NOTICE OF VACANCY TO CONSTITUTE A LIST OF SUITABLE
CANDIDATES
HEAD OF OPERATIONAL AREA
Deadline for 2 October 2014
applications:
Reference Cedefop/2014/01/AD
Type of contract Temporary agent 2f
Function group/grade AD 10
Initial contract duration 5 years renewable
Place of employment Greece-Thessaloniki
Cedefop is organising a selection procedure to draw up a list of suitable
candidates for the position of Head of Operational Area.
1. AGENCY INFORMATION
Cedefop is the European Agency to promote the development of vocational
education and training (VET) in the European Union. It is a forum for policy
analysis and research and is a recognised partner in the policy and scientific
debates on VET. Its strategic objective is to enhance European cooperation in
VET through evidence and expertise. Cedefop provides advice, research,
analysis, information and stimulates European cooperation and mutual learning.
It supports the development of VET and evidence-based policy-making in areas
such as anticipation of skill needs, improving understanding about qualifications
and skills to support mobility across borders and analysing trends in work-based
learning and apprenticeships. Cedefop works closely with the European
Commission, governments, representatives of employers and trade unions, as
well as with researchers and practitioners. For more information, please consult
our website: http://www.cedefop.europa.eu.
Europe 123, 570 01 Thessaloniki (Pylea), GREECE | Postal address: PO Box 22427, 551 02 Thessaloniki, GREECE
Τel. +30 2310490146 | Fax +30 2310490049 | E-mail: [email protected] | www.cedefop.europa.eu
Cedefop-2014-01-AD.DOCX page 1 of 9
2. ORGANISATIONAL CONTEXT
Cedefop employs approximately 130 persons. The working language is English.
Cedefop offers a challenging environment with flexible work organisation and
individual responsibility. As a learning and knowledge-development and sharing
organisation, Cedefop provides excellent opportunities for continued professional
development.
Through comparative studies, analyses and peer learning activities, the Area
currently entitled Enhanced Cooperation in VET and Lifelong Learning provides
the evidence and expertise to support the European Commission, member states
and social partners in implementing the European policy agenda for (vocational)
education and training, in particular the strategic framework for European
cooperation in Education and Training (‘ET 2020’) and the Bruges Communiqué
in the overall context of the EU 2020 strategy. The Area focuses on two main
fields:
(a) supporting the development and implementation of common European
tools and principles in (vocational) education and training (e.g. the European
Qualifications Framework, the European Credit system for VET, the European
Network on Quality Assurance in VET, Europass, ESCO, validation of non-formal
and informal learning);
(b) contributing to the EU policy agenda on adult learning by analysing,
monitoring and reporting on developments and trends in work-based and
apprenticeship-type learning.
3. JOB DESCRIPTION (DUTIES, TASKS, RESPONSIBILITIES)
Reporting to the Directorate, the Head of Area provides the necessary expertise
and leadership to focus work on achieving the strategic, specific and operational
objectives of Cedefop and to support the agency’s further development and
success.
The Head of Area sets specific and operational objectives for policies and actions
for the Area, designs, leads and supervises the Area work programme,
coordinates work activities within the Area and represents Cedefop and the Area
at relevant meetings.
S/he contributes to overall quality management of the Centre and to achieving
efficient and effective results and promoting high visibility and impact of Cedefop
activities and outputs.
S/he is directly responsible for managing the human and financial resources of
the Area (1). S/he also monitors the overall Area performance, using Cedefop’s
performance measurement system.
1
( ) Area ECVL currently has 28 staff members (18 experts/project managers and 10 assistants) and
is allocated a budget of approximately 2 million Euros per annum.
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Specific responsibilities include:
Contribution to Cedefop’s overall development, priorities, planning and
visibility
contribute to the preparation of Cedefop’s strategy, medium-term
priorities, work programme and to related reporting and evaluation;
contribute to implementing decisions of the Directorate and Governing
Board;
contribute to overall quality management of the Centre and to
achieving efficient and effective results;
contribute to promoting high visibility and impact of Cedefop activities
and outputs.
Area management
programme, organise and supervise the correct functioning of the
Area, including management of human and financial resources;
define, coordinate and implement the strategies and policies of the
Area, on the basis of Cedefop’s medium-term priorities and work
programme;
ensure that human and financial resources are allocated and used in
an efficient, effective, transparent and economic manner;
provide regular feedback on staff performance and ensure human
resources development.
