IT'S OUT! The European Commission's Mega Internal Competition

If you are already working for the EU, here is the opportunity to further your career and move up the ranks. Online application for the European Commission's internal competitions are now open!

EIGHT internal competitions have been released in the following function groups and grades: 

• Secretaries/Clerks (AST-SC2),
• Assistants (AST2 and AST4),
• Administrators (AD6, AD7, AD8, AD10, AD12).

This is a massive internal competition round as 411 positions are waiting to be filled.

You have exactly one month to validate your application as the deadline is:
20 December, 2018 (noon Brussels Time)

Who Can Apply?

• THREE competitions are open to Contracts Agents, Temporary Agents and Officials: AST/SC2, AST2 and AD6.
• FIVE competitions are open to Temporary Agents and Officials only: AST4, AD7, AD8, AD10 and AD12.

Below we will explore the specifics of each internal competition, the eligibility criteria and the selection process that you will need to undertake.

Want to join the conversation and talk to other candidates about this competition? 
Get helpful hints and advice from other candidates via the EU Commission Internal Competition Exams Facebook Group.

AST/SC2: Secretary/Clerk Competition

• Reference Number: COM/01/AST-SC/18
• Grade: AST/SC2
• Field: Secretaries and Administrative Support 
• Tasks: Secretarial and clerical tasks, office management and other equivalent tasks requiring a certain degree of autonomy.
• Number of successful candidates sought: 30
• Place of Employment: any of the Commission’s places of employment.

Eligibility

• General conditions: Since these are internal competitions, candidates are presumed to meet the general recruitment conditions such as have EU citizenship, fulfilled any military service requirements and meet the character requirements for the duties concerned.
• Specific conditions: Eligible candidates are Officials, Temporary Agents and Contract Agents who...
  • Have been in the service of the European Commission as a Contract Agent, Temporary Agent or Official for at least 36 months (not necessarily consecutively).
  • Been actively employed by the Commission for at least the last 12 months before the registration closing date of the competition.
  • Have spent at least the last 6 months before the registration closing date of the competition, working in a function group equivalent to the competition or higher.
  • On the closing date for online applications belong to the following function group: AST/SC Official OR AST/SC Temporary Agent OR GFII Contract Agent.
• Qualifications and Work Experience:
  • Post-secondary education attested by a diploma, OR
  • A level of secondary education attested by a diploma giving access to higher education, followed by appropriate work experience of at least 3 years, OR
  • Vocational training or work experience of an equivalent level.
• Languages: You must have knowledge of at least 2 official EU languages
  • Language 1 
    • have a thorough knowledge (minimum C1 level) 
    • be the same as the language entered as your main language in Sysper
    • Must be different to your Language 2
    • used for the computer-based multiple-choice selection tests
  • Language 2 
    • have a good command (minimum B2 level) 
    • must be either English, French or German
    • Must be different to your Language 1
    • used for the Oral Tests and communication purposes

Selection Process

• Application Process: You must complete your application form in the language you have chosen as Language 2 - either English, French or German.
• Selection Tests: This phase of the competition is made up of a series of computer-based multiple-choice questions and reasoning tests. These tests will be conducted in EPSO test centers in various locations. The results of the computer-based reasoning tests are eliminatory and do not count towards the marks for the Oral Test; however, you must reach the minimum pass marks. The tests that you will need to complete are:

• Oral Test: Those who pass the eligibility requirements and score the highest marks in the Selection Tests will be invited to the Oral Test. A maximum of 3 times the number of successful candidates sought will be invited to this phase. The Oral Test will take place in Brussels and will need to be completed in your chosen Language 2. It will be marked out of 20, with a pass mark of 10. The Oral Test will consist of an interview to assess:
  • The main duties you have carried out and the skills you have acquired in the course of your professional career.
  • The ability and motivation to perform the required duties of the posts to which the competition gives access.
• 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. The reserve lists will be valid for 2 years from the date of their publication and will be published on My IntraComm.

