# CA2020146EN.01000101.xml

| 4.5.2020 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | CA 146/1 |
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4.5.2020

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

CA 146/1

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NOTICE OF VACANCY OMB/04/2020

Director of Inquiries

(2020/C 146 A/01)

GENERAL INFORMATION

| Title of post: | Director |
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| Function group and grade: | AD 14 |
| Legal basis: | Article 29(2) of the Staff Regulations (1) |
| Place of work: | Brussels |
| Deadline for application: | 31 May 2020 |
| Preferred starting date: | As soon as possible |

Title of post:

Director

Function group and grade:

AD 14

Legal basis:

Article 29(2) of the Staff Regulations (1)

Place of work:

Brussels

Deadline for application:

31 May 2020

Preferred starting date:

As soon as possible

WHO WE ARE

The European Ombudsman’s mission is to serve democracy by working with the institutions of the European Union (EU) to create a more effective, accountable, transparent and ethical EU administration. The European Ombudsman promotes good administration and strives to identify bad administrative practices with a view to redress them.

The European Ombudsman investigates citizens’ complaints that range from poor communication and service, lack of transparency in decision-making and refusal of access to documents to violations of fundamental rights and contractual matters. The Office also conducts own-initiative inquiries into systemic issues with an impact on the quality of EU administration. The Office’s guiding principles are independence, integrity, fairness, accountability, transparency, dialogue and service.

The European Ombudsman is a small, dynamic office with an establishment plan of roughly 70 posts and an annual budget of approximately EUR 12 million. Its offices are located in Brussels and Strasbourg. It offers a dynamic, respectful workplace with flat hierarchies and modern working tools that allow for efficiency, flexibility, good working conditions including a good balance between private and professional life and a pleasant working atmosphere. We have attained gender balance among managers and administrators.

DESCRIPTION OF THE POST

The Inquiries Directorate will be in charge of the Office's core activities, which include conducting inquiries into possible cases of maladministration by the EU institutions, bodies and agencies and promoting good administrative practices.

The Director will report to the Secretary-General and work closely with the Ombudsman’s Cabinet.

The Director will ensure the quality of the services delivered by the Directorate, as well as effective communication and cooperation both within the Directorate, and with the Cabinet of the Ombudsman and the General Secretariat.

Given that the Ombudsman intends to implement a policy for mobility for its managers, who should have a broad experience, candidates should be prepared to work in different areas of activity during their career at the Ombudsman.

This selection procedure, which is designed to give the appointing authority the widest possible choice of candidates, will be conducted at the same time as internal and interinstitutional recruitment procedures (2).

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We are looking for an experienced manager with a proven understanding of good administration, EU policy-making and EU affairs, experience in inquiries as well as an excellent understanding of EU institutional issues.

The jobholder will need to demonstrate the ability to lead and motivate a strong team of 30-35 staff members; manage change; ensure agility, flexibility and efficiency in the overall functioning of the office.

Knowledge of the areas and activities covered by the Directorate is essential, as well as the ability to manage budget, procurement and other resource-related issues.

Strong commitment to maintaining a positive work environment and ability to resolve conflicts are of core importance.

The Inquiries Director is expected to:

| — | contribute strategic input to the development of the Ombudsman’s policies and objectives and to the effective implementation of the Ombudsman’s mission, vision and strategy; |
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contribute strategic input to the development of the Ombudsman’s policies and objectives and to the effective implementation of the Ombudsman’s mission, vision and strategy;

| — | plan the directorate’s work by setting objectives for the handling of inquiries on the basis of the Ombudsman's strategic work; |
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plan the directorate’s work by setting objectives for the handling of inquiries on the basis of the Ombudsman's strategic work;

| — | ensure consistency in policy objectives and inquiries methodology including inspections; |
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ensure consistency in policy objectives and inquiries methodology including inspections;

| — | supervise case handling within the Directorate; |
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supervise case handling within the Directorate;

| — | advise the Secretary-General on all matters related to the Ombudsman's core activities and replace him/her as needed; |
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advise the Secretary-General on all matters related to the Ombudsman's core activities and replace him/her as needed;

| — | develop effective channels of communication and cooperation with other institutions and external stakeholders; |
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develop effective channels of communication and cooperation with other institutions and external stakeholders;

| — | represent the Ombudsman externally and at public events; |
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represent the Ombudsman externally and at public events;

| — | act as authorising officer by sub-delegation; |
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act as authorising officer by sub-delegation;

| — | carry out specific tasks, at the Ombudsman’s request. |
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carry out specific tasks, at the Ombudsman’s request.

PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT

The place of employment will be Brussels. This post will involve missions to the Strasbourg office of the European Ombudsman and to the other working places of the EU Institutions, it may also involve missions to other countries in or outside the European Union.

WHO CAN APPLY

Applicants must meet the following requirements at the time of applying:

(a)   General conditions

| — | be nationals of one of the Member States of the European Union; |
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be nationals of one of the Member States of the European Union;

| — | enjoy their full rights as citizens; |
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enjoy their full rights as citizens;

| — | have fulfilled any obligations imposed by the laws concerning military service. |
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have fulfilled any obligations imposed by the laws concerning military service.

(b)   Specific conditions

(i)   Qualifications and professional experience

| — | hold a university degree (3); |
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hold a university degree (3);

| — | have at least 15 years of relevant professional experience, gained after obtaining the qualifications referred to above, out of which they have during at least 4 years effectively exercised management responsibilities. |
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have at least 15 years of relevant professional experience, gained after obtaining the qualifications referred to above, out of which they have during at least 4 years effectively exercised management responsibilities.

(ii)   Knowledge of languages

A thorough knowledge (at least level C1 (4)) of one of the European Union’s official languages (5) and very good knowledge (at least level B2 (6)) of at least one other is required.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS REQUIRED

| — | Excellent knowledge of European affairs; |
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Excellent knowledge of European affairs;

| — | Thorough knowledge of good administration theory and practice; |
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Thorough knowledge of good administration theory and practice;

| — | Knowledge of European Union law in particular in areas relevant to the activities of the Office; |
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Knowledge of European Union law in particular in areas relevant to the activities of the Office;

| — | Experience of working in, and ability to adapt to, an international and multi-cultural environment; |
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Experience of working in, and ability to adapt to, an international and multi-cultural environment;

| — | Thorough knowledge of English and good knowledge of French are required because they are used extensively to communicate within the Office and with other institutions. Knowledge of other official languages of the European Union could be an advantage. |
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Thorough knowledge of English and good knowledge of French are required because they are used extensively to communicate within the Office and with other institutions. Knowledge of other official languages of the European Union could be an advantage.

Furthermore, the jobholder will need to possess:

| — | the ability to think strategically, anticipate and identify potential problems and propose workable solutions; |
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the ability to think strategically, anticipate and identify potential problems and propose workable solutions;

| — | leadership and management skills; |
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leadership and management skills;

| — | excellent communication skills, including inter-personal communication skills; |
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excellent communication skills, including inter-personal communication skills;

| — | the ability to promote a strong team spirit and to maintain good working relationships with internal and external interlocutors and the ability to act diplomatically; |
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the ability to promote a strong team spirit and to maintain good working relationships with internal and external interlocutors and the ability to act diplomatically;

| — | the ability to manage change and support staff through changes; |
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the ability to manage change and support staff through changes;

| — | a strong ability to plan and organise the overall work of the Directorate so as to meet critical deadlines, ensure a fair distribution of workload within the team taking into account the requirements set by the EU Staff and Financial Regulations; |
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a strong ability to plan and organise the overall work of the Directorate so as to meet critical deadlines, ensure a fair distribution of workload within the team taking into account the requirements set by the EU Staff and Financial Regulations;

| — | commitment to a culture of service towards citizens and institutions. |
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commitment to a culture of service towards citizens and institutions.

SELECTION PROCEDURE

In choosing the successful candidate the appointing authority shall be assisted by an Advisory Selection Committee.

The Advisory Selection Committee will initially evaluate and compare the qualifications, experience and motivation of all the applicants, on the basis of their applications. Based on this comparative assessment, the Advisory Selection Committee will shortlist the most suitable candidates, to be invited to the first interview.

