European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training
EXTERNAL NOTICE OF VACANCY
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CEDEFOP /2011/9/ AD
Cedefop invites applications for drawing up of a list of suitable candidates for the position of a
SENIOR EXPERT IN CONTINUING TRAINING AND WORKPLACE DEVELOPMENT initial contract period: 5 years
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The employer: Cedefop
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, for example, 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. It provides them with up-to-date information and analysis on developments, experience and innovation in VET, and forums for policy and research debate.
Cedefop was founded in 1975 and since 1995 has been located in Thessaloniki, Greece. It has approximately 130 staff. Cedefop’s 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 promotes excellent opportunities for continued professional development.
For more information on the Agency, see www.cedefop.europa.eu
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The job profile
As part of Cedefop’s medium-term priorities 2012-14 and annual work programmes, the successful candidate will be appointed as senior expert and project manager to work in
Area Enhanced cooperation in VET and lifelong learning. This Area is organised in two main fields:
1. Supporting the development and the follow-up of common European concepts, policies and tools in vocational education and training, including contributing to a better understanding of current and changing roles and functions of qualifications in
Europe and their influence on reforms and modernisation of education and training;

2. Coordinating the study visits for education and vocational training specialists in the
EU’s Lifelong Learning Programme as a key to support policy development and
European cooperation in lifelong learning.
The successful candidate will develop Cedefop’s expertise on trends and issues relevant to continuing training, workplace learning and human resource development (HRD), as key components of lifelong learning and employment policies.
Through this work s/he will enable Cedefop to contribute to strengthening European cooperation in vocational education and training and lifelong learning (
“ET 2020” and the
‘Bruges Communiqué’), including the links between education/training and the labour market.
JOB TASKS
Reporting to the Head of Area and in close co-operation with a team of experts, the project manager shall, in particular, be responsible for the following tasks.
Research and policy analysis

Undertake and direct comparative research and policy analysis on continuing vocational education and training (CVET) and workplace development, including human resource development from both company and individual perspectives such as the contribution of skill development to productivity, innovation capacity and change management in enterprises and individuals’ labour market mobility and career transitions;

Initiate research and policy analysis in relation to CVET and industrial relations that will provide evidence to inform training and employment strategies, in cooperation with the
European Commission, Member States, social partners and economic sectors;

Draft high quality, scientifically robust and policy relevant reports, studies and papers on CVET, workplace development and employment issues in the EU, addressed to
Cedefop’s key stakeholders, especially the European Commission, Member States and social partners;

Contribute to interdisciplinary research addressing the interaction between education and training and work and its implications for policies and practices relevant to VET and lifelong learning;

Formulate research findings and policy messages for dissemination to European
Community institutions, Member States and social partners;

Coordinate networking and stakeholder engagement strategies including peer learning activities, workshops and seminars, and leading working groups;

Contribute to coordinating Cedefop’s activities in relation to adult learning and workplace development, and facilitate thematic co-operation between different
Cedefop’s activities and stakeholders by identifying common issues relevant to adult learning.
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Project management

Ensure overall project management from design to achievement of expected results and their dissemination in a cost-effective manner;

Define project objectives, expected outcomes deliverables, activities, timetable and planning, human resources and ensure adequate implementation and management;
 Manage public procurement procedures (with the technical support of Cedefop’s procurement service), including drafting terms of reference, selection and evaluation of offers, steering and follow-up of selected contractors with the aim to ensure best performance;

Manage budgetary and financial aspects of the project(s), define budget requirements, report on the use of budget resources;

Promote and disseminate outcomes, in cooperation with Area Communication, information and dissemination, taking into accou nt Cedefop’s main stakeholders and target groups.
Contribute to the work of Cedefop

Support drafting of medium-term priorities, annual work programmes, management plans, progress and annual reports;

Enrich internal communication and knowledge sharing within the Area and with other
Cedefop Areas and services, participate in cross-area activities as appropriate;

Develop and maintain good relations with stakeholders and external partners, including representing Cedefop and promoting its work at meetings and conferences.
FORMAL REQUIREMENTS
To be considered eligible, applicants must:

Be a citizen of one of the Member States of the European Union;

Have a level of education which corresponds to completed university studies attested by a diploma when the normal period of university education is four years or more and after having obtained the university degree, at least 6 years full-time equivalent professional experience
or a level of university education which corresponds to completed university studies attested by a diploma when the normal period of university education is three years and, after having obtained the university degree, at least 7 years of full-time equivalent professional experience;

Have a thorough knowledge of one of the languages of the Communities and satisfactory knowledge of another language of the Communities ( 1 );

Enjoy full rights as a citizen;
( 1 ) Knowledge of a third Community language is necessary for the first promotion after recruitment.
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
Have fulfilled any obligations imposed by the laws on military service;