Project management
define, plan, coordinate and supervise activities in the Area;
coordinate and supervise, within the scope of his/her responsibilities,
the launch of calls for tender, evaluation and selection of proposals;
ensure the dissemination and promotion of project results; present
Cedefop’s activities at meetings, public conferences and other
occasions.
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Internal cooperation and coordination
contribute to internal communication and knowledge sharing within
Area ECVL and with the two other Cedefop operational areas (2) and
services and the Directorate.
Budget planning, supervision and reporting
define budget requirements and priorities and internal allocation within
the Area’s projects and budget lines;
verify and validate in his/her capacity as authorising officer the
financial and budgetary aspects of projects carried out under his/her
responsibility, and as laid down in the act of delegation.
4. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
To be considered eligible, applicants must satisfy all the following requirements
on the closing date for submission of applications:
General conditions (3)
be a citizen of one of the Member States of the European Union;
enjoy full rights as a citizen;
have fulfilled any obligations imposed by the laws on military service;
be physically fit to perform the duties relating to the post (4).
Education/Experience
have a level of education which corresponds to completed university
studies(5) attested by a diploma and, at least 12 years proven full-time
equivalent professional experience(6), after having obtained the university
degree, when the normal period of university education is four years or
more
or
have a level of education which corresponds to completed university
studies(5) attested by a diploma and, at least 13 years proven full-time
2
( ) Area Research and Policy Analysis (RPA) and Area Communication, Information and
Dissemination (CID).
3
( ) See article 12 of the Conditions of Employment of Other Servants of the European Communities.
4
( ) Before appointment, the successful candidate must undergo a medical examination.
5
( ) Only qualifications issued by EU Member State authorities and qualifications recognised as
equivalent by the relevant EU Member State authorities (e.g. Naric) will be accepted.
6
( ) Only duly documented professional experience will be taken into account. Part-time work will be
taken into account in proportion to the percentage of full-time work. Overlapping work experience
cannot be counted twice.
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equivalent professional experience(6) after having obtained the university
degree, when the normal period of university education is three years.
Language skills
have a thorough knowledge of one of the languages of the European
Union and satisfactory knowledge of another language of the European
Union (7).
Non-compliance with any of these eligibility criteria will result in the exclusion of
the candidate from the selection process and the application will not be further
evaluated.
5. SELECTION CRITERIA
Eligible candidates will be assessed against the requirements listed below.
Education and professional experience
the 12 (or respectively 13, see above) years of full-time equivalent
professional experience must have been acquired in positions with
increasing responsibility and which combined at least:
o 8 years full-time equivalent relevant professional experience at a
senior level (as indicated by the responsibilities listed above) in the
field of (vocational) education and training and employment
policies. The nature of the professional experience should be
documented by three relevant publications (copies of publications
should be attached either in hard copy or electronic form) and
o 3 years of human and financial resource management experience.
Professional knowledge, competences and skills
Specialist knowledge and skills
the capacity to innovate and bring new insights, based on an excellent
understanding of VET policies and labour market trends and the critical
role VET can play for social inclusion as well as for excellence,
productivity and innovation in Europe;
knowledge of EU VET and labour market policies and programmes
covered by the Area.
General management skills, including:
proven capacity to lead at strategic and internal management levels and
deliver results;
7
( ) Satisfactory knowledge is considered level B2 or above as referenced in the Common European
Framework of Reference (http://europass.cedefop.europa.eu/en/resources/european-language-
levels-cefr). Knowledge of a third language of the European Union is necessary for the first
promotion after recruitment.
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the ability to manage staff and build productive and cooperative working
relationships in an intercultural and/or multidisciplinary context;
negotiation, problem solving and conflict resolution skills;
proven project management skills;
the ability to manage budgets in line with operational objectives and the
principles of sound financial management.
Communication skills
excellent drafting and presentation skills to convey the content and
implications of the outcomes of Cedefop’s and the Area’s work to different
stakeholders, in oral and written form;
excellent knowledge of English8, including very strong drafting, editing and
oral skills;
very good ability to communicate in at least one other EU language;
strong communication and interpersonal skills, enabling the candidate to
lead discussions, chair meetings and communicate clearly.
Technical knowledge
very good ability to operate standard computer applications.
6. ADDITIONAL ASSETS
knowledge of EU financial regulations and procurement procedures;
proven experience of interdisciplinary policy analysis and research
projects;
experience in the public sector or public administration;
good understanding of the functioning of an EU Agency and of the inter-
institutional working of the EU;
proven experience in leading intercultural and/or interdisciplinary teams;
good command of a third EU language.
