The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is the keystone of European Union (EU) risk assessment regarding food and feed safety. In close collaboration with national authorities and in open consultation with its stakeholders, EFSA provides independent scientific advice and clear communication on existing and emerging risks. The Authority has set up a selection procedure that aims to establish a reserve list for Temporary Agents (5 years renewable contract) for:
Junior Scientific Officer (Scientific Cooperation Unit) Grade AD5 Ref.: EFSA/X/AD/2007/036
The Directorate of Science EFSA’s core activity is to provide independent scientific advice on food safety issues throughout the food chain. The missions of the Directorate of Science are to provide risk assessments in a timely manner and to gather the data to carry out this task. The Directorate of Science is subdivided in two departments, the Risk Assessment Department and the Scientific Cooperation & Assistance Department. The Risk Assessment Department is charged with the management of the Expert Panel Support Units. The Scientific Cooperation Unit is part of the Scientific Cooperation & Assistance Department (SCA). This department is involved in the collection and analysis of data in the fields within EFSA’s mission, cooperation and networking with Member States, emerging risks, and the provision of scientific and technical assistance to the Commission and EFSA units.
The Scientific Cooperation Unit The Scientific Cooperation Unit provides the interface between national food safety agencies, institutions and experts in Member States and EFSA’s Units of the Science Directorate. The interface function will facilitate information exchange and scientific cooperation between and among Member States and EFSA. The Scientific Cooperation Unit closely cooperates with the Scientific Committee and Advisory Forum support Unit and the other Units in the Science Directorate in the initiation, technical management and follow-up of scientific projects to be carried out in cooperation with competent organisations in EU Member States in support of EFSA’s scientific activities. Such scientific projects may include the preparation of scientific documents in the framework of a risk assessment, the EU-wide collection and analysis of scientific information, formal consultation of Member States on guidance documents or new scientific approaches, or the preparation of scientific reports on newly identified or emerging issues of common concern. The Unit is also responsible for keeping up-to-date the list of competent organisations assisting EFSA in the framework of Article 36 of Regulation 178/2002.
The job The jobholder provides scientific support and assistance to the Scientific Cooperation Unit in: assisting in the project management, assisting in the screening for on-going work in the Member States, scientific editing of opinions and support in publishing of opinions in peer-reviewed journals, assistance to panels and other SCA Units through the support in setting up Art. 36 networks with public Research Institutes and Art. 32 procurements with public or private Research Organizations and the support in developing a system for collaboration with other international bodies.
The specific tasks may include: • Contributing to the co-ordination, planning, development, harmonisation and implementation of activities and procedures of the Authority; supporting other departments of the Authority on matters related to the work of the Unit; • Support in setting-up networks with competent institutions in EU Member States and with other international organisations active in similar areas as EFSA; • Providing assistance in handling external requests for information relevant to the work of the Unit, including requests from other European Institutions, International Bodies, Member States and the general public; • Contributing to the implementation of the strategy for cooperation and networking between EFSA and Member States; • Supporting the follow up of general scientific and regulatory developments related to the work of the Unit; • Active participation in and monitoring of scientific relevant research projects, international conferences and other scientific meetings in Member States; • Providing administrative assistance in the organisation of scientific meetings; drafting agendas, working documents and meeting minutes.
The jobholder reports to the Head of the Scientific Cooperation Unit.
The requirements Qualifications and experience A. Eligibility criteria i. A level of education which corresponds to completed university studies of at least three (3) years and attested by a diploma in one of the following fields: biology, biochemistry, chemistry, microbiology, toxicology, human nutrition, human medicine, veterinary medicine, epidemiology, dietary exposure assessment, animal health, animal welfare, food hygiene, food science, food technology, life sciences or areas related to life science; ii. Thorough knowledge of one of the official languages of the Communities and a satisfactory knowledge of another language of the Communities; iii. Candidates must be nationals of a Member State of the European Communities; iv. Candidates must have fulfilled any obligations imposed on them by laws concerning military service; v. Meet the character requirements for the duties involved; vi. Candidates must be entitled to his or her full rights as a citizen; vii. Be physically fit to perform the duties linked to the post1.
