The European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO) has released the EPSO/AD/363/18 Notice of Competition – calling forward applications for the Administrators in the field of Customs & Taxation (AD7) competition.
- Reference Number: Customs - EPSO/AD/363/18 - 1 and Taxation - EPSO/AD/363/18 - 2
- Open for Applications: 11 October, 2018
- Application Deadline: 13 November, 2018 (12-noon Brussels Time)
- Grade: AD7
- Number of successful candidates sought: Customs - 40 / Taxation- 40
- This competition includes a Talent Screener
Below we will explore the specifics of this competition 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 2018 EPSO Administrators: Customs & Taxation Exams Facebook Group.
Getting ready for the EPSO Administrators in the field of Customs & Taxation competition? Access the Customs & Taxation Experts practice packages here and view methodology webinars here - some are even FREE!
Snapshot of the 2018 EPSO Administrators In The Field Of Customs & Taxation Competition
The deadline for registrations is 13 November 2018, at 12 midday (CET).
EPSO is looking to draw up two reserve lists from which the European Commission (mainly the Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union), can recruit new specialist Administrator members of the civil service (function group AD).
This notice covers two profile groups: Customs and Taxation. You can only apply for ONE. You must make your choice when you apply online and you will not be able to change it after you have validated your online application form.
As a policy officer in the field of Customs (EPSO/AD/363/18 - 1), your duties may include drafting and analysing customs legislation, implementing related provisions and applicable rules, as well as in other specific customs domains like customs controls, the process of customs’ modernisation and/or its IT applications. You may also be required to represent and negotiate on behalf of the Institution at EU and international level.
As a policy officer in the field of Taxation (EPSO/AD/363/18 - 2), your duties may include analysing direct and indirect taxation issues, make legal assessments under the applicable tax or state aid rules and procedures, evaluate their impact and prepare/present legal drafts or economic analysis of those issues. You may be asked to develop communication activities in the area of your work and negotiate at international level in the areas of economic analysis and evaluation of taxes.
Please see ANNEX I of the Notice of Competition for more specific information.
Successful applicants will be recruited mainly by the European Commission based in Brussels.
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
- Must have knowledge of at least two official EU languages:
- Have a thorough knowledge (minimum C1 level) of one of the 24 official EU languages – will be defined as your Language 1
- 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. (The competition's Talent Screener must be filled out in your chosen Language 2)
- Qualifications & Work Experience:
- Customs (EPSO/AD/363/18 - 1 ) profile:
- You must have a level of education which corresponds to at least 4 years' completed university studies attested by a diploma. PLUS at least 6 years’ professional experience relevant to the duties. OR
- You must have a level of education which corresponds to at least 3 years' completed university studies attested by a diploma. PLUS at least 7 years’ professional experience relevant to the duties.
- Taxation (EPSO/AD/363/18 - 2 ) profile:
- You must have a level of education which corresponds to at least 4 years' completed university studies attested by a diploma. PLUS at least 6 years’ professional experience relevant to the duties. OR
- You must have a level of education which corresponds to at least 3 years' completed university studies attested by a diploma. PLUS at least 7 years’ professional experience relevant to the duties.
- Customs (EPSO/AD/363/18 - 1 ) profile:
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 |
|
Abstract Reasoning |
Language 1 |
10 questions |
10 min |
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.
2. 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 this notice - see ANNEX II for the list of criteria.
3. 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 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.
8 general competencies, as well as the field-related competencies required for each profile, will be tested through 4 tests:
- Case Study
- Group Exercise
- General Competency-based Interview
- Field-related Interview
Each competency will be awarded a mark out of 10, with a total pass mark required of 40/80.
4. 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 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 for the Customs profile and click here for the Taxation profile.
Are You New to EPSO Competitions?
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’
Useful reading:
The Motivation Challenge - What To Write In Your EPSO Application?
How To Make The Most Of Your EPSO Talent Screener
13 Best EPSO Preparation Resources - Free and Paid