Information Specialist
EFSA/F/4/2022/02
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), based in Parma, Italy
is looking for an
Information Specialist
(Contract Agent, Function Group IV)
The purpose of this call is to establish a talent pool (reserve list) that may be used for the recruitment of staff when a position becomes available and will be valid until 31/12/2024. The validity of the talent pool may be extended.
IS THIS JOB FOR YOU?
Are you passionate about retrieving and collecting data and evidence and developing new methodologies in this field? Are you innovative and results-driven? Do you have solid experience in information science, including evidence retrieval, data collection and management? Do you have eye for details and the ability to communicate clearly with internal and external stakeholders?
The successful candidate will share an expertise in information science with EFSA’s internal and external stakeholders and will assist in retrieving, collecting and managing data and evidence relevant to all EFSA’s areas as well as developing and implementing new methodologies in the area of information science.
Your key responsibilities
- Developing search strategies and conducting searches for evidence in support of EFSA staff and experts, in line with systematic review principles and for all types of information source (e.g. bibliographic databases, sources of grey literature, etc.).
- Providing support, as Information specialist, to EFSA literature review processes, using specific software (e.g. DistillerSR, etc.);
- Conducting research on methods to enhance identification of relevant scientific evidence (e.g. text mining, Artificial Intelligence tools, …) and contributing to implement those methods in EFSA;
- Providing and/or coordinating training in information retrieval (including use of reference management software – e.g. EndNote, and bibliographic databases) for EFSA staff and experts;
- Providing support to retrieve and purchase books and articles requested by the staff;
- Collaborating with the EFSA Library staff to:
- Manage contracts with service providers;
- Update and manage the subscription of scientific collections.
WHY EFSA?
You will play an active role in an organisation that makes a difference to the lives of 445 million EU citizens.
EFSA employs around 550 staff members, and its Scientific Committee and Panels engage highly qualified and independent scientific experts. Every position within EFSA plays an important part in creating an inspirational environment in which to work and develop.
EFSA’s standards and values are driven by ethics and integrity and all staff is expected to act in a manner consistent with its principles, including fairness, transparency and impartiality in work practices and conduct towards other people.
EFSA is an equal opportunities employer and encourages applications from all suitably qualified candidates without any distinction on grounds of age, gender, sexual orientation, impairment and disability, ethnic or social origin, religion or belief. All EFSA staff is committed to creating an open and inclusive environment.
Furthermore, you will be joining EFSA at an exciting time as we are implementing the Transparency Regulation: EFSA expanded its mandate and has grown considerably over last few years.
WHAT CAN WE OFFER YOU?
Life in Parma
Parma is a lively city of around 200.000 inhabitants located in the Italian region of Emilia-Romagna and ranked as one of the most liveable cities in Italy. Its centre is rich in art, with architecture from different periods and plenty of parks. Parma is famous for its food, surrounding picturesque countryside and medieval castles. It is strategically located between major cities like Milano and Bologna and within reachable distance from ski resorts, seaside and mountains.
Salary and benefits
The successful candidate will be recruited as Contract Agent Function Group IV with the basic salary starting from € 3.710 monthly, subject to an annual review of remuneration provided for in Article 65(1) of the Staff Regulations.
In addition to the basic salary, EFSA offers a range of benefits:
- Various allowances to which the successful jobholder may be entitled, such as a household allowance, expatriation allowance (16% of basic salary), dependent child allowance and education allowance. The salary is subject to a Community tax deducted at source and staff members are exempt from national taxation.
- Wide range of leaves (e.g. annual leave, parental leave, public holidays) and flexible working hours. Besides working in EFSA’s modern headquarter located in the heart of Parma, staff members are also offered the possibility to telework.
- A comprehensive welfare package including pension scheme, medical, accident and occupational disease insurance coverage, unemployment and invalidity allowance, and travel insurance. Further information regarding rights, conditions of employment and benefits can be found at the following links:
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: the following fields: library and information science, information science, information technology, information management, librarianship, library science, archive and record management and areas within the EFSA remit.[2]
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 effective communication in both spoken and written English as well as strong motivation for the position.
1. Technical competencies
- Proven experience in research projects in the role of Information specialist, including design and implementation of tailored evidence retrieval processes (i.e. developing search strategies, identifying relevant information sources, etc., in line with best practices – e.g. systematic review).
- Proven experience in managing references through the use of specific software (e.g. EndNote, Citavi etc.).
- Proven experience in identifying and implementing new techniques in the field of information science and in line with most recent IT developments.
- Proven experience in providing and/or coordinating training in evidence retrieval techniques and tools.
- Proven experience in Library services (e.g., acquisition and reference services, contract management).
- Proven experience in the role of Information specialist in literature review processes, using specific software (e.g. DistillerSR, EPPI Reviewer, Rayyan, etc.)
- Experience in Artificial Intelligence tools is considered a plus.
2. Behavioural competencies
- Deal with ambiguity: Able to work constructively within unexpected and unpredictable situations and show resilience and composure, even in difficult or adverse circumstances; able to decide and act without having the total picture; accept constructive feedback in a positive manner;
- Demonstrate political savvy and strategic agility: Look beyond the current situation and visualise what the future can bring with a keen sense for arising opportunities and good understanding of how and when to best pursue them; able to think in a creative and innovative way;
- Focus on stakeholder needs: Committed to meet the expectations and requirements of internal and external stakeholders; establish and maintain effective relationships with stakeholders and gain their trust and respect;
- Plan and measure for results: Set ambitious goals that exceed the targets and create plans to achieve them; ensure an efficient and responsible planning and management of resources;
- Work with others: Work confidently within a group and contribute to achieve the common goals, understanding own role and how it supports the team and the organisation; able to cooperate, listen actively, manage conflicts and motivate colleagues.
NOTE
[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 the candidate 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.
Source URL: https://careers.efsa.europa.eu/jobs/information-specialist-329