25.7.2006

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

CA 172/1

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NOTICE TO READERS

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25.7.2006

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

CA 172/3

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NOTICE OF OPEN COMPETITIONS

(2006/C 172 A/01)

The European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO) is organising the following open competitions, based on tests, to constitute a reserve of:

ADMINISTRATORS  (1) (AD5)

WITH CYPRIOT CITIZENSHIP (CY)	EPSO/AD/53/06
WITH CZECH CITIZENSHIP (CZ)	EPSO/AD/54/06
WITH ESTONIAN CITIZENSHIP (EE)	EPSO/AD/55/06
WITH HUNGARIAN CITIZENSHIP (HU)	EPSO/AD/56/06
WITH LITHUANIAN CITIZENSHIP (LT)	EPSO/AD/57/06
WITH LATVIAN CITIZENSHIP (LV)	EPSO/AD/58/06
WITH MALTESE CITIZENSHIP (MT)	EPSO/AD/59/06
WITH POLISH CITIZENSHIP (PL)	EPSO/AD/60/06
WITH SLOVENE CITIZENSHIP (SI)	EPSO/AD/61/06
WITH SLOVAK CITIZENSHIP (SK)	EPSO/AD/62/06

in the fields of

—	European public administration/Human resources

—

Law

—

Economics

—	Microeconomics/Business administration

CONTENTS

A.	DUTIES AND ELIGIBILITY (PROFILE SOUGHT)

B.	ADMISSION TESTS

C.	WRITTEN AND ORAL TESTS

D.	HOW TO APPLY

E.	GENERAL INFORMATION

ANNEX:

Requests for review — Appeal procedures — Complaints to the European Ombudsman

In parallel with this competition EPSO is also organising the following open competitions:

—

EPSO/AD/53/06, Administrators (AD5) with Cypriot citizenship (CY) EPSO/AD/54/06, Administrators (AD5) with Czech citizenship (CZ) EPSO/AD/55/06, Administrators (AD5) with Estonian citizenship (EE) EPSO/AD/56/06, Administrators (AD5) with Hungarian citizenship (HU) EPSO/AD/57/06, Administrators (AD5) with Lithuanian citizenship (LT) EPSO/AD/58/06, Administrators (AD5) with Latvian citizenship (LV) EPSO/AD/59/06, Administrators (AD5) with Maltese citizenship (MT) EPSO/AD/60/06, Administrators (AD5) with Polish citizenship (PL) EPSO/AD/61/06, Administrators (AD5) with Slovene citizenship (SI) EPSO/AD/62/06, Administrators (AD5) with Slovak citizenship (SK) in the fields of: — European public administration/Human resources — Law — Economics — Microeconomics/Business Administration

—

EPSO/AST/16/06, Assistants (AST1) with Cypriot citizenship (CY) EPSO/AST/17/06, Assistants (AST1) with Czech citizenship (CZ) EPSO/AST/18/06, Assistants (AST1) with Estonian citizenship (EE) EPSO/AST/19/06, Assistants (AST1) with Hungarian citizenship (HU) EPSO/AST/20/06, Assistants (AST1) with Lithuanian citizenship (LT) EPSO/AST/21/06, Assistants (AST1) with Latvian citizenship (LV) EPSO/AST/22/06, Assistants (AST1) with Maltese citizenship (MT) EPSO/AST/23/06, Assistants (AST1) with Polish citizenship (PL) EPSO/AST/24/06, Assistants (AST1) with Slovene citizenship (SI) EPSO/AST/25/06, Assistants (AST1) with Slovak citizenship (SK) in the secretarial field

—

EPSO/AST/26/06, Assistants (AST1) having as their main language Danish (DA) EPSO/AST/27/06, Assistants (AST1) having as their main language German (DE) EPSO/AST/28/06, Assistants (AST1) having as their main language Greek (EL) EPSO/AST/29/06, Assistants (AST1) having as their main language English (EN) EPSO/AST/30/06, Assistants (AST1) having as their main language Spanish (ES) EPSO/AST/31/06, Assistants (AST1) having as their main language Finnish (FI) EPSO/AST/32/06, Assistants (AST1) having as their main language French (FR) EPSO/AST/33/06, Assistants (AST1) having as their main language Italian (IT) EPSO/AST/34/06, Assistants (AST1) having as their main language Dutch (NL) EPSO/AST/35/06, Assistants (AST1) having as their main language Portuguese (PT) EPSO/AST/36/06, Assistants (AST1) having as their main language Swedish (SV) in the secretarial field

You may apply for only one of these competitions and for only one field within that competition. You must choose when you register online, and you may not change your choice after the closing date for registration.

