The European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO) has just released the EPSO/AD/361/18 Notice of Competition – calling forward applications for the Irish-language Translators competition.
- Reference Number: EPSO/AD/361/18
- Open for Applications: 12 July, 2018
- Application Deadline: 4 September, 2018 (12-noon Brussels Time)
- Grade: AD5
Under the Irish-language Translators (AD5) competition, the following profiles and reserve lists have been advertised, from which the EU institutions may recruit new members:
| Option |
Candidates Sought |
|
Option 1 |
53 |
|
Option 2 |
19 |
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 Irish-language Translators Competition
The deadline for registrations is 4 September 2018, at 12 midday (CET).
This competition will recruit Irish-language Translators functioning at the administrator level (AD5). AD 5 is the starting grade for a career as an administrator — linguistic or other — in the European institutions. The principal role of linguistic administrators (translators) is to deliver high-quality translations by the deadlines set and to provide linguistic advice so as to enable the institution or body for which they work to fulfill its mission. Please see ANNEX I of the Notice of Competition for specific information about language combinations and qualifications being sought.
Successful applicants will be recruited mainly by the European Commission, European Parliament, Council and most likely be based in either in Brussels or Luxembourg.
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 THREE official EU languages:
- OPTION 1
- Language 1: Have a perfect command (C2 level) of the competition language - Irish - will be defined as your Language 1
- Language 2: Have a thorough knowledge (minimum C1 level) in English, French or German - will be defined as your Language 2
- Language 3: Have a thorough knowledge (minimum C1 level) in English, French or German. Must be different from Language 2 – will be defined as your Language 3
- OPTION2
- Language 1: Have a perfect command (C2 level) of the competition language - Irish - will be defined as your Language 1
- Language 2: Have a thorough knowledge (minimum C1 level) in English, French or German - will be defined as your Language 2
- Language 3: Have a thorough knowledge (minimum C1 level) of one of the 24 official EU languages. Must be different from Languages 1 and 2 and not be English, French or German. – will be defined as your Language 3
- OPTION 1
- Qualifications & Work Experience:
- No former professional experience is required
- You must have a level of education which corresponds to at least 3 years' completed university studies attested by a diploma and must be awarded by 31 December 2018 at the latest. Please consult ANNEX I of the Notice of Competition for specific information on diploma requirements.
Selection Process
Please note: You must fill in your application form in your Language 2 – this means in either English, French or German.
1. TRANSLATION TESTS
If you meet the eligibility requirements according to the data in your online application, you will be invited to sit two translation tests in one of EPSO’s accredited centres.
TWO computer-based translation tests will be undertaken:
|
Test |
Language |
Duration |
Pass Mark |
|
(a) Translation Test with dictionary |
From Language 2 into Language 1 |
60 minutes |
40/80 |
|
(b) Translation Test with dictionary |
From Language 3 into Language 1 |
60 minutes |
40/80 |
Please Note:
- If you fail test (a), your test (b) will not be marked.
- You must score one of the highest overall marks in these tests to qualify for the next stage of the competition - Assessment Centre
2. ASSESSMENT CENTRE
Those who scored the highest marks in the Translation Tests will be invited to the Assessment Centre. A maximum of 3 times the number of successful candidates sought for each option will be invited to this phase.
Please note that the Assessment Centre will most likely take place in Brussels and will be undertaken in your chosen Language 1 and 2.
This phase of the competition is made up of a series of computer-based multiple-choice questions and competency-based tests. 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.
The computer-based multiple-choice question tests will contain the following:
|
Tests |
Language |
Question |
Duration |
Pass mark |
|
Verbal |
Language 1 |
20 questions |
35 min |
Verbal + Abstract combined: |
|
Numerical |
Language 1 |
10 questions |
20 min |
4/10 |
|
Abstract |
Language 1 |
10 questions |
10 min |
Verbal + Abstract combined: |
Access Translator computer-based multiple-choice practice packages here
In addition to the computer-based tests, eight general competencies will be tested during the Assessment Centre through three tests (each test will be conducted in your chosen Language 2):
- General competency-based Interview
- Oral Presentation
- Group Exercise
Each competency will be awarded a mark out of 10, with a total pass mark required of 40/80. The marks for these tests will be added to the marks already received for the Translation Tests to give candidates their final overall score.
3. RESERVE LIST
After checking candidates’ supporting documents, the selection board will draw up a Reserve List for each option 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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