Disability Jobs: EU Council Pilot Scheme for Persons with Disabilities 2026

Disability Jobs opportunities are now open through the European Council’s pilot scheme aimed at increasing employment opportunities for persons with recognised disabilities across the European Union. The Council of the European Union has launched a new recruitment initiative that allows candidates with recognised disabilities to register in a dedicated database and express interest in working as contract agents within the institution.

This new initiative is part of the Council’s Diversity and Inclusion Strategy 2030, which seeks to create a more inclusive workforce and ensure equal opportunities for individuals from all backgrounds. Through this programme, the Council aims to recruit talented professionals with disabilities who can contribute to EU policymaking, administration, communication, finance, and many other professional fields.

The pilot scheme will run for two years, with a general call for expressions of interest published annually. Each year, the Council intends to recruit up to three candidates with recognised disabilities for contract agent positions lasting one year.

About the Disability Jobs Opportunity

The Disability Jobs pilot scheme introduces a dedicated recruitment database specifically designed for candidates with recognised disabilities. This database allows qualified individuals to express their interest in working with the Council of the European Union in various professional roles.

Unlike traditional EU recruitment systems such as the CAST Permanent (CAST P) database managed by the European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO), this initiative provides an additional and targeted recruitment pathway for people with disabilities.

The initiative aims to improve representation, strengthen workplace inclusion, and ensure that talented professionals with disabilities have fair access to employment opportunities within EU institutions.

Candidates selected through the scheme will work as contract agents, contributing to the Council’s work across a variety of departments and policy areas.

Benefits of the Disability Jobs Scheme

Selected candidates will gain several professional and career benefits, including:

• Opportunity to work within EU institutions at the heart of European decision-making
• Professional experience in European public administration
• Exposure to policy development and EU governance
• Opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects affecting EU citizens
• Development of international career skills
• Experience working in a multicultural professional environment

This opportunity is particularly valuable for professionals interested in European policy, governance, administration, law, communication, or international affairs.

Professional Areas and Work Profiles

The Council offers positions in a wide range of professional profiles. Candidates may register under three main function groups depending on their qualifications and experience.

Function Group IV – Administrators

Administrators work on high-level policy and strategic responsibilities. Their duties may include:

• Advising on EU policies and strategies
• Supporting the EU decision-making process
• Managing policy and administrative projects
• Conducting policy analysis and research
• Translating, editing, and revising official documents
• Coordinating institutional activities

Function Group III – Assistants

Assistants support administrative and operational tasks within the Council. Typical duties include:

• Financial and administrative support
• Coordinating work processes and programmes
• Drafting documents and reports
• Supporting internal procedures
• Managing documentation and workflow processes

Function Group II – Secretaries / Clerks

Secretaries and clerks provide logistical and operational support across different departments. Responsibilities may include:

• Administrative and secretarial tasks
• Document management
• Organising meetings and communication
• Supporting finance, policy, and translation teams
• Providing logistical and technical assistance

Eligibility

Applicants interested in the Disability Jobs scheme must:

• Have a recognised disability
• Meet the eligibility requirements outlined in the official call
• Demonstrate the professional skills required for the selected function group
• Register through the EU Survey platform

Candidates from various professional backgrounds are encouraged to apply, including individuals with experience in:

• Public administration
• Law and policy
• Communication
• Information technology
• Finance
• Translation
• Project management

Duration & Location

The selected candidates will work as contract agents within the Council of the European Union, located primarily in Brussels, Belgium.

Key details include:

• Contract duration: 1 year
• Pilot programme length: 2 years
• Recruitment: Up to three candidates per year
• Work environment: International EU institution

How to Apply

To apply for the Disability Jobs pilot scheme:

1. Visit the EU Survey application platform
2. Register in the dedicated database for candidates with disabilities
3. Complete the application form
4. Submit your expression of interest

APPLY HERE

Once registered, your profile will be available for potential recruitment opportunities within the Council.

Deadline

Applications are currently open.

The general call for expressions of interest was published on 3 November 2025, and eligible candidates can apply through the EU Survey platform.

Final Note

This initiative represents an important step toward building a more inclusive European workforce. By creating dedicated recruitment pathways, the Council aims to ensure that individuals with disabilities have equitable access to meaningful employment opportunities within EU institutions.

If you are interested in contributing to European policymaking while building an international career, the Disability Jobs scheme offers a valuable opportunity to become part of the European Union’s professional community.

For more opportunities click here

https://opportunitiesforyouth.org