Heads of Risk Assessment Departments

WHAT ARE THE SELECTION REQUIREMENTS?

You must satisfy the following requirements on the closing date for submission of your application:

I.     Eligibility criteria

1.    General requirements

•    Be national of a Member State of the European Union, Iceland or Norway; 
•    Enjoy full rights as a citizen;
•    Have fulfilled any obligations imposed by laws concerning military service;
•    Be physically fit to perform the duties linked to the post;[1]
•    Have a thorough knowledge of one of the EU official languages and a satisfactory knowledge of another EU language;
•    Meet the character requirements for the duties involved.

2.    Qualifications

a)    A level of education which corresponds to completed university studies of at least four (4) years attested by a diploma[2];

OR

b)   A level of education which corresponds to completed university studies of at least three (3) years attested by a diploma[2] and in addition at least one (1) year of professional experience.

3.    Experience

In addition to the above, at least fifteen (15) years of proven professional experience[3] acquired after having obtained the qualifications mentioned in point 2 in positions corresponding to the nature of duties of the vacant post. Out of these fifteen (15) years, at least two (2) years must have been acquired as a manager.

In case you do not fulfil all the eligibility criteria, your application will not be taken into consideration.

II.    Selection criteria (Technical and behavioural competencies)

The following competencies will be assessed throughout the different phases of the selection procedure. Candidates are also expected to demonstrate effective communication in both spoken and written English as well as strong motivation for the position.

1.    Technical competencies

i. Experience (at least 6 years) in leading, coaching and motivating teams and driving high performance, preferably gained in an international/multicultural environment.
ii. Experience in leading scientific activities relevant to the remit of EFSA, ensuring the timely delivery of outputs based on robust methodologies and quality standards. Sound knowledge of EFSA risk assessment principles, EU institutional and regulatory framework.
iii. Experience in defining and implementing strategic objectives, translating organisational priorities into operational plans, and driving innovation and continuous improvement, including through digital and AI solutions, to deliver measurable results and enhance organisational performance.
iv. Experience in managing operations and resources including planning, setting priorities, allocating resources, financial oversight, monitoring performance and ensuring the achievement of objectives in a complex organisational environment.
v. Experience in establishing and maintaining effective relationships with a broad range of stakeholders, including public authorities, scientific organisations, international bodies and/or regulatory institutions, and representing an organisation in high-level external engagements.

2.    Behavioural competencies

i. Deal with ambiguity: Able to work constructively within unexpected and unpredictable situations and show resilience and composure, even in difficult or adverse circumstances; able to decide and act without having the total picture; accept constructive feedback in a positive manner;
ii. Demonstrate political savvy and strategic agility: Look beyond the current situation and visualise what the future can bring with a keen sense for arising opportunities and good understanding of how and when to best pursue them; able to think in a creative and innovative way;
iii. Focus on stakeholder needs: Committed to meet the expectations and requirements of internal and external stakeholders; establish and maintain effective relationships with stakeholders and gain their trust and respect;
iv. Plan and measure for results: Set ambitious goals that exceed the targets and create plans to achieve them; ensure an efficient and responsible planning and management of resources;
v. Work with others: Work confidently within a group and contribute to achieve the common goals, understanding own role and how it supports the team and the organisation; able to cooperate, listen actively, manage conflicts and motivate colleagues;
vi. Lead and develop a team: Lead, supervise and develop a group of people, in order to meet the expected results within a given timeline and considering the foreseen resources;
vii. Communication: Ability to communicate clearly and present complex subjects simply, both orally and in writing.

III.    Steps of the selection procedure

Selection steps applicable to this selection procedure:

• Eligible applications will be assessed against the technical competencies.

• As a result of the comparative assessment of applications, the 15 top candidates (who obtain the highest scores, including any ex aequo) will be invited to take a written test.

• Candidates who achieve a minimum score of 60% on the written test, will be invited to an interview with the Selection Board.

• Following the interview with the Selection Board, the latter will shortlist the best candidates for the final stage of the selection procedure, which consists of an assessment center and an interview with the Executive Director.

• As a result of this call, a talent pool (reserve list) of suitable candidates may be established and will be valid until 31/12/2027. The validity of the talent pool may be extended.

• The Executive Director will decide on the appointment of the selected candidate(s) to one of the two departments.

NOTE

This vacancy is published externally at the grade AD12, internally at the grade bracket AD12-AD14, and inter-agency at the grade bracket AD12-AD14 subject to the EFSA establishment plan availabilities.

Candidates are invited to read the ANNEX that represents an integral part of this vacancy and provides information on how to complete the application, the steps of the selection process, the rules on independence and appeal procedures. 

Candidates are particularly encouraged to take into consideration the information on Pre and post-occupational activities.

[1] Before appointment, a successful candidate shall be medically examined by an institution’s medical officer in order that the European Food Safety Authority may be satisfied that the candidate fulfils the requirement of article 28(e) of the Staff Regulations of the Officials of the European Communities.

[2] Any academic qualification mentioned in the application form shall be duly supported by evidence (copies of e.g. diplomas, certification, etc.) Only qualifications issued by EU Member State authorities and qualifications recognised as equivalent by the relevant EU Member State authorities will be accepted. In instances where diplomas are obtained from a non-EU Member State, EFSA may request the candidate to provide a relevant document of comparability issued by a recognised authority.

[3] Any professional experience mentioned in the application form shall be duly supported by evidence ( copies of e.g. contracts, payslips etc.). Professional experience shall be taken into account from the date on which the person fulfils the minimum qualifications for engagement. In order for your professional experience to be taken into consideration, it must be supported by relevant documents attesting an actual work relationship defined by the following elements: real, genuine work; on a paid basis; as employee (any type of contract), or provider of a service.  Any given period may be counted only once (in order to be calculated as eligible, years of studies or professional experience to be taken into account shall not overlap with other periods of studies or professional experience). Professional activities pursued part-time will be calculated pro-rata on the basis of the certified percentage of full-time hours worked. PhDs acquired in a field relevant to the job description can be counted as professional experience up to 3 years. Paid traineeships are counted as working experience. Prior to contract signature, the successful candidate(s) will need to provide copies of documents proving the candidate’s work experience.