Be physically fit to perform the duties relating to the post ( 2 ).
A PPLICANTS WILL ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING SELECTION CRITERIA
Education, knowledge and professional experience

A university degree (preferably in education science or social sciences);

At least six or seven (as appropriate, see formal requirements above), full-time equivalent years of relevant professional experience in research and analysis on continuing VET, lifelong learning and the labour market attested by published work
(articles, books, etc.);

Excellent knowledge and understanding of VET and lifelong learning as well as related employment and social policies in the European Union;

Good understanding of workplace learning and HRD, industrial relations and labour market developments in the European Union;

Very good knowledge of English including drafting and oral skills;
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Knowledge of EU institutions and policies relevant to the tasks described above.
Professional competences and skills
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Ability and experience in collaborating with stakeholders at EU or national level;
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Experience in managing, coordinating and monitoring transnational research projects,, setting priorities and delivering high quality results to schedule and budget;

Strong analytical skills and ability to draw up policy conclusions and recommendations;
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Experience in drafting research papers, policy-relevant documents and studies, documented by publications or working papers, on topics related to the post;

Excellent oral communication skills to be able to moderate and steer international networks, lead discussion, present work accurately and convincingly by explaining complex issues to a broad range of audiences in internal and external meetings and conferences;

Ability to anticipate and accept new demands and challenges, to manage a range of tasks, respond to ad hoc requirements and to work constructively under stress;

Persistence, accuracy, task focus and result-orientation;

Commitment to continuous professional and personal development.
T HE FOLLOWING CHARACTERISTICS WILL BE CONSIDERED AS ADDITIONAL ASSETS

A PhD (preferably in education or social sciences);

Working experience in a European or an international organisation;
( 2 ) Before appointment, the successful candidate must undergo a medical examination to establish that s/he is physically fit to perform the duties of the post.
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
Experience in working within international networks;

A good command of a third EU language.
Selection procedure
Eligibility of candidates will be assessed according to compliance with all formal requirements by the closing date for the submission of applications. Non-eligible candidates will not be considered further in the selection process. A shortlist of candidates will be established with those candidates who meet the selection criteria and who most closely meet the additional assets. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for written tests and an interview.
The Selection Board’s work and deliberations are strictly confidential and any contact with the board members is strictly forbidden during the selection procedure.
Please note: It is intended to hold tests and interviews in Thessaloniki, on 6 and 7 February 2012 (subject to change).
A list of suitable candidates will be drawn up by Cedefop. Candidates must obtain a minimum total score of 60% in the written tests and interviews to be proposed for admission to the list of suitable candidates.
The list may be used as a reserve for recruitment, should vacancies arise. Applicants will be informed if they have been included in the list. Inclusion in the list does not guarantee recruitment.
The list will be valid until 31/12/2013 and validity may be extended.
Contractual conditions
The contract is for 5 years with the possibility of renewal.
The terms of employment are those described in the Staff Regulations of the European
Communities and in the Conditions of Employment of Other Servants of the European
Communities (cf. Articles 8 to 50a referring to temporary staff).
The successful candidate will be recruited in grade AD 7. The basic monthly salary for grade AD 7 (step 1) is approximately € 5500. The salary is subject to a salary weighting
(currently 94.8%) and a Community tax deducted at source but 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 allowance.
For any further information on the contractual and working conditions please refer to the
Staff Regulations of Officials of the European Communities and the Conditions of
Employment of other Servants of the European Communities, which is accessible at the following address: http://ec.europa.eu/civil_service/docs/toc100_en.pdf
Recruitment will take place under the condition that corresponding budget appropriations and a vacant post are available.
The place of employment is Thessaloniki where Cedefop is located.
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Equal opportunities
Cedefop applies a policy of equal opportunities and takes care to avoid any form of discrimination.
Submission of applications
Applications must be submitted on-line.
Applications sent by post, e-mail etc. will not be accepted.
To register an d 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.
Cedefop highly recommends that you read the “instructions to applicants” before you start filling in your application.
In addition to filling in the application form, you must also attach a detailed curriculum vitae preferably using the European format ( https://europass.cedefop.europa.eu/cvonline ), copies of diploma and/or certificates and a letter of motivation of not more than two pages as well as one or two recent and relevant publications.
Please note: The CV and letter of motivation must be provided in English.
Applications that are incomplete will be rejected.
The deadline for applications is 13 December 2011 at 15:00 Greek Time (CET + 1) .
Reference number: CEDEFOP/2011/9/AD
Any information provided in your application is subject to EU legislation on protection of personal data and confidentiality of information. For more information, please refer to the privacy statement in the on-line application.
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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 of the
European Communities and Conditions of employment of other servants of the European
Communities, at the following address:
The Director
CEDEFOP
P.O. Box 22427
GR-55102 Finikas (Thessaloniki)
Greece
Any complaint must be lodged within 3 months after the candidate has been informed of the final outcome of the procedure.
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