NOTICE OF VACANCY TO CONSTITUTE A LIST OF SUITABLE
CANDIDATES
SUPPORT EXPERT IN VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING
POLICIES
Deadline for applications:
Reference
Type of contract
Function group/grade
Initial contract duration
Place of employment
11 January 2016
Cedefop/2015/05/CA
Contract agent
FG IV
3 years renewable
Greece-Thessaloniki
Cedefop is organising a selection procedure to draw up a list of suitable
candidates for the position of support Expert in vocational education and training
policies.
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 investing in VET.
Cedefop works closely with the European Commission, governments,
representatives of employers and trade unions, as well as with researchers and
practitioners.
Cedefop’s medium-term priorities for 2012-16 are the following:
 supporting the modernisation of VET systems;
 career and transitions – Continuing VET, adult learning and work-based
learning;
 analysing skills and competence needs to inform VET provision.
Cedefop offers a challenging environment with flexible work organisation and
individual responsibility. As a learning and knowledge-development and sharing
organisation, Cedefop provides good opportunities for continued professional
development.
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: hr-recruitment@cedefop.europa.eu | www.cedefop.europa.eu
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2.
ORGANISATIONAL CONTEXT
Cedefop employs approximately 130 persons. The working language is English.
In line with Cedefop’s mission, medium-term priorities and annual work
programme, the successful candidate will be appointed in the Department for
Learning and Employability, as expert in VET and training policies.
The Department for Learning and Employability supports the cooperation among
member states, social partners and other VET stakeholders in enhancing VET
policies attractiveness, effectiveness, and inclusiveness to help all citizens to be
and remain employable in a constantly changing labour market.
The main areas of interest of the work of the Department are:
 adult learning and CVET;
 work-based learning and apprenticeships;
 VET for labour market integration and social inclusion;
 lifelong guidance;
 attractiveness and financing of VET;
 validation of non-formal and informal learning;
 teachers’ and trainers’ professional development.
3.
JOB DESCRIPTION (DUTIES, TASKS, RESPONSIBILITIES)
We are looking for a support expert with research and direct professional
experience in the following areas:
 vocational education and training policies and practices preferably with
specific experience on those policies aimed at equipping people for a
sustainable (re)integration into the labour market;
 comparative statistical analysis in vocational education and training and labour
market related fields.
The support expert will be involved in the everyday work of the Agency. S/he will
work on research and policy analysis relevant to the European cooperation
processes in (vocational) education and training (currently ‘ET 2020’1, the
‘Bruges Communiqué’2 and Riga conclusions3), as key components of VET,
lifelong learning and employment policies.
1
http://europa.eu/legislation_summaries/education_training_youth/general_framework/ef0
016_en.htm
2 http://ec.europa.eu/education/policy/vocational-policy/doc/brugescom_en.pdf
3 http://ec.europa.eu/education/policy/vocational-policy/doc/2015-riga-conclusions_en.pdf
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S/he will work under the supervision and guidance of an expert.
The specific tasks will include supporting:
 analysis of EU and country developments in the field of vocational education
and training and labour market related policies;
 the design and implementation of Cedefop activities in the Member States
aimed at analysing, formulating and monitoring national VET policies and their
implementation;
 gathering statistical information and indicators which are relevant to analyse
education, training and employment policies in EU Member States, including
handling, verifying and analysing relevant data for different projects.
 carrying out studies and comparative analysis to further strengthen Cedefop’s
capacity to provide evidence-based advice for policies and strategies in the
field of vocational education and training and related policies;
 drafting quality and scientifically robust reports and papers relevant to
European VET policies and practices;
 thematic cooperation between different Cedefop’s activities, working groups
(e.g. peer learning activities) and stakeholders (European Commission,
Member States, social partners).
