Who are we?
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, 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, which works to build and disseminate a common defence culture, also helps to forge lasting links between senior public and private, civilian and military officials.
The Department of Europe and International Affairs (DEAI) contributes to the Institute's international reputation, in particular through international sessions organised for the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs (Directorate of Security and Defence Cooperation) and the Directorate General of Armaments of the Ministry of Defence, joint strategic seminars and high-level training courses organised jointly with the European Security and Defence College (ESDC).
The DEAI also provides expertise to the other departments in the preparation and execution of the national and regional sessions, particularly in the design and support of their trips abroad.
Since January 2020, the DEAI has been inviting foreign ambassadors based in Paris to a breakfast meeting with a senior French civilian or military official on a topical European or international defence and security issue.
The Europe and International Affairs Department comprises two divisions:
- the International Activities Division (PAI),
- the "European Activities" cluster (PAE).
Number of staff (department): 9
Direct line manager N+1: Mr Sylvain Berger, former ambassador, head of the Europe and International Activities Department
N+2 Coordinator: Lt-Gen Benoît Durieux, Director of IHEDN
Job description
The deputy assists the head of department and is responsible, under his or her authority, for managing and coordinating activities within the scope of the department. He acts as interim head of department.
It contributes to the organisation (design and delivery) of international sessions (MEAE/DCSD and MINARM/DGA-DI) and training courses organised as part of the European Security and Defence College (ESDC) and for the Diplomatic and Consular Institute (DCI). It ensures the coherence of the training sessions and contributes to the coordination of European and international activities with their main prescribers.
It implements the processes relating to the budgetary aspects of international and European sessions and those relating to the department's human resources.
Financial responsibility :
It negotiates funding agreements with the main partners (MEAE, CESD, DGRIS, DGA, etc.) and participates alongside the DCSD in budget framework meetings for international sessions.
It negotiates the budgets for ESDC courses with the IHEDN representative in Brussels.
He conducts the management dialogue with the General Secretariat. As such, he is the designated contact for discussions with the Financial and Legal Affairs Office.
Human resources :
The deputy head of department supervises and ensures the implementation of the recruitment, grading and promotion processes for the department's staff. In this capacity, he/she is the designated contact for the Human Resources Office of the General Secretariat.
Public diplomacy and international affairs :
The Deputy Head of Department works with the Head of Department to coordinate the organisation of international sessions (programmes, choice of auditors, coordination with diplomatic posts).
It closely monitors the political strategies of the President of the Republic and the Prime Minister (Indo-Pacific, Balkans, Africa) and makes proposals for the direction of international activities.
It helps to develop strategic bilateral partnerships with counterpart institutes (most recently in Germany, South Korea, Indonesia, Pakistan and Poland).
It helps to raise the Institute's profile, particularly with embassies in France and abroad.
European Affairs :
The Deputy Head of Department is responsible for managing the training activities of the European Security and Defence College (ESDC).
It is developing a network of experts in the field of the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP).
It is responsible for putting forward proposals on the European dimension of the Institute's activities, in conjunction with the IHEDN representative in Brussels.
Together with the Head of Department, and in liaison with the National Session Department, he supervises the organisation of sessions...
Profile required
Knowing how to be
- Excellent interpersonal skills, both internally and externally, adapted to the diplomatic environment,
- Commitment to efficiency and excellence,
- Leadership and diplomacy,
- Management experience (5-7 years in a similar position).
Know-how
- Managing a team with different statuses (civilian and military): anticipating, planning and organising the workload of staff ;
- Excellent writing skills in English (speeches, language, briefings). Bilingualism required (C2); possibly another foreign language (C1);
- Use appropriate training engineering methods. Be able to monitor expenditure and income from DEAI activities;
- Leading and developing an international network (international organisations, think tanks, universities) ;
- Organising high-level relations (national and international administrations).
Knowledge
- A doctorate in international relations or European studies would be appreciated;
- Ability to organise high-level sessions and seminars (design, choice of themes and speakers);
- Good knowledge of the workings of diplomatic bodies, MEAE or MinArm experience desirable. A taste for public diplomacy and representation;
- Knowledge of the workings of the European institutions, CSDP policies and the European institutions in general;
- Knowledge of the relevant departmental and international players;
- Personal network of high-level European and international contacts.
See the advert on the civil service portal
or apply to recrutement@ihedn.fr