AST2: Assistant Competition

• Reference Number: COM/02/AST/18
• Grade: AST2
• Field: Administrative and Technical Assistance
• Tasks: Administrative, technical or training activities requiring a certain degree of autonomy, in particular with regard to the implementation of rules and regulations or general instructions.
• Number of successful candidates sought: 20
• Place of Employment: any of the Commission’s places of employment.

Eligibility

• General conditions: Since these are internal competitions, candidates are presumed to meet the general recruitment conditions such as have EU citizenship, fulfilled any military service requirements and meet the character requirements for the duties concerned.
• Specific conditions: Eligible candidates are Officials, Temporary Agents and Contract Agents who...
  • Have been in the service of the European Commission as a Contract Agent, Temporary Agent or Official for at least 36 months (not necessarily consecutively).
  • Been actively employed by the Commission for at least the last 12 months before the registration closing date of the competition.
  • Have spent at least the last 6 months before the registration closing date of the competition, working in a function group equivalent to the competition or higher.
  • On the closing date for online applications belong to the following function group: AST Official OR AST Temporary Agent OR GFIII or GFIV Contract Agent.
• Qualifications and Work Experience:
  • Post-secondary education attested by a diploma, OR
  • A level of secondary education attested by a diploma giving access to higher education, followed by appropriate work experience of at least 3 years, OR
  • Vocational training or work experience of an equivalent level.
• Languages: You must have knowledge of at least 2 official EU languages
  • Language 1 
    • have a thorough knowledge (minimum C1 level) 
    • be the same as the language entered as your main language in Sysper
    • Must be different to your Language 2
    • used for the computer-based multiple-choice selection tests
  • Language 2 
    • have a good command (minimum B2 level) 
    • must be either English, French or German
    • Must be different to your Language 1
    • used for the Oral Tests and communication purposes

Selection Process

• Application Process: You must complete your application form in the language you have chosen as Language 2 - either English, French or German.
• Selection Tests: This phase of the competition is made up of a series of computer-based multiple-choice questions and reasoning tests. These tests will be conducted in EPSO test centers in various locations. The results of the computer-based reasoning tests are eliminatory and do not count towards the marks for the Oral Test; however, you must reach the minimum pass marks. The tests that you will need to complete are:

• Oral Test: Those who pass the eligibility requirements and score the highest marks in the Selection Tests will be invited to the Oral Test. A maximum of 3 times the number of successful candidates sought will be invited to this phase. The Oral Test will take place in Brussels and will need to be completed in your chosen Language 2. It will be marked out of 20, with a pass mark of 10. The Oral Test will consist of:
  • An interview to assess:
    • The main duties you have carried out and the skills you have acquired in the course of your professional career.
    • The ability and motivation to perform the required duties of the posts to which the competition gives access.
  • A structured presentation on a European Union policy.
• 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. The reserve lists will be valid for 2 years from the date of their publication and will be published on My IntraComm.

AST4: Assistant  Competition

• Reference Number: COM/AST4/18
• Grade: AST4
• Fields: (This competition consists of five fields)
  • 1. Management of resources (human, financial, computer, equipment, communication)
  • 2. Management of programmes, projects, cases, contracts
  • 3. Personal assistant
• Tasks: Reporting to an administrator and using various software applications, you will be expected to perform complex assistance and support tasks. These duties require good writing abilities (drafting notes, writing reports, etc.), well-developed interpersonal skills and the ability to be a good listener.
• Number of successful candidates sought:
  • Field 1 - 12
  • Field 2 - 12
  • Field 3 - 12
• VERY IMPORTANT: While the AST4 competition covers three fields, you may only apply for ONE field in this competition.
• Place of Employment: any of the Commission’s places of employment.
• This competition includes a Talent Screener

