Project Manager - Europe Unit in the Department of Europe and International Affairs M/F

Position available from May 2026.

Who are we?

Institute for Advanced Studies in National Defence

The Institut des hautes études de défense nationale (IHEDN) is a national public administrative body under the supervision of the Prime Minister and, more specifically, of the Secrétariat général à la défense et à la sécurité nationale (SGDSN).

The Institut des hautes études de défense nationale (IHEDN) prepares leaders from all spheres of activity to assume the highest responsibilities by developing their understanding of national defence and security issues, their knowledge of related public policies, their perception of the interplay of players involved in their implementation, and their aptitude for strategic thinking. The training provided as part of the national session is designed to enable all students to grasp from the outset the cross-sectoral, interdisciplinary, interministerial, European and international dimensions of defence and security issues through a common foundation and in-depth study of 5 major areas (Armament and the Defence Economy, Economic Defence and Security, Maritime Issues and Strategies, Defence Policy, Digital Sovereignty and Cybersecurity).

The IHEDN, working to build and disseminate a common defence culture, helps to forge lasting links between senior public and private, civilian and military officials.

Job description

Designing, implementing and evaluating awareness-raising, training and outreach programmes in various forms and for the benefit of the three main prescribers: Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs (DCSD, ADC), Ministry of the Armed Forces (DGA), European Security and Defence College (ESDC).

Acting as project manager for one or more of the following activities, with cross-functional responsibility for the others:

  • Managing the department's activities within the European Security and Defence College (ESDC), including seminars and high-level sessions (Senior Strategic Course, High Level Course on ESDC); ;
  • Educational responsibilities: defining the theme of the session, the topics of the lectures and committee work, finding speakers; ;
  • Logistical/event responsibilities: ordering various services (meals, accommodation, transport), organising visits to military or industrial sites, booking rooms, lecture theatres, audiovisual equipment); ;
  • Preparing and conducting European bilateral activities;
  • Participate in the coordination and design of the international division's activities, in particular sessions organised jointly with the MEAE's Directorate for Cooperation and Defence (DCSD).

Expected skills

Knowing how to be

  • Extremely rigorous, good work capacity,
  • Ability to work alone or in a small team,
  • Commitment to efficiency and excellence,
  • Internal and external relations in French and English (bilingual),
  • Presentation and conduct in front of high-level auditors and speakers.

Know-how

  • Managing a team of two to five people during the sessions,
  • Anticipating and scheduling activities and monitoring budgets and logistics,
  • Ability to work and interact with a high-level foreign audience.

Knowledge

  • Knowledge of European institutions, policies implemented in the field of defence and crisis management (CFSP - CSDP),
  • Knowledge of the organisation and operation of the Ministry of the Armed Forces and the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs,
  • Fluency in English essential (written, read, spoken), other languages highly appreciated.

Profile required

Master 2 in European affairs, international relations, security/defence, Master 2 in event project management with a strong interest in international relations and security/defence issues,

An expert capable of working independently; preference will be given to candidates who combine knowledge and experience of defence issues with an understanding of French administration and the European institutions. 

See the advert on the civil service portal

or apply to recrutement@ihedn.fr