicate well in writing and
verbally in order to pass on and obtain information (often complex)
to people from all walks of life. Good organising skills are also
required, as are research and finance skills.
Entry Requirements
Most European officers hold degree/HND or equivalent
qualifications which are desirable. Relevant degrees include either
economic or public policy with languages. Universities offer a
range of modular European studies courses. Generally,
European officers will have had previous experience in planning or
finance departments or economic developments. Computer
literacy is important and fluency in a European language other than
English will be an advantage. Further training is often provided on
the job.
Future Prospects & Opportunities
There are opportunities to develop in the job and learn
transferable skills such as project management skills. Posts
are often grant-funded from European funds and many posts offer
fixed term contracts.
Further Information & Services
European Union http://europa.eu/index_en.htm
Institute of Economic Development www.ied.co.uk
European Social Fund http://ec.europa.eu/esf/home.jsp
European Regional Development Fund
http://www.communities.gov.uk/regeneration/regenerationfunding/europeanregionaldevelopment/
Welsh European Funding Office http://wefo.wales.gov.uk/?lang=en
You may find further information about this area of work through
Careers Wales (www.careerswales.com/) or
in your local library, careers office or school careers
library.