Eligibility

• General conditions: Since these are internal competitions, candidates are presumed to meet the general recruitment conditions such as have EU citizenship, fulfilled any military service requirements and meet the character requirements for the duties concerned.
• Specific conditions: Eligible candidates are Officials or Temporary Agents who...
  • Currently, occupy a post at the Commission as either an Official or Temporary Agent and have administrative status.
  • Have been in the service of a European Union institution as a Contract Agent, Temporary Agent or Official for at least 24 months (not necessarily consecutively).
  • Been actively employed by the Commission for at least the last 12 months before the registration closing date of the competition as either an Official, Temporary Agent or Contract Agent.
  • Have spent at least the last 6 months before the registration closing date of the competition in the AST function group.
  • On the closing date for online applications belong to the following function group: AST2 or above.
• Qualifications and Work Experience:
  • A level of secondary education attested by a diploma followed by at least 6 years’ professional experience relevant to the nature of the duties, OR
  • A level of secondary education attested by a diploma giving access to higher education, followed by at least 9 years’ professional experience relevant to the nature of the duties, OR
  • Vocational training or work experience of an equivalent level.
• Languages: You must have knowledge of at least 2 official EU languages
  • Language 1 
    • have a thorough knowledge (minimum C1 level) 
    • be the same as the language entered as your main language in Sysper
    • Must be different to your Language 2
  • Language 2 
    • have a good command (minimum B2 level) 
    • must be either English, French or German
    • Must be different to your Language 1
    • used for the Talent Screener, Oral Tests and communication purposes

Selection Process

• Application Process: You must complete your application form in the language you have chosen as Language 2 - either English, French or German.
• 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 the notice of competition - see ANNEX I for the list of criteria.
• Oral Test: Those who pass the eligibility requirements and score the highest marks in the Talent Screener will be invited to the Oral Test. A maximum of 3 times the number of successful candidates sought per field will be invited to this phase. The Oral Test will take place in Brussels and will need to be completed in your chosen Language 2. It will be marked out of 20, with a pass mark of 10. The Oral Test will consist of:
  • A presentation, which will be on a subject related to the field of the competition.
  • An interview with a selection board to assess:
    • Your personality and motivation.
    • The skills you have acquired in the course of your professional career and the main duties you have carried out.
    • Your ability to perform the duties required by the post to which this competition gives access.
• 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. The reserve lists will be valid for 2 years from the date of their publication and will be published on My IntraComm.

AD6: Administrator Competition

• Reference Number: COM/03/AD/18
• Grade: AD6
• Fields: (This competition consists of three fields)
  • 1. European Public Administration
  • 2. Development Cooperation and Neighbourhood Policy
  • 3. Research
• Tasks: Managerial, conceptual and analytical, plus linguistic and scientific duties.
• Number of successful candidates sought:
  • Field 1 - 30
  • Field 2 - 20
  • Field 3 - 20
• VERY IMPORTANT: While the AD6 competition covers three fields, you may only apply for ONE field in this competition.
• Place of Employment: any of the Commission’s places of employment.

Eligibility

• General conditions: Since these are internal competitions, candidates are presumed to meet the general recruitment conditions such as have EU citizenship, fulfilled any military service requirements and meet the character requirements for the duties concerned.
• Specific conditions: Eligible candidates are Officials, Temporary Agents and Contract Agents who...
  • Have been in the service of the European Commission as a Contract Agent, Temporary Agent or Official for at least 36 months (not necessarily consecutively).
  • Been actively employed by the Commission for at least the last 12 months before the registration closing date of the competition.
  • Have spent at least the last 6 months before the registration closing date of the competition, working in a function group equivalent to the competition or higher.
  • On the closing date for online applications belong to the following function group: AD Official OR AD Temporary Agent OR GFIV Contract Agent.
• Qualifications and Work Experience:
  •  A level of education which corresponds to completed university studies of at least 3 years attested by a diploma, OR
  • Vocational training or work experience of an equivalent level.
• Languages: You must have knowledge of at least 2 official EU languages
  • Language 1 
    • have a thorough knowledge (minimum C1 level) 
    • be the same as the language entered as your main language in Sysper
    • Must be different to your Language 2
    • used for the computer-based multiple-choice selection tests
  • Language 2 
    • have a good command (minimum B2 level) 
    • must be either English, French or German
    • Must be different to your Language 1
    • used for the Oral Tests and communication purposes

