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III Notices

European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions

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NOTICE OF OPEN COMPETITION: RESEARCH MANAGER AND RESEARCH OFFICER

Reference: EF 05/04

(2005/C 200 A/01)

The European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions in Dublin is an autonomous body established by a Regulation of the Council of the European Communities. The Foundation is organising an open competition to fill vacancies and to form reserve lists for the recruitment of:

I.   NATURE OF DUTIES

These roles require:

Assignment may be to any of the following areas of research management:

Since the Foundation started its activities in the 1970s, research in the area of industrial relations has been central to its work. Over the years the Foundation research and knowledge in this area has developed a high profile in Europe. In particular, it has reported on trends in industrial relations through its research and surveys and has followed developments and provided information, news and comparative analysis through its main monitoring instrument: EIRO - The European Industrial Relations Observatory. Research has covered issues such as: European Works Council, Financial Participation and Employees Participation, Quality in Industrial Relations, Social Dialogue in the EU, Pacts for Employment and Competitiveness, Conflict Resolution, etc. Developments at company level have also been reported through a European Company survey whereas debate activities with social partners and governments are featured in the annual work programme.

The Foundation will continue to develop research on quality of work and employment, building on its European Working Conditions survey and the work of the EWCO (European Working Conditions Observatory), a web-based research and information instrument and other in-depth analysis.

The Working Conditions survey monitors changes and trends in working conditions in Europe. A new edition of the survey (the fourth) will take place in 2005 and will cover all Member States.

A network of correspondents at national and EU levels feeds the EWCO and provides regular news updates in addition to reports on national surveys and on particular topics.

The monitoring of living conditions and quality of life in Europe is a priority for the 2005-2008 work programme. This includes analysis from a 28-country survey which will be repeated in 2007. Research is ongoing in the following areas:

The Foundation's work in the living conditions area is linked to core challenges in the EU Social Policy Agenda: the promotion of employment, social protection and social inclusion.

EMCC's role is to cast a spotlight on the economic and social changes resulting from developments and shifts in technologies, work organisation, production and business models, legislation, working practices and the labour market that drive change in the European economy. It will provide European institutions, public authorities (national and/or territorial), social partners and companies with the data and qualitative information they need in order to anticipate and manage change.

EMCC is managed by a Foundation project team and supported by an Advisory Committee representing the social partners, national administrations and the European Commission.

II.   COMPETITION ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

To be eligible for this competition you must, on the closing date for applications, meet the following requirements:

A.   GENERAL CONDITIONS

B.   SPECIAL CONDITIONS

1.   Qualifications and professional experience required

As the successful candidate, in addition to meeting the above requirements, you will be expected to take the initiative for developing the knowledge and expertise necessary to perform effectively and will keep up-to-date with latest developments in terms of policies, actors and organisations. You will adopt a strategic and creative approach to work and problem-solving. You will be a team player who is comfortable with managing work in a planned and structured way and will be experienced in motivating others, giving leadership and taking decisions where necessary. You will be able to communicate ideas, thoughts and concepts to colleagues, the Foundation stakeholders and audience clearly and with ease, both verbally and in writing.

2.   Knowledge of languages

Thorough knowledge of one official language of the European Union and a satisfactory knowledge of at least one other official language of the European Union, including a good knowledge of English.

You must be able to prove that you meet the conditions for admission by means of appropriate documents (copies of diplomas, certificates from university authorities and employers, etc.).

III.   ORGANISATION OF THE COMPETITION

The competition will be based on examination of application forms followed by testing and interviewing of short-listed candidates.

A.   EXAMINATION OF APPLICATIONS

B.   RESERVE LIST

Reserve lists of suitable candidates will be drawn up by the Foundation.

The lists will be used as a reserve for recruitment, should additional vacancies arise. They will be valid for two years after the closing date of the competition and may be extended. If they are, successful candidates will be duly informed.

IV.   CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Category and grade

The successful candidates will be recruited to grade A*5 (Research Officer) or to grade A*7 (Research Manager), as appropriate to the reserve list on which they have been placed.

Candidates should clearly indicate the grade for which they wish to apply. Candidates who are appointed at grade A*5 will be designated Research Officer. Their role will be similar to that of Research Manager but, since such candidates will have a lesser level of expertise and experience, their job will have a lower managerial content and they will generally act as a support to other Research Managers. Following promotion in due course to A*7, subject to satisfactory performance, they would be designated Research Manager. In this context, Research Officer and Research Manager constitute part of the same career family.

Place of employment

Dublin, Ireland. Residence within reasonable distance of the Foundation's offices will be required.

Pay

The initial basic monthly salary will be according to grade A*5 or A*7, as appropriate, of the salary table under Article 66 of the Staff Regulations of Officials of the European Communities. It will, where appropriate, be increased by the allowances set out in the Staff Regulations.

Pay is subject to Community tax and other deductions laid down in the Staff Regulations. It is, however, exempt from any national taxation.

The pay is subject to the Irish weighting factor which is currently 122,3 %.

V.   APPLICATIONS

Candidates must use the official application form contained in this issue of the Official Journal or as downloaded from the Foundation's website: www.eurofound.eu.int. It must be completed, signed and posted, together with the curriculum vitae in English and photocopies of any supporting documents (diplomas, employment certificates or any other documents to support claims made on the application form), preferably by registered post not later than 28 September 2005, as attested by the postmark, to:

VI.   IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR CANDIDATES

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