At a Glance
- Tasks: Influence EU defence policies and support initiatives like Ukraine aid and cyber defence.
- Company: Join the Danish Defence Ministry's team in Brussels, shaping European security.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Expect a fast-paced role with opportunities for networking and policy development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on European defence while working in a dynamic international environment.
- Qualifications: Relevant academic background or military experience; strong communication skills in Danish and English.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 70000 £ per year.
EU’s defence readiness is at the top of the political agenda, and the Ministry of Defence plays a central role in the political negotiations that will define the framework for European rearmament and defence cooperation. We are therefore seeking three new assistant defence advisors for the EU representation, who will help influence decisions in the defence area, including the EU’s support for Ukraine, the European Peace Facility, hybrid threats, and the EU’s work on cyber and space defence.
About us: The Ministry of Defence's representatives to the EU work at the EU representation, which serves Denmark's interests in EU cooperation. You will be part of the EU representation's unit for the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), led by Denmark's ambassador in the EU's foreign and security policy committee (PSC). You will be in close and ongoing contact with the Ministry of Defence and other ministries regarding various matters. Organisationally, you will be part of the Ministry of Defence's Office for the EU.
About the position: As an assistant defence advisor at the EU representation in Brussels, you will primarily deal with matters related to the EU’s common defence and security policy (CSDP), the EU’s support for Ukraine, the European Peace Facility, the EU’s work on hybrid threats, cyber and space defence, as well as military mobility. Additionally, you will engage with other EU cooperation areas relevant to the Ministry of Defence's portfolio. The deployment period is initially three years with the possibility of extension.
Your tasks will be further defined based on your qualifications and the ongoing prioritisation and distribution of case areas. However, the main focus is expected to be on:
- Representing the Ministry of Defence in negotiations in the Council and acting as the ministry's extended arm in Brussels, including covering meetings in relevant working groups and committees.
- Managing parts of the early advocacy efforts to ensure Danish priorities have the greatest possible impact.
- Advising, preparing, and accompanying the leadership of the EU representation in relevant cases and meeting contexts.
- Contributing to policy development, alliance building, and qualifying Danish positions.
- Assisting the Ministry of Defence in the preparation and execution of EU defence minister meetings and defence policy director meetings in Brussels and the presiding countries.
You must be able to perform the position with great independence and handle an exciting and extensive case area with political and public attention. The workload is variable, but generally, long working days with meetings that often end later than what is known from a Danish context are to be expected, which requires your flexibility and adaptability. Additionally, periods of extra busyness should be anticipated.
About you: You have a relevant academic education or are an officer with an interest in the ministerial area. Knowledge of the EU’s security and defence policy cooperation, familiarity with the EU system and its processes, as well as experience from the Ministry of Defence's sector will be advantageous. Furthermore, we emphasise that you:
- Have very good written and oral communication skills in Danish and English.
- Are outgoing, proactive, have negotiation experience, and are good at networking, as contact with representatives from other countries and external stakeholders is a significant part of the job.
- Are systematic and possess a good overview.
- Have a high work capacity, work independently, and can handle many complex cases simultaneously.
If you are an officer, we expect you to have completed Advanced Education Level II/Leaders (VUT-II/L), Master in Military Studies (MMS), or equivalent.
Employment conditions: If you are a trained academic, you will be employed as a special consultant or chief consultant according to the applicable academic agreement between the Ministry of Finance and academics in the state. Additionally, depending on qualifications, there will be an opportunity to negotiate supplements. The position includes an employer-financed pension scheme of 18.07%. If you are an officer from the Armed Forces, employment can occur under the protocol for officers under the Ministry of Defence according to the applicable agreement for academics in the state. Placement will be in salary group four or five depending on your qualifications. If you are already employed as a civil servant within the Ministry of Defence, you may choose to continue being employed according to the applicable agreements between the Ministry of Defence's Personnel Agency and the Confederation of Officers in Denmark regarding salary and employment conditions for civil servants.
During the deployment, you will be sent under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' special attaché scheme, be subject to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' instructions, and receive a tax-free overseas allowance. As an employee under the Ministry of Defence, you are subject to certain special conditions. This means, among other things, that you must be able to obtain security clearance and maintain this throughout your employment period. If you are appointed to an international mission, please indicate this in your application. As an employee, you are obliged to serve outside the country's borders, including with units in international operations aimed at participation in conflict prevention, peacekeeping, peacebuilding, humanitarian, and other similar operations.
If you wish to know more about salary and employment conditions, you are welcome to contact the Personnel Command, HR consultant Rikke Frandsen at telephone 3266 5736.
We look forward to hearing from you! If you want to know more about the position, you are welcome to contact office manager Karoline Fristed Binger at kfb@fmn.dk or deputy manager Marie Birkedal Kluth at mbk@fmn.dk.
Application deadline: 14 August 2026. Interviews are expected to be held continuously with a desire for immediate start. We encourage all interested parties, regardless of background, to apply for the position. We look forward to having you on board so that together we can make a significant difference for all our colleagues in the Ministry of Defence's sector – both those in the field and those behind desks.
Brussels EU Defence Advisor — Policy & Alliances employer: Forsvaret
As a key player in shaping EU defence policy, the Ministry of Defence offers a dynamic and impactful work environment in Brussels, where you will engage directly with high-stakes negotiations and contribute to significant international security initiatives. Our culture promotes collaboration, professional growth, and the opportunity to influence critical decisions affecting Denmark's role in European defence, all while enjoying a competitive benefits package including a generous pension scheme and the chance for international assignments. Join us to be part of a dedicated team that values initiative, expertise, and the pursuit of excellence in public service.