Selection Process

• Application Process: You must complete your application form in the language you have chosen as Language 2 - either English, French or German.
• Selection Tests: This phase of the competition is made up of a series of computer-based multiple-choice questions and reasoning tests. These tests will be conducted in EPSO test centers in various locations. The results of the computer-based reasoning tests are eliminatory and do not count towards the marks for the Oral Test; however, you must reach the minimum pass marks. The tests that you will need to complete are:

• Oral Test: Those who pass the eligibility requirements and score the highest marks in the Selection Tests will be invited to the Oral Test. A maximum of 3 times the number of successful candidates sought per field will be invited to this phase. The Oral Test will take place in Brussels and will need to be completed in your chosen Language 2. It will be marked out of 20, with a pass mark of 10. The Oral Test will consist of:
  • An interview to assess:
    • The main duties you have carried out and the skills you have acquired in the course of your professional career.
    • The ability and motivation to perform the required duties of the posts to which the competition gives access.
  • A structured presentation, which will consist of an oral briefing on a subject related to a European Union policy.
• 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. The reserve lists will be valid for 2 years from the date of their publication and will be published on My IntraComm.

AD7: Administrator Competition

• Reference Number: COM/1/AD7/18
• Grade: AD7
• Fields: (This competition consists of four fields)
  • 1. Policy development and management, programme management, project development
  • 2. Law
  • 3. Economics, audit, statistics
  • 4. Human resources and budget management, coordination, communication
• Tasks: Follow general instructions but work independently, to conduct analyses and perform administrative, advisory, supervisory, coordination and negotiation duties relating to the activities of the Commission.
• Number of successful candidates sought:
  • Field 1 - 26
  • Field 2 - 12
  • Field 3 - 12
  • Field 4 - 20
• VERY IMPORTANT: While the AD7 competition covers four fields, you may only apply for ONE field in this competition.
• Place of Employment: any of the Commission’s places of employment.
• This competition includes a Talent Screener

Eligibility

• General conditions: Since these are internal competitions, candidates are presumed to meet the general recruitment conditions such as have EU citizenship, fulfilled any military service requirements and meet the character requirements for the duties concerned.
• Specific conditions: Eligible candidates are Officials or Temporary Agents who...
  • Currently, occupy a post at the Commission as either an Official or Temporary Agent and have administrative status.
  • Have been in the service of a European Union institution as a Contract Agent, Temporary Agent or Official for at least 24 months (not necessarily consecutively).
  • Been actively employed by the Commission for at least the last 12 months before the registration closing date of the competition as either an Official, Temporary Agent or Contract Agent.
  • Have spent at least the last 6 months before the registration closing date of the competition in the AD function group.
  • On the closing date for online applications belong to the following function group: AD5 or above.
• Qualifications and Work Experience:
  • A level of education corresponding to a full university course lasting at least 4 years or more, attested by a diploma, followed by work experience of at least 6 years related to the nature of the duties required in this role, OR
  • A level of education corresponding to a full university course lasting at least 3 years, attested by a diploma, followed by work experience of at least 7 years related to the nature of the duties required in this role, OR
  • Professional training of an equivalent level (for instance Commission certification programme) followed by work experience of at least 7 years related to the nature of the duties required in this role.
• Languages: You must have knowledge of at least 2 official EU languages
  • Language 1 
    • have a thorough knowledge (minimum C1 level) 
    • be the same as the language entered as your main language in Sysper
    • Must be different to your Language 2
  • Language 2 
    • have a good command (minimum B2 level) 
    • must be either English, French or German
    • Must be different to your Language 1
    • used for the Talent Screener, Oral Tests and communication purposes

Selection Process

• Application Process: You must complete your application form in the language you have chosen as Language 2 - either English, French or German.
• 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 the notice of competition - see ANNEX I for the list of criteria.
• Oral Test: Those who pass the eligibility requirements and score the highest marks in the Talent Screener will be invited to the Oral Test. A maximum of 3 times the number of successful candidates sought per field will be invited to this phase. The Oral Test will take place in Brussels and will need to be completed in your chosen Language 2. It will be marked out of 20, with a pass mark of 10. The Oral Test will consist of:
  • A presentation, which will be on a subject related to the field of the competition.
  • An interview with a selection board to assess:
    • Your personality and motivation.
    • The skills you have acquired in the course of your professional career and the main duties you have carried out.
    • Your ability to perform the duties required by the post to which this competition gives access.
• 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. The reserve lists will be valid for 2 years from the date of their publication and will be published on My IntraComm.

