EFSA – Head of Risk Assessment Services Department

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] in one of the following fields: food science, food technology, chemistry, biochemistry, toxicology, biology, microbiology, human nutrition, human medicine, veterinary medicine, epidemiology, dietary exposure assessment, life sciences or related areas;

OR

b)   A level of education which corresponds to completed university studies of at least three (3) years attested by a diploma[2] in one of the following fields: food science, food technology, chemistry, biochemistry, toxicology, biology, microbiology, human nutrition, human medicine, veterinary medicine, epidemiology, dietary exposure assessment, life sciences or related areas, 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

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

1.    Technical competencies

i.    Demonstrated experience in designing, managing, coordinating and implementing strategies in scientific areas related to EFSA’s remit; ability to co-create and co-develop the main axes and direction of the strategy, translating it into delivery;

ii.     Proven experience (at least 6 years) in leading, coaching and motivating teams and driving high performance (as Head of Unit, Head of Sector or equivalent), preferably gained in an international/multicultural environment;

iii.    Experience in leading work plans and operations with medium to long term objectives; ability to manage budgetary resources and a wide range of workforce/contractual modalities optimizing the allocation of the resources to support the delivery of scientific outputs;

iv.    Good knowledge of the EU regulatory and policy framework, including EU food and feed safety legislation and risk assessment principles.

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;
ii. Demonstrate political savvy and strategic agility: Demonstrated business acumen, and ability to stay abreast of industry and organizational trends. Ability to manage and promote change as a creative, value-adding and innovative leader;
iii. Focus on stakeholder needs: Ability to apply strong communication, influencing and negotiation skills within a complex organisation jointly with advanced partnering and networking skills;
iv. Plan and measure for results: Ability to focus on critical facts in complex contexts and coordinate multiple activities to achieve goals;
v. Work with others: Work confidently within a group and contribute to achieve the common goals; able to network, cooperate, listen actively;
vi. Lead and develop a team: Ability to get the best out of team members, inspire and motivate them.

NOTE

The talent pool (reserve list) will be valid until 31/12/2022. The validity of the talent pool may be extended.

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 and appeal procedures.

[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.