Defence Command seeks EU Team Leader

Do you want to stand at the crossroads of defence, security, and European cooperation? As a team leader you will have the opportunity to set the direction for the Defence’s EU engagement, lead a specialized team, and work closely with the Defence’s top management, the Ministry of Defence, and international partners.

About us

International Policy Section – EU, UN and the Nordic (IP2) is part of the International Policy and Ukraine Division in the Defence Staff’s Development and Planning Staff. We are the anchor point for international cooperation and engagement, and our tasks range broadly from conflict analyses and strategic development to meeting preparation for the top leadership and to capability development. Specifically, we are responsible for international relations among the EU, the Nordic region, the Arctic and the Baltic states, as well as Defence engagement in the UN.

Geographically we are split between Copenhagen and Karup. The section consists of both civilian and military staff who handle the military-strategic cooperation with international partners and organizations, including the development of Defence policy.

We serve the Defence’s top management on a daily basis, and we maintain ongoing dialogue with the Ministry of Defence’s department.

Daily life in the department is dynamic, and cases vary widely. We place emphasis on a good spirit in the department, and we maintain an open, honest and informal tone. Tasks vary greatly, and there are rarely clear and straightforward solutions to the problems. Work is often cross-disciplinary, and we depend on strong collaboration both internally and externally.

We strive to maintain flexibility regarding meeting and working hours, taking the task at hand into account. There will be opportunities to work from home when tasks permit.

About the position

Since the abolition of the defence opt-out, the Defence has strengthened its engagement in the EU’s defence and security cooperation. As a team leader you will play a central role in developing and coordinating the Defence’s work in the EU area.

Together with the section chief you will help set the direction for the Defence’s EU engagement. You will work at the intersection of strategy, international cooperation and capability development, and you will have broad contact with both the Defence leadership, the Ministry of Defence’s department and international partners.

You will be the professional lead for a team of three employees, which is expected to grow in the near future.

Your primary tasks will be to

• coordinate the Defence’s work with the EU’s defence and security cooperation
• contribute to policy development and decision briefs regarding Danish engagement in EU missions and operations
• support the Defence’s work with capability development in the EU framework
• work closely with the Ministry of Defence’s department and the Defence Agencies
• contribute to the coordination of the Defence’s overall international engagement

Although the EU is your primary area of responsibility, you will also gain insight into Defence cooperation with, among others, NATO, NORDEFCO and the UN.

The position involves travel activity in both Denmark and abroad. Expect 20-30 days per year.

About you

We would like you to have a relevant higher education such as a Master of Social Sciences (candidatus), Master of Law (cand.jur) or similar. It is desirable that you have experience from, for example, ministerial staff work, international cooperation, defence and security policy or similar areas.

It is an advantage if you have knowledge of the Defence or the Ministry of Defence’s area. Experience with international cooperation and preferably the EU’s defence and security domain will also be an asset, but it is not a requirement.

We are primarily looking for a colleague who can create overview, unite different stakeholders, and translate complex issues into clear recommendations.

To succeed in the role, we imagine that you

• thrive in collaboration with people from different professional backgrounds and perspectives
• can express yourself clearly and precisely in both Danish and English
• work independently and take responsibility for tasks and processes
• are curious, solution-oriented and have an eye for both detail and the whole
• have an interest in or aspiration for leadership

Previous managerial experience is not a requirement. Instead, we expect you to be motivated to develop as a leader, and we offer the necessary leadership development and support.

Employment terms

The position is advertised both civilly and militarily.

The appointment is made in accordance with the current agreement between the Ministry of Finance and a number of academic associations for academics in the state (the Academic Agreement).

Depending on your qualifications and competencies, there is the possibility of negotiating allowances. There is an employer-financed pension scheme tied to the position.

The workplace is in Copenhagen or Karup.

As an employee under the Ministry of Defence’s area, you are subject to certain special terms. You must, among other things, be security cleared and maintain the security clearance for the duration of the employment.

As an employee you are obliged to render service outside the country’s borders, including at units in international operations with a view to participating in conflict prevention, peacekeeping, peacemaking, humanitarian and other similar operations.

Contact and application

If you want to hear more about the position, you are welcome to contact the section chief, Head of Office Michael Toftum Ussing at telephone 2917 6628.

If you have questions about salary and employment terms you are welcome to contact the Personnel Command, HR consultant Stinne Strøjr Hansen at telephone 2023 9031.

The application deadline is 25 November 2026 and interviews are expected to be held shortly thereafter. The position is to be filled on 1 February 2027.

You apply for the position via the link, and please attach your application, CV and copies of your educational certificates. Please note that attachments must be added in PDF format.

In the Defence Ministry’s organization we believe that diversity optimizes task solving. Therefore we encourage all interested regardless of background to apply for the position.

About the Defence Command

The Defence Command is Denmark’s and the Realm’s highest military authority.

The Defence Command carries out its tasks under the motto “Worth fighting for,” and our primary responsibility is to develop, produce, and deploy the military capabilities and units for national and international tasks.

The Defence Command is led by the Chief of Defence, who is also the Defence Minister’s top military advisor. The Chief of Defence is also responsible for the operational leadership of the Danish armed forces. The Defence Command consists of the Defence Staff and the five commands; Army Command, Navy Command, Air Command, Special Operations Command and Arctic Command.