This first selection is based on a comparative assessment of the applications. The fulfilment of the requirements does not guarantee invitation to the first interview. Among the interviewed candidates, the Advisory Selection Committee may decide to invite the top ranked candidates to attend a second interview with the Committee.

Based on the overall performance at the interview(s) the best-ranked candidates will take part in a final interview with the Ombudsman.

Should containment measures against Coronavirus continue to be in place at the time of interviews, candidates could be interviewed by video-conference.

All applicants will be informed of the outcome of each step of the selection procedure.

LEGAL BASIS

This post is published in accordance with Article 29(2) of the Staff Regulations of Officials of the European Union (7) (senior management post).

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

The European Ombudsman is an equal opportunity employer who encourages applications from qualified people and seeks to actively promote diversity in the workplace.

INDEPENDENCE AND DECLARATION OF INTERESTS

Before taking up their duties, candidates are required to declare that they will act independently in the public interest and have no interests, which might be considered prejudicial to their independence.

DATA PROTECTION

Personal data which candidates provide for the purposes of this selection procedure will be processed in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2018/1725 of the European Parliament and of the Council (8).

APPLICATIONS

Candidates must submit their application through the online application system on the Ombudsman’s website (www.ombudsman.europa.eu/office/careers) by 31 May 2020 at 12.00 noon (Brussels time).

Late applications will not be considered.

Any correspondence concerning the selection procedure should be addressed to the following email address: career@ombudsman.europa.eu (the email must have in the subject the following title: OMB/4/2020).

Before submitting their application, candidates should carefully check whether they meet all the eligibility criteria in order to avoid automatic exclusion from the selection procedure.

In order to be valid, applications must include:

| a) | a letter in English referring to the notice of vacancy OMB/04/2020 and explaining their reasons for applying; |
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a)

a letter in English referring to the notice of vacancy OMB/04/2020 and explaining their reasons for applying;

| b) | a copy of their curriculum vitae in English (preferably europass CV: http://europass.cedefop.europa.eu/); |
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b)

a copy of their curriculum vitae in English (preferably europass CV: http://europass.cedefop.europa.eu/);

| c) | copies of supporting documents relating to their studies (9), evidence of professional experience and current responsibilities (10). |
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c)

copies of supporting documents relating to their studies (9), evidence of professional experience and current responsibilities (10).

Inquiries about technical matters should be addressed to: webmaster@ombudsman.europa.eu

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(1)  Regulation (EEC, Euratom, ECSC) No 259/68 of the Council of 29 February 1968 laying down the Staff Regulations of Officials and the Conditions of Employment of Other Servants of the European Communities and instituting special measures temporarily applicable to officials of the Commission (OJ L 56, 4.3.1968, p. 1), last amended by Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 1023/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 287, 29.10.2013, p. 15).

(2)  In accordance with Article 29(1)(a) and (b) of Regulation (EEC, Euratom, ECSC) No 259/68.

(3)  Article 5(3)(c) of the Staff Regulations of Officials of the European Union require applicants to have at least:

| (i) | 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, or |
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(i)

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, or

| (ii) | a level of education which corresponds to completed university studies attested by a diploma and appropriate professional experience of at least one year when the normal period of university education is at least three years. |
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(ii)

a level of education which corresponds to completed university studies attested by a diploma and appropriate professional experience of at least one year when the normal period of university education is at least three years.

(4)  See the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR): https://europass.cedefop.europa.eu/sites/default/files/cefr-en.pdf

(5)  The European Union’s official languages are: Bulgarian, Croatian, Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, Estonian, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Hungarian, Irish, Italian, Latvian, Lithuanian, Maltese, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Slovak, Slovene, Spanish and Swedish.

(6)  See footnote 4.

(7)  See footnote 1.

(8)  Regulation (EU) 2018/1725 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2018 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data by the Union institutions, bodies, offices and agencies and on the free movement of such data, and repealing Regulation (EC) No 45/2001 and Decision No 1247/2002/EC (OJ L 295, 21.11.2018, p. 39).

(9)  See footnote 3.

(10)  Document attesting professional experience should clearly indicate the starting and finishing dates, the job title, and the exact nature of the duties carried out.

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