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DG TAXATION AND CUSTOMS UNION

Publication of a vacancy for Principal Advisor

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

COM/101/04

(2004/C 169A/02)

The Directorate-General Taxation and Customs Union contributes, in its two areas of activity, to the well-functioning of the European internal market. As regards customs, it contributes to the operability of the European Unions external frontier, by taking care of the uniform application of customs procedures. It also takes actions with a view to the complete setting up of the internal market in tax matters, so as to improve the international competitivity of European businesses. The Directorate-General has a staff of about 400.

Responsible for advising the Director-General on matters of general tax policy, the Principal Advisor should, in support of the services of the Directorate-General, play a role in the coordination and development of initiatives involving the tax policy of the Union.

He/she will also be responsible for assuring coherence with the other policies of the Union, in particular in connection with the use of tax instruments by them.

The Principal Advisor must demonstrate ability to synthesise as well as clarity of written and oral expression. A good knowledge of the tax policy of the European Union and its legal bases would be a distinct advantage. A good understanding of the economic mechanisms and the economic foundations of tax legislations would be appreciated. Knowledge of legal instruments and the European legal framework would be useful.

A proven capacity for international negotiations and an aptitude for coordination are required.

General conditions

Applicants should demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the EU Institutions.

Applicants must:

Independence and declaration of interests

Candidates are required to confirm their willingness to make a declaration of their commitment to act independently in the public interest and a declaration of any interests which might be considered prejudicial to their independence.

 Appointment and conditions of employment

The Principal Advisor will be selected and appointed by the Commission according to its selection and recruitment procedures. A shortlist of candidates will be called for an interview by the Commission's Consultative Committee on Appointments.

Salaries and conditions of employment are those laid down for officials occupying a function corresponding to the basic post of Director of the European Communities.

Applicants should note the requirement under the new Staff Regulations for all new staff to complete successfully a nine-month probationary period.

This appointment will be made in Brussels.

Equal opportunities

The European Union applies an equal opportunities policy.

Application procedure

This post is being published in parallel with a number of other Principal Advisor posts. Candidates who wish to apply for more than one post must submit a separate application for each post.

Applications should comprise the following documents only: supporting documents (e.g. certified copies of degrees/diplomas, references, proof of experience etc.) should not be sent at this point but must be submitted at a later stage of the procedure, if requested:

Applications will be rejected if incomplete (i.e. absence of a letter of motivation or curriculum vitae or both).

Applications should be sent by e-mail to ADMIN-JOB-VACANCIES-MANAGEMENT@cec.eu.int. Applicants should clearly mention the vacancy number COM/101/04 in the subject field of their email.

Only applicants who are not able to send their application by e-mail may send it by registered post or express courier service to:

Closing date

Applications must be sent on or before 30 July 2004 (date of e-mail or date as postmark for registered mail).

Applications sent by express courier service must be delivered to the address above before 17.00 on 30 July 2004.

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