2019 EPSO Conference Operators Competition Released

The European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO) has just released the EPSO/AST-SC/09/19 Notice of Competition – calling forward applications for the EPSO Conference Operators (AST-SC2) competition.

Reference Number: EPSO/AST-SC/09/19
Open for Applications: 7 November, 2019
Application Deadline: 10 December, 2019 (12-noon Brussels Time)
Grade: AST-SC2
Number of candidates sought: 25
This competition includes a Talent Screener

Under the EPSO Conference Operators a reserve list of 25 successful candidates has been announced, from which the European Commission in Brussels may recruit new members:

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 2019 EPSO Conference Operators Competition

The deadline for registrations is 10 December 2019, at 12 midday (CET).

This competition is being held to recruit Conference Operators, who will be responsible for operating technical sound and image equipment in multimedia/audio-visual or conference installations, as well as provide first-level technical support for audio-visual and computer equipment.

Successful candidates will be recruited under the function group of Secretaries/Clerks.

Those that successfully make it through the EPSO selection process and get recruited will primarily work for the European Commission in Brussels.

Please see ANNEX I of the Notice of Competition for more specific information regarding each field of expertise.

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
Have knowledge of at least TWO official EU languages:
- Language 1: Have a thorough knowledge (minimum C1 level) of one of the 24 official EU languages - will be defined as your Language 1.
- Language 2: 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. (Please note that the application's Talent Screener component must be filled out in Language 2)
Qualifications & Work Experience:

Must have a level of education which corresponds to at least 1 year of post-secondary education attested by a diploma. PLUS a minimum of 4 years' relevant professional experience, directly related to the nature of the duties outlined in this competition OR
Have secondary education attested by a diploma giving access to post-secondary education. PLUS a minimum of 6 years' relevant professional experience, directly related to the nature of the duties outlined in this competition OR
Professional training equivalent to European Qualification Framework Level 4, of at least 1 year. PLUS a minimum of 6 years' relevant professional experience. Both the training and professional experience must be directly related to the nature of the duties outlined in this competition.

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 10/20
Abstract Reasoning	Language 1	10 questions	10 min	Numerical + Abstract Combined 10/20

The results of the computer-based MCQ tests are eliminatory and will not be taken into account in your final overall marks.

However, you must reach the minimum pass mark in all tests in order to qualify for the next stage of the competition.

2. ELIGIBILITY CHECK

EPSO will check the data provided by each candidate via their online application against the eligibility requirements of this competition. Remember that you can fill out your application in any of the 24 Official EU languages - except for the Talent Screener, which needs to be completed in your chosen Langauge 2.

3. TALENT SCREENER

You MUST complete your Talent Screener in Language 2 - English OR French.

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. Only those candidates with the highest overall marks will go through to the next stage. Therefore, you should include all relevant information in your Talent Screener answers, even if you have 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.

Getting this part wrong can easily jeopardise your chances of moving through to the next stage of the selection process - which you don't want to risk. To better understand how the EPSO Talent Screener works it is advised that you view this webinar recording - Everything You Need To Know About EPSO's Talent Screener.

Need help with your EPSO application or Talent Screener?
Take a look at our Application Assistance service

4. 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 via this competition 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 required for such a role, will be tested through 3 tests:

Each competency will be awarded a mark out of 10, with a total pass mark required of 35/70.

5. 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 this profile 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, visit the EPSO Conference Operators Competition page.