7. SELECTION PROCEDURE
Candidates are assessed against compliance with all the eligibility and selection
criteria by the closing date for the submission of applications. Cedefop will invite
for written test and interview the most suitable candidates (around 10) on
condition that they have achieved at least 50% of the highest possible score
during the evaluation of applications.
8
Level C1 or above as referenced in the Common European Framework of Reference
(http://europass.cedefop.europa.eu/en/resources/european-language-levels-cefr).
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It is intended to hold tests and interviews in Cedefop’s seat in Thessaloniki,
on 20-21 November 2014 (subject to change).
Candidates who take part in written tests and interviews must obtain a minimum
total score of 60% to be proposed for admission to the list of suitable candidates.
Candidates who have been admitted to the list may also be invited to participate
in an assessment centre in Brussels on 10-12 December 2014 (date subject to
change).
The list of suitable candidates may be used as a reserve for recruitment, should a
vacancy arise.
Applicants will be informed if they have been included in the list. Inclusion does
not guarantee recruitment. The list will be valid until 30 June 2016. Validity may
be extended.
The Selection Board’s work and deliberations are strictly confidential. It is
forbidden for applicants to make direct or indirect contact with members of the
Selection Board or for anybody to do so on their behalf. Infringement of this rule
may lead to disqualification from the selection procedure.
8. CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
The contract is for five years with the possibility of renewal. The successful
candidate will undergo a probation period of 9 months.
The terms of employment are those described in the Staff Regulations of Officials
and in the Conditions of Employment of Other Servants of the European Union
(cf. Articles 8 to 56 referring to temporary staff). The successful candidate will be
recruited in grade AD10. The basic monthly salary for grade AD 10 (step 1) is
approximately € 8,130. The salary is subject to a salary weighting (currently
91.2%) and a Community tax deducted at source but which is exempt from
national taxation. In addition, staff members may be entitled to various
allowances such as household allowance, expatriation allowance, dependent
child and education allowances as well as a management allowance.
For any further information on the contractual and working conditions, please
refer to the Staff Regulations of Officials and the Conditions of Employment of
Other Servants of the European Union, which are accessible at the following
address:
http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CONSLEG:1962R0031:20140101:EN:PDF
9. SUBMISSION OF APPLICATIONS
Applications must be submitted online by 2 October 2014 at 15.00 Greek time
(CET + 1). Applications sent by post, e-mail etc. will be rejected.
Cedefop highly recommends that you read the instructions to applicants and
the frequently asked questions before you start filling in your application.
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To register and apply, please go to the job opportunities section of Cedefop’s
website (http://www.cedefop.europa.eu/EN/working-with-us/job-
opportunities.aspx), click on the name of the vacancy notice and follow the
instructions.
In addition to filling in the application form, you must also attach a detailed
curriculum vitae preferably using the Europass format
(https://europass.cedefop.europa.eu/cvonline), copies of diploma and/or
certificates, a letter of motivation of not more than two pages and copies of three
relevant publications (see section 5).
Please note: The CV and letter of motivation must be provided in English.
Applications that are incomplete will be rejected.
10. APPEAL PROCEDURES
If a candidate considers that s/he has been adversely affected by a particular
decision, s/he can lodge a complaint under Article 90(2) of the Staff Regulations
of Officials and Conditions of Employment of Other Servants of the European
Union, at the following address:
The Director
CEDEFOP
P.O. Box 22427
GR-55102 Finikas (Thessaloniki)
Any complaint must be lodged within 3 months after the candidate has been
informed of the decision concerning his/her application.
Candidates also have the possibility to complain to the European Ombudsman.
Please note that complaints made to the Ombudsman have no suspensive effect
on the time period laid down in Article 91 of the Staff Regulations. Note also that,
under Article 2(4) of the general conditions governing the performance of the
Ombudsman's duties, any complaint lodged with the Ombudsman must be
preceded by the appropriate administrative approaches to the institutions and
bodies concerned.
11. PROTECTION OF PERSONAL DATA
Cedefop ensures that applicants’ personal data are processed as required by
Regulation (EC) No 45/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18
December 2000 on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of
personal data by the Community institutions and bodies and on the free
movement of such data (Official Journal of the European Communities, L 8 of 12
January 2001).
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12. EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES
Cedefop applies a policy of equal opportunities and accepts applications without
distinction on any grounds.
13. DECLARATION OF COMMITMENT TO SERVE PUBLIC INTEREST INDEPENDENTLY
The successful candidate will be required to sign a declaration of commitment to
act independently in the public interest and to sign a declaration in relation to
interests that might be considered prejudicial to his/her independence. Applicants
must confirm their willingness to do so in their application.
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