14.7.2004

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

CA 181/1

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VACANCY NOTICE FOR THE POSITION OF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE EUROPEAN RAILWAY AGENCY

(2004/C 181 A/01)

Applications are invited for the position of Executive Director of the European Railway Agency established by Regulation (EC) No 881/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2004 establishing a European Railway Agency (OJ L 164, 30.4.2004). The Agency will be located in Lille/Valenciennes, France.

The Agency has been established to provide the Member States and the Commission with technical assistance in the fields of railway safety and interoperability.

As part of its common transport policy, the Community has adopted legislation to pave the way for gradual establishment of an integrated European railway area, both legally and technically. This involves the development and implementation of technical specifications for interoperability and a common approach to questions concerning railway safety. The Agency's main task will be to manage the preparation of these measures.

Further details of the Agency's future activities may be found at: http://europa.eu.int/comm/dgs/energy_transport/index_en.html

Job description

The Executive Director is the legal representative and public face of the Agency and is accountable to the Administrative Board. Particular responsibilities include:

—	developing and achieving the Agency's strategic objectives in accordance with its mission and the policy established by the Administrative Board,

—	developing and maintaining effective and efficient cooperation with the competent Commission services in accordance with the Agency's tasks,

—	cooperating with the authorities in the Member States responsible for implementing Community legislation in the fields of railway safety and interoperability,

—	responding to any requests for assistance from the Commission or from Member States in accordance with the Agency's tasks,

—	day-to-day management of the Agency's staff, including recruitment,

—	preparation and execution of the Agency's budget,

—	communicating directly and indirectly with the public on all matters relating to the Agency's mission,

—	preparation and implementation of the annual work programme and preparation of the Annual Report on the Agency's activities,

—	establishing effective contacts with professional organisations and any other interested parties.

Qualifications and experience required

—	University degree giving entitlement to undertake postgraduate studies

—	At least 15 years' professional experience (following the award of the university degree) preferably in a field relevant to the Agency's mission, at least five years of which must have been acquired at management level

—	A good understanding of EU policies in the field of railway safety and interoperability, related international activities and other policies of relevance to the Agency's activities

—	Proven capacity to lead an organisation, both at a strategic and internal management level, and to fulfil the Agency's mandate

—	Capacity to communicate with the public and build good working relations with all stakeholders

—	Thorough knowledge of one of the official languages of the European Union and a satisfactory knowledge of another of these languages.

Independence and declarations of interest

The Executive Director will be required to make a declaration of commitment to act independently in the public interest and to make a declaration in relation to interests which might be considered prejudicial to his/her independence. Candidates will therefore be required to include with their applications confirmation of their willingness to make such declarations.

Appointment and conditions of employment

The Executive Director will be appointed by the Administrative Board from a list compiled by the Commission. This vacancy notice is the first stage in the establishment of the Commission's list. Candidates should note that the list may be made public and that inclusion on the list does not guarantee appointment.

The Executive Director will be appointed following an open selection process as a member of the temporary staff pursuant to Article 2 of the Conditions of employment of other servants of the European Communities for a five-year term which will be renewable. Recruitment will be at grade A*14/15.

Nationality

Candidates must be nationals of an EU Member State.

Equal opportunities

The European Union takes great care to avoid any form of discrimination in its recruitment procedures and actively encourages applications from women.

Application procedure

In order for applications to be considered valid, candidates must submit a letter of motivation, a completed application form and a free format CV of not more than three pages. The application form is available in electronic format on the following website, which also provides additional information: http://europa.eu.int/comm/dgs/energy_transport/index_en.html

Supporting documents must be submitted at a later stage in the procedure if requested.

Postal applications must be sent to:

European Commission

Directorate-General for Energy and Transport

Unit TREN.A.2

Executive Director of the European Railway Agency

Office DM 28 05/102

B-1049 Brussels.

Closing date

Applications must be sent by registered post (to the Directorate-General for Energy and Transport at the address given above) no later than 20 August 2004 (date as postmark).

Applications sent by express courier service must be delivered to the same address before 17.00 on 20 August 2004.

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