AD8: Administrator Competition

• Reference Number: COM/2/AD8/18
• Grade: AD8
• Fields: (This competition consists of four fields)
  • 1. Policy development and management, programme management, project development
  • 2. Law
  • 3. Economics, audit, statistics
  • 4. Human resources and budget management, coordination, communication
• Tasks: Follow general instructions but work independently, to conduct analyses and perform administrative, advisory, supervisory, coordination and negotiation duties relating to the activities of the Commission.
• Number of successful candidates sought:
  • Field 1 - 26
  • Field 2 - 12
  • Field 3 - 12
  • Field 4 - 20
• VERY IMPORTANT: While the AD8 competition covers four fields, you may only apply for ONE field in this competition.
• Place of Employment: any of the Commission’s places of employment.
• This competition includes a Talent Screener

Eligibility

• General conditions: Since these are internal competitions, candidates are presumed to meet the general recruitment conditions such as have EU citizenship, fulfilled any military service requirements and meet the character requirements for the duties concerned.
• Specific conditions: Eligible candidates are Officials or Temporary Agents who...
  • Currently, occupy a post at the Commission as either an Official or Temporary Agent and have administrative status.
  • Have been in the service of a European Union institution as a Contract Agent, Temporary Agent or Official for at least 24 months (not necessarily consecutively).
  • Been actively employed by the Commission for at least the last 12 months before the registration closing date of the competition as either an Official, Temporary Agent or Contract Agent.
  • Have spent at least the last 6 months before the registration closing date of the competition in the AD function group.
  • On the closing date for online applications belong to the following function group: AD6 or above.
• Qualifications and Work Experience:
  • A level of education corresponding to a full university course lasting at least 4 years or more, attested by a diploma, followed by work experience of at least 8 years related to the nature of the duties required in this role, OR
  • A level of education corresponding to a full university course lasting at least 3 years, attested by a diploma, followed by work experience of at least 9 years related to the nature of the duties required in this role, OR
  • Professional training of an equivalent level (for instance Commission certification programme) followed by work experience of at least 9 years related to the nature of the duties required in this role.
• Languages: You must have knowledge of at least 2 official EU languages
  • Language 1 
    • have a thorough knowledge (minimum C1 level) 
    • be the same as the language entered as your main language in Sysper
    • Must be different to your Language 2
  • Language 2 
    • have a good command (minimum B2 level) 
    • must be either English, French or German
    • Must be different to your Language 1
    • used for the Talent Screener, Oral Tests and communication purposes

Selection Process

• Application Process: You must complete your application form in the language you have chosen as Language 2 - either English, French or German.
• 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 the notice of competition - see ANNEX I for the list of criteria.
• Oral Test: Those who pass the eligibility requirements and score the highest marks in the Talent Screener will be invited to the Oral Test. A maximum of 3 times the number of successful candidates sought per field will be invited to this phase. The Oral Test will take place in Brussels and will need to be completed in your chosen Language 2. It will be marked out of 20, with a pass mark of 10. The Oral Test will consist of:
  • A presentation, which will be on a subject related to the field of the competition.
  • An interview with a selection board to assess:
    • Your personality and motivation.
    • The skills you have acquired in the course of your professional career and the main duties you have carried out.
    • Your ability to perform the duties required by the post to which this competition gives access.
• 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. The reserve lists will be valid for 2 years from the date of their publication and will be published on My IntraComm.