B. Selection criteria Essential criteria • Proven knowledge in the field directly relevant for the duties listed; • Sound scientific background in the area of food, feed or consumer safety; • Knowledge of the general principles of risk assessment in the area of food and/or feed safety; • Very good knowledge of written and spoken English; • Good knowledge of Microsoft Office; • Good organisational, coordination and implementation skills; • A sense of respect and co-operation, and good social skills; • Ability to work under conditions that require considerable flexibility.
Assets • Experience in participating in or setting up scientific networks in the areas within EFSA’s remit; • Experience acquired in a multicultural environment, preferably with a multidisciplinary approach; • Knowledge of risk assessment of chemical and microbiological contaminants in food and feed; • A PhD and/or a Master’s Degree in a scientific area that is directly relevant to the job; • Ability to communicate effectively at all levels within EFSA as well as with the Member States, the European Commission, and other institutional partners; • Knowledge of IT tools for project management, internet search, and electronic management of documents; • Proven experience in drafting scientific documents.
Selection procedure The eligibility of candidates will be assessed only if the requirements requested in the vacancy notice are met by the closing date of the submission of applications. Depending on the needs of the Authority and its teams, a shortlist will be established. Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview by the Selection Committee and may be also interviewed by the Executive Director. The interview will mainly be held in English and during the selection process candidates may be required to undergo a competency assessment exercise. The interview will take place in Parma (Italy), where the Authority has its seat and where the place of employment is.
Candidates invited to an interview will be requested to submit, on the day of the interview, a non-certified copy of their diploma(s) and evidence of their professional experience, clearly indicating the starting and finishing dates, the function(s) and the exact nature of the duties carried out. However, prior to contract signature, the successful candidate/s will be requested to provide EFSA with original or certified copies of all relevant documents proving the eligibility requirements.
Successful candidates will be included on a reserve list established by the Selection Committee and the Executive Director will appoint the selected jobholder/s. This reserve list may be used for the recruitment of a similar post depending on the needs of the Authority, and will be valid until 31/12/2008 (the validity of the reserve list may be extended). Candidates should note that inclusion on a reserve list does not guarantee recruitment.
Please note that the Selection Committee’s internal proceedings are strictly confidential and that any contact with its members is strictly forbidden.
Conditions of employment Depending on the budgetary situation, selected candidate/s may be offered a five-year contract in accordance with the conditions of employment of other servants of the European Communities. Before signing the contract, the selected candidates will be asked to sign a declaration of interest. The successful candidates will be recruited in the grade AD5. The basic monthly salary for the grade AD5 (step 1) is EUR 4.012,00. In addition to the basic salary, staff members may be entitled to various allowances, 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 of national taxation.
Please note that recruitment is done in the first or second step of the indicated grade, depending on the duration of the acquired professional experience.
EFSA offers 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 and conditions of employment can be found in the following document: .
The Authority is an equal opportunities employer and takes care to avoid any form of discrimination.
Submission of applications Candidates are requested to submit their application electronically through the Authority’s website: or download the forms from the EFSA website and send their application by registered mail to the following address:
EFSA Human Resources Unit Ref.: EFSA/X/AD/2007/036 Largo N. Palli, 5/A I-43100 PARMA
Candidates should note that the on line application is the recommended method. Applications delivered via email will not be accepted. An application will be deemed admissible only if it includes a duly completed application form. This vacancy notice and the form are only available in English. Candidates are kindly invited to fill in their application form in English, in order to facilitate the recruitment procedure. The Authority regrets that due to the large volume of applications only candidates selected for interviews will be notified. Information concerning the status of the selection procedure can be found at the following address: .
Please note that EFSA will not return applications to candidates. The personal information EFSA requests from candidates will be processed in line with Regulation (EC) N° 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. The purpose of processing of the personal data candidates submit is to manage applications in view of a possible pre-selection and recruitment at EFSA.
Deadline: Applications must be sent no later than 30/07/2007 at midnight (Local time, GMT +1). For those sent by registered mail, the postmark date will serve as a proof. The Authority will disregard any applications received after that date.
Please note that due to the extremely large number of applications we receive, when reaching the deadline for submission of applications, the system may have problems to process the large amounts of data. We therefore advise the applicants to send in their application well ahead of the deadline.
Links and Documents
Postal Application Form
