The European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO) has released the EPSO/AST/146/18 Notice of Competition – calling forward applications for the Heads of Administration in EU Delegations (AST4) competition.
- Reference Number: EPSO/AST/146/18
- Open for Applications: 25 October, 2018
- Application Deadline: 27 November, 2018 (12-noon Brussels Time)
- Grade: AST4
- Number of successful candidates sought: 40
- This competition includes a Talent Screener
Below we will explore the specifics of this competition and the selection process that you will need to undertake.
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Snapshot of the 2018 EPSO Heads Of Administration In EU Delegations Competition
The deadline for registrations is 27 November 2018, at 12 midday (CET).
EPSO is looking to draw up a reserve list from which the European External Action Service (EEAS) can recruit new members of the civil service as ‘Heads of Administration’ (function group AST).
As a Head of Administration, you will assist Heads of Delegations in the day-to-day running of the Delegation. This is a particularly exciting post to join the EU civil service as the European Union has 139 Delegations around the world that play a vital role in representing the EU and its citizens around the globe, by building networks and partnerships. This means in the course of your career, you will alternate between different geographic regions and headquarters and/or job functions, which makes for a very varied work environment.
Please see ANNEX I of the Notice of Competition for more specific information.
Successful applicants will be recruited mainly by the European External Action Service and be based in multiple geographical locations.
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates will need to satisfy the following:
- Have EU citizenship
- Fulfilled any military service requirements
- Meet the character requirements for the duties concerned
- Must have knowledge of at least two official EU languages:
- Have a thorough knowledge (minimum C1 level) of one of the 24 official EU languages – will be defined as your Language 1
- Have a good command (minimum B2 level) of either English or French and must be different to your Language 1 choice – will be defined as your Language 2. (The competition's Talent Screener must be filled out in your chosen Language 2)
- Qualifications & Work Experience:
- You must have a level of education which corresponds to at least 2 years' of post-secondary education attested by a diploma in the following areas: law, business administration, human resources management, finance or accounting, logistics and building management or engineering. PLUS at least 6 years’ professional experience relevant to the duties. OR
- Secondary education attested by a diploma giving access to post-secondary education. PLUS at least 9 years’ professional experience relevant to the duties.
Please consult ANNEX IV of the Notice of Competition for examples of minimum qualifications.
Selection Process
Please note: You must complete the Talent Screener in your Language 2 – this means in either English or French.
1. Pre-Selection Exam
This phase of the competition is made up of a series of computer-based multiple-choice questions and reasoning tests. If the number of candidates exceeds a certain threshold, these tests will be held at the start of the competition process otherwise it will be held at the Assessment Centre phase.
|
Tests |
Language |
Question |
Duration |
Pass mark |
|
Verbal Reasoning |
Language 1 |
20 questions |
35 min |
10/20 |
|
Numerical Reasoning |
Language 1 |
10 questions |
20 min |
Numerical + Abstract Combined |
|
Abstract Reasoning |
Language 1 |
10 questions |
10 min |
The results of the computer-based MCQ tests are eliminatory but will not be taken into account in your final overall marks; however, you must reach the minimum pass marks in all tests.
2. Talent Screener
The selection board assigns a weighting to each selection criterion and based on the information provided in the Talent Screener each candidate will receive a score. Therefore, you should include all relevant information in your Talent Screener answers, even if you already mentioned it in other sections of your application form. The questions are based on the selection criteria included in this notice - see ANNEX II for the list of criteria.
3. Assessment Centre
Those who scored the highest marks in the Talent Screener will be invited to the Assessment Centre. A maximum of 3 times the number of successful candidates sought will be invited to this phase.
Please note that the Assessment Centre will most likely take place in Brussels and will need to be completed in your chosen Language 2.
7 general competencies, as well as field-related competencies, will be tested through 4 tests:
- Case Study
- Group Exercise
- General Competency-based Interview
- Field-related Interview
Each competency will be awarded a mark out of 10, with a total pass mark required of 35/70.
4. Reserve List
After checking candidates’ supporting documents, the selection board will draw up a Reserve List of the eligible candidates who obtained the highest overall score, until the number of successful candidates sought is reached.
How Can You Apply?
Make sure to ALWAYS check the official Notice of Competition and understand the rules relating to the exams. For full details on the profiles and the selection procedure read the official Notice of Competition and the General Rules Governing Open Competitions to ensure you have the required qualifications and satisfy the eligibility criteria before applying.
To start the application process, click here.
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Useful reading:
The Motivation Challenge - What To Write In Your EPSO Application?
How To Make The Most Of Your EPSO Talent Screener
13 Best EPSO Preparation Resources - Free and Paid