AD10: Administrator Competition

• Reference Number: COM/1/AD10/18
• Grade: AD10
• Fields: (This competition consists of five fields)
  • 1. Single market, innovation and digital issues (internal market, health, research, transport, energy, enterprises, industry, information society, financial services, taxation, combating fraud).
  • 2. Cohesion and values (economic and financial affairs, regional and urban policy, education and youth, justice and consumer affairs, employment and social affairs).
  • 3. Natural resources and the environment (agriculture, fisheries, environment, climate action).
  • 4. Migration, border management, security and defence, neighbourhood and world issues (security and internal affairs, development, trade, enlargement, humanitarian aid, external dimension of internal policies).
  • 5. Coordination, communication, human resources and budget management, audit.
• Tasks: Follow general instructions but work independently, to conduct analyses and perform administrative, advisory, supervisory, coordination and negotiation duties relating to the activities of the Commission.
• Number of successful candidates sought:
  • Field 1 - 20
  • Field 2 - 10
  • Field 3 - 10
  • Field 4 - 14
  • Field 5 - 16
• VERY IMPORTANT: While the AD10 competition covers five fields, you may only apply for ONE field in this competition.
• Place of Employment: any of the Commission’s places of employment.
• This competition includes a Talent Screener

Eligibility

• General conditions: Since these are internal competitions, candidates are presumed to meet the general recruitment conditions such as have EU citizenship, fulfilled any military service requirements and meet the character requirements for the duties concerned.
• Specific conditions: Eligible candidates are Officials or Temporary Agents who...
  • Currently, occupy a post at the Commission as either an Official or Temporary Agent and have administrative status.
  • Have been in the service of a European Union institution as a Contract Agent, Temporary Agent or Official for at least 24 months (not necessarily consecutively).
  • Been actively employed by the Commission for at least the last 12 months before the registration closing date of the competition as either an Official, Temporary Agent or Contract Agent.
  • Have spent at least the last 6 months before the registration closing date of the competition in the AD function group.
  • On the closing date for online applications belong to the following function group: AD8 or above.
• Qualifications and Work Experience:
  • A level of education corresponding to a full university course lasting at least 4 years or more, attested by a diploma, followed by work experience of at least 12 years related to the nature of the duties required in this role, OR
  • A level of education corresponding to a full university course lasting at least 3 years, attested by a diploma, followed by work experience of at least 13 years related to the nature of the duties required in this role, OR
  • Professional training of an equivalent level (for instance Commission certification programme) followed by work experience of at least 13 years related to the nature of the duties required in this role.
• Languages: You must have knowledge of at least 2 official EU languages
  • Language 1 
    • have a thorough knowledge (minimum C1 level) 
    • be the same as the language entered as your main language in Sysper
    • Must be different to your Language 2
  • Language 2 
    • have a good command (minimum B2 level) 
    • must be either English, French or German
    • Must be different to your Language 1
    • used for the Talent Screener, Oral Tests and communication purposes

Selection Process

• Application Process: You must complete your application form in the language you have chosen as Language 2 - either English, French or German.
• 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 the notice of competition - see ANNEX I for the list of criteria.
• Oral Test: Those who pass the eligibility requirements and score the highest marks in the Talent Screener will be invited to the Oral Test. A maximum of 3 times the number of successful candidates sought per field will be invited to this phase. The Oral Test will take place in Brussels and will need to be completed in your chosen Language 2. It will be marked out of 20, with a pass mark of 10. The Oral Test will consist of:
  • A presentation, which will be on a subject related to the field of the competition.
  • An interview with a selection board to assess:
    • Your personality and motivation.
    • The skills you have acquired in the course of your professional career and the main duties you have carried out.
    • Your ability to perform the duties required by the post to which this competition gives access.
• 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. The reserve lists will be valid for 2 years from the date of their publication and will be published on My IntraComm.

