The European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO) has just released an official Notice of Competition calling forward applications for those seeking a career at the EU institutions as an Administrator in the field of European Law.
Below we explore the specifics of this competition and the selection process that you will need to undertake.
Also, today EU Training held a live 2020 EPSO Administrators in European Law Exams - Information Webcast. The recording of this session is now available to view here for FREE.
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| Competition Snapshot I Eligibility Criteria I Selection Process I How Can You Apply? |
Competition Snapshot
- Open for Applications: 30 July, 2020
- Application Deadline: 15 September, 2020 (12-noon Brussels Time)
- Places on the Reserve List: 104
- Grade: AD5
- Most of the posts will be based in Brussels and Luxembourg
As a Lawyer within this context, you will take on a wide range of tasks in legal policy formulation and research, such as provide legal advice, ensure the legality and the drafting quality of legal acts, conduct extensive legal research and analysis, and act as an agent of the institution concerned in judicial proceedings before the EU Court of Justice.
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 thorough knowledge (minimum C1 level) of either English OR French and MUST BE different from your Language 1 choice - will be defined as your Language 2.
- Qualifications & Work Experience:
- NO PROFESSIONAL WORK EXPERIENCE IS REQUIRED!
- Completed university studies of at least 4 years attested by a diploma in Law, OR
- Authorised to pursue professional activities as a Lawyer in an EU Member State. Having passed the BAR EXAM is required.
Please consult ANNEX III of the Notice of Competition for examples of minimum qualifications.
Selection Process
Please note: You can complete your application in any of the 24 official EU languages.
1. PRE-SELECTION COMPUTER-BASED TESTS
This phase of the competition is made up of a series of computer-based multiple-choice tests.
|
Tests |
Language |
Question |
Duration |
Pass Mark |
|
Language 1 |
20 questions |
35 min |
10/20 |
|
|
Language 1 |
10 questions |
20 min |
Numerical |
|
|
Language 1 |
10 questions |
10 min |
||
| Language Comprehension | Language 1 | 12 questions | 25 min | 8/12 |
- GREAT NEWS! Reaching the pass mark for each pre-selection test is enough to move on to the next stage of the competition.
- The results of these computer-based tests are eliminatory and will not be taken into account in your final overall competition score.
2. INTERMEDIATE COMPUTER-BASED TESTS
You MUST complete these tests in your chosen Language 2 - English OR French.
Those who reach the pass mark for ALL pre-selection tests will be invited to take part in the intermediate computer-based tests.
|
Tests |
Language |
Question |
Duration |
Pass mark |
| Language Comprehension | Language 2 | 12 questions | 25 min | 6/12 |
|
Field-Related Multiple-Choice Questions |
Language 2 |
40 questions |
60 min |
20/40 |
- The results of the Language Comprehension Test WILL NOT BE taken into account when calculating your final intermediate exam score.
- However, you MUST REACH the minimum pass mark in the Language Comprehension Test in order to qualify for the next stage of the competition.
- You NEED TO GET one of the highest marks in the Field-Related test to make it on to the next stage of the competition.
3. 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.
Eligibility will be checked in descending order of the overall marks obtained in the Field-Related Multiple-Choice Questions Test.
Approximately 3 times the number of successful candidates sought will move on to the Assessment Centre stage of the selection process.
4. ASSESSMENT CENTRE
Those who scored the highest marks in the Field-Related Multiple-Choice Questions Test.and passed the Eligibility Criteria will be invited to the Assessment Centre.
Please note that the Assessment Centre will most likely take place in Brussels and will need to be completed in your chosen Language 2 - English or French.
8 general competencies, as well as field-related competencies required for this role, will be tested via four types of exercises:
- Role Play - 1 & 2
- Oral Presentation
- Competency-Based Interview
- Written Test In The Field (Field-Related Competencies)
Each general competency will be awarded a mark out of 10, with a total pass mark required of 40/80.
In addition to this, the Written Test In The Field will require a minimum pass mark of 50/100.
5. RESERVE LIST
After checking candidates’ supporting documents, the selection board will draw up a Reserve List of 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 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.
Click here to start the application process
Are You New to EPSO Competitions?
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If you have a question or need additional help in understanding the EPSO processes, please do not hesitate to contact us.
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Useful reading:
The Motivation Challenge - What To Write In Your EPSO Application?
13 Best EPSO Preparation Resources - Free and Paid