Social Scientist

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 level of education which corresponds to completed university studies of at least three (3) years attested by a diploma in one of the following fields: sociology, communications, or any social science related discipline. [2]

3. Experience

In addition to the above, at least three (3) years of relevant and proven professional experience gained after obtaining the diploma. [3]

II. Selection criteria

1. Experience and knowledge

i. At least 3 years of professional experience in a social science discipline, related to the tasks outlined under ‘key responsibilities’, preferably gained in an international/EU environment;

ii. Experience in designing and conducting social science research aimed at understanding social behaviours and perceptions;

iii. Experience in applying social science research results to the development of communication for defined target audiences, preferably gained in multidisciplinary teams;

iv. Very good knowledge of methodologies for qualitative and quantitative research for the evaluation of communication interventions, including statistical analysis;

v. Knowledge of published research on communication of risk and the role of scientific and public institutions in the amplification of risk;

vi. A Master’s degree or PhD in a social science discipline will be considered an asset.

2. Competencies

i. Communication and English: Strong ability to communicate clearly and effectively in both spoken and written English;

ii. Negotiating: Ability to negotiate skilfully in tough situations with both internal and external groups;

iii. Working with others: Ability to work with others harmoniously and towards a common goal to obtain best results in the interest of EU citizens;

iv. Analysis and problem solving: Ability to identify the critical facts in difficult issues and develop creative and practical solutions;

v. Drive for Results: Ability to take personal responsibility and initiative for delivering high quality work;

vi. Political savvy and strategic ability: Ability to anticipate future consequences and trends in the strategic application of social science evidence to the development of clear and impactful communications.

NOTE

In the event of inconsistency or discrepancy between the English version and any of the other linguistic versions of this publication, the English language version shall prevail.

[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 he/she 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 (original or certified 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 (original or certified 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. Remunerated 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 original versions of documents proving the candidate’s work experience.