The Council of the EU Recruiting Director to Lead 400-Staff Translation Directorate

The General Secretariat of the Council of the European Union (GSC) has opened applications for a Director to head one of the Council’s two main translation directorates.

Based in Brussels, the Director will lead 12 language units and oversee a workforce of more than 400 staff responsible for delivering translation and language services that support the Council of the EU and the European Council.

This is a permanent EU civil service position, with the appointment made at the AD14 grade. Candidates will require security clearance, and the Council notes that the role comes with “an attractive salary and a comprehensive welfare package.”

Applications are due on 9 January 2026 at 12:00 (noon) Brussels time and must be submitted by email to [email protected] no later than the deadline.

The successful candidate will take on overall leadership of the Directorate, providing strategic direction and supporting middle management. Key responsibilities include ensuring quality and timely delivery, and maintaining effective cooperation within the Translation Service and with stakeholders.

A “key part” of the role is contributing to the “long-term development” of the Translation Service by “embracing new technologies,” “driving digital transformation,” and “fostering innovation while ensuring the importance of the human dimension.”

The Director will also advise the Deputy Director-General, represent the Translation Service at Director-level meetings inside and outside the institution, and may be asked to lead specific projects. 

Candidate Profile

“We are looking for an experienced and dynamic manager with strong leadership skills who demonstrates the ability to combine strategic insight with hands-on operational management,” the Council said.

Applicants should be comfortable designing and managing change in a technologically evolving environment, delivering high-quality output under time pressure, and attracting and retaining talent in a large, multicultural team.

Excellent interpersonal skills and a strong sense of diplomacy are required, including the ability to navigate complex discussions, support staff development, and maintain effective working relationships.

Applicants must be nationals of an EU Member State and meet the general conditions for EU civil service appointments. They must:

• hold a university degree,
• have at least 15 years of relevant professional experience, including a minimum of three years in management or significant coordination responsibilities,
• have an excellent command of English or French and a good command of the other, with knowledge of additional EU languages considered an asset.

The GSC notes that its managers are subject to a policy of mobility and should be willing to work in different areas during their careers.