Temporary Agent

According to EPSO temporary agents may be employed to perform a wide variety of tasks, within one of the following categories:

(a) for non-standard (highly specialised jobs) or temporary tasks

(b) to make up for staff shortages in cases where competition reserve lists have been exhausted

(c) for Commissioners' private offices ('cabinets')

(d) for specific requirements in the scientific sector

Although the rules on the length of initial contracts and subsequent contract extensions vary, as a general rule, temporary agents in types (a), (b) and (d) may be hired by the Commission for a maximum period of six years and temporary agents who work in Commissioner's private offices are hired for a duration linked to the mandate of their Commissioner.

As a temporary agent in type (c), candidates could work in the private office of a Commissioner during their term in office. Temporary agents in types (a) and (b) can be employed to do a wide variety of work, essentially the same kind of work as permanent Commission officials. However, this depends on factors such as the temporary needs of the Commission and the situation with regard to filling vacant posts.

As a temporary agent in type (d), candidates could work in one of the various research centres set up by the EU to promote research and to manage European framework programmes for research and development.