The support expert is also expected to carry out the following tasks:
 organise, animate and participate in meetings, working groups, conferences,
and policy learning activities in the areas of responsibility;
 contribute to managing public procurement procedures (with the technical
support of the procurement service) including the drafting of calls for tenders,
selection and evaluation of offers, negotiation of content-related and financial
aspects, drafting of order forms, follow up of deliverables;
 contribute to steer and monitor external contractors ensuring best
performance;
 keep up to date on developments in his/her area of expertise, including
contacts with researchers and research organisations and participation in
conferences;
 promote and disseminate outcomes liaising closely with the European
Commission, Member States and stakeholders at national and sectoral level;
 ensure Cedefop’s internal communication, knowledge-sharing and planning
and reporting processes.
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4.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
To be considered eligible, applicants must satisfy all the following requirements
on the closing date for submission of applications:
General conditions4
 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 post5.
Education
have a level of education which corresponds to completed university studies6 of
at least three years attested by a diploma and appropriate professional
experience of at least one year.
Language skills
 have a thorough knowledge of one of the languages of the European Union
and satisfactory knowledge of another language of the European Union7.
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.
Professional experience, competences and skills

in addition to the one year appropriate professional experience (see section
4), a minimum of two years’ full-time equivalent proven professional
experience in carrying out education and/or VET research documented by one
publication (such as book, authored report of international organisations,
journal article, doctoral or university graduate thesis and dissertation);
 very good written and spoken English (C1 or above as referenced in the
Common European Framework of Reference8);
 sound methodological skills in social sciences;
4
See article 82 of the Conditions of Employment of Other Servants of the European Union.
5
Before appointment, the successful candidate must undergo a medical examination.
6
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.
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-languagelevels-cefr).
8
Common European Framework of Reference
(http://europass.cedefop.europa.eu/en/resources/european-language-levels-cefr).
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 good understanding of research issues in the field of vocational education and
training European policies;
 expertise in statistical/data analysis supporting research projects and good
knowledge of socio-economic statistical sources at the European level;
 solid analytical skills and ability to identify key issues and important trends
related to education and VET and related policy implications;
 good communication skills and ability to present work accurately and
convincingly in meetings and conferences;
 good drafting skills and capacity to adapt style to different written formats and
target groups;
 relevant professional experience in VET environment (teaching or
administration).
Technical knowledge
 very good ability to operate standard computer applications;
6.
ADDITIONAL ASSETS
 advanced university degree (a Masters or PhD/Doctorate or equivalent);
 involvement in international activities related to the tasks described above
(see section 5);
 experience working in an international, multicultural and multidisciplinary
environment.
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 (not more than 10) on
condition that they have achieved at least 50% of the highest possible score
during the evaluation of applications.
It is intended to hold tests and interviews in Cedefop’s seat in Thessaloniki, on
25-26 February 2016 (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.
The list may be used 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 31 December 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.
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8.
CONTRACTUAL CONDITIONS
The contract is for three 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 79 to 119 referring to contract staff). The successful candidate will be
recruited in Function Group IV. The basic monthly salary for FG IV (13) (step 1) is
approximately € 3170. The salary is subject to a salary weighting (currently
79.9%) 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.
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://eurlex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CONSLEG:1962R0031:20140101:
EN:PDF
9.
SUBMISSION OF APPLICATIONS
Applications must be submitted online by 11 January 2016 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.
To register and apply, please go to the job opportunities section of Cedefop’s
website (http://www.cedefop.europa.eu/EN/working-with-us/jobopportunities.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
(http://europass.cedefop.europa.eu/en/home);
 a copy of your undergraduate university degree9;
 a letter of motivation of not more than 700 words;
 a copy of one relevant VET publication (stating the name of the author) as
mentioned in point 5.
9
You must always attach your undergraduate university degree (e.g. Bachelor). In addition and
optionally, other postgraduate diplomas (e.g. Master, PhD) and certificates may also be attached.
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Please note:
For the purposes of internal and external work-related communication and
operational efficiency, appropriate knowledge of English is required. CV and
motivation letter must therefore be submitted 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).
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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