AD12: Administrator Competition

• Reference Number: COM/2/AD12/18
• Grade: AD12
• Fields: (This competition consists of five fields)
  • 1. Single market, innovation and digital issues (internal market, health, research, transport, energy, enterprises, industry, information society, financial services, taxation, combating fraud).
  • 2. Cohesion and values (economic and financial affairs, regional and urban policy, education and youth, justice and consumer affairs, employment and social affairs).
  • 3. Natural resources and the environment (agriculture, fisheries, environment, climate action).
  • 4. Migration, border management, security and defence, neighbourhood and world issues (security and internal affairs, development, trade, enlargement, humanitarian aid, external dimension of internal policies).
  • 5. Coordination, communication, human resources and budget management, audit.
• Tasks: Follow general instructions but work independently, to conduct analyses and perform administrative, advisory, supervisory, coordination and negotiation duties relating to the activities of the Commission.
• Number of successful candidates sought:
  • Field 1 - 14
  • Field 2 - 6
  • Field 3 - 6
  • Field 4 - 8
  • Field 5 - 11
• VERY IMPORTANT: While the AD12 competition covers five fields, you may only apply for ONE field in this competition.
• Place of Employment: any of the Commission’s places of employment.
• This competition includes a Talent Screener

Eligibility

• General conditions: Since these are internal competitions, candidates are presumed to meet the general recruitment conditions such as have EU citizenship, fulfilled any military service requirements and meet the character requirements for the duties concerned.
• Specific conditions: Eligible candidates are Officials or Temporary Agents who...
  • Currently, occupy a post at the Commission as either an Official or Temporary Agent and have administrative status.
  • Have been in the service of a European Union institution as a Contract Agent, Temporary Agent or Official for at least 24 months (not necessarily consecutively).
  • Been actively employed by the Commission for at least the last 12 months before the registration closing date of the competition as either an Official, Temporary Agent or Contract Agent.
  • Have spent at least the last 6 months before the registration closing date of the competition in the AD function group.
  • On the closing date for online applications belong to the following function group: AD10 or above.
• Qualifications and Work Experience:
  • A level of education corresponding to a full university course lasting at least 4 years or more, attested by a diploma, followed by work experience of at least 15 years related to the nature of the duties required in this role, OR
  • A level of education corresponding to a full university course lasting at least 3 years, attested by a diploma, followed by work experience of at least 16 years related to the nature of the duties required in this role, OR
  • Professional training of an equivalent level (for instance Commission certification programme) followed by work experience of at least 16 years related to the nature of the duties required in this role.
• Languages: You must have knowledge of at least 2 official EU languages
  • Language 1 
    • have a thorough knowledge (minimum C1 level) 
    • be the same as the language entered as your main language in Sysper
    • Must be different to your Language 2
  • Language 2 
    • have a good command (minimum B2 level) 
    • must be either English, French or German
    • Must be different to your Language 1
    • used for the Talent Screener, Oral Tests and communication purposes

Selection Process

• Application Process: You must complete your application form in the language you have chosen as Language 2 - either English, French or German.
• 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 the notice of competition - see ANNEX I for the list of criteria.
• Oral Test: Those who pass the eligibility requirements and score the highest marks in the Talent Screener will be invited to the Oral Test. A maximum of 3 times the number of successful candidates sought per field will be invited to this phase. The Oral Test will take place in Brussels and will need to be completed in your chosen Language 2. It will be marked out of 20, with a pass mark of 10. The Oral Test will consist of:
  • A presentation, which will be on a subject related to the field of the competition.
  • An interview with a selection board to assess:
    • Your personality and motivation.
    • The skills you have acquired in the course of your professional career and the main duties you have carried out.
    • Your ability to perform the duties required by the post to which this competition gives access.
• 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. The reserve lists will be valid for 2 years from the date of their publication and will be published on My IntraComm.

Why Use EU Training? 

EU Training offers a wealth of practice materials for all stages and levels of the EU institutions’ selection exams.

Check out our FREE E-books, webinars, webcasts and e-learning materials to help you excel.

If you have a question or need additional help in understanding the EPSO processes, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Want to see what these EPSO Pre-Selection exams look like? 
Try our FREE EPSO Exam Demo

Unsure how the EPSO selection process works? 
View our sort video - ‘New To EPSO Competitions’