To ensure that all general information relating to the competition and all communication between candidates and EPSO is clearly understood on both sides, only English, French and German will be used for the invitations to the various tests and for correspondence between EPSO and candidates.

The language you choose as your second language (see A.II.3(b)) will be the language used for communicating with you.

A.   DUTIES AND ELIGIBILITY (PROFILE SOUGHT)

Open competitions are being held to recruit Administrators (AD5) in the following fields: European public administration/Human resources, Law, Economics, and Microeconomics/Business administration.

The purpose of these competitions is to draw up reserve lists from which to fill vacant posts in the institutions of the European Union.

Number of successful candidates by competition and field:

	Field 1 European public administration/ Human resources	Field 2 Law	Field 3 Economics	Field 4 Microeconomics/Business administration
EPSO/AD/53/06 — CY	10	15	5	10
EPSO/AD/54/06 — CZ	25	20	10	10
EPSO/AD/55/06 — EE	15	15	5	5
EPSO/AD/56/06 — HU	20	10	5	10
EPSO/AD/57/06 — LT	15	10	5	5
EPSO/AD/58/06 — LV	15	10	5	5
EPSO/AD/59/06 — MT	15	10	5	5
EPSO/AD/60/06 — PL	145	140	95	95
EPSO/AD/61/06 — SI	15	10	10	5
EPSO/AD/62/06 — SK	10	10	10	5

I.   Duties

Conducting analyses and carrying out administrative, advisory and supervisory duties relating to the activities of the European Union.

Field 1: European public administration/Human resources

—

preparing, developing and implementing Community initiatives, including working on case studies, producing reports, drafting Community legislation, and taking part in consultations and negotiations within the institution and, if necessary, with business and other interest groups in the Member States and with the other Community institutions;

—	taking part in international negotiations, implementing bilateral and multilateral agreements, and managing commercial or development policy instruments;

—	administration and implementation of Community policies and action programmes in various fields of activity. including the single market, external relations, social affairs, agriculture, structural policies, transport, the environment and information;

—	communication and information policy;

—	specifically for the European Parliament: assisting MEPs, by means of written and oral briefings, and taking an active part in organising the work of different parliamentary bodies;

—	formulating and implementing human resources policies, including recruitment and selection techniques, equal opportunities, training and career development, appraisal, promotion and reward systems, advisory, managerial and mentoring skills, employment law and employment relations.

Field 2: Law

—	devising, analysing and drafting Community legislation;

—	providing legal advice;

—	carrying out research into national, Community and international law;

—	taking part in the negotiation of international agreements;

—	studying cases and drafting decisions, for example in the area of competition law;

—	examining and monitoring national legislation for conformity with Community law;

—	investigating alleged infringements of Community law, complaints, etc.;

—

various tasks related to legal proceedings; preparing positions for the institutions in legal proceedings, mainly before the Court of Justice, the Court of First Instance or the European Civil Service Tribunal; legal duties in the secretariats of the Court of Justice, the Court of First Instance or the European Civil Service Tribunal;

—	formulating, preparing and implementing rules in the field of justice and home affairs.

Field 3: Economics

—	ongoing evaluation of Member States' economic, budgetary, monetary and financial policies;

—	analysis of the economies of the Community and development of its financial instruments;

—	analysis of the economies of non-member countries;

—	economic forecasting;

—	planning and implementation of Community technical assistance;

—	analysis and evaluation of structural, sectoral and regional policies;

—	financial analysis of Community projects;

—	analysis of the legislative and fiscal business climate;

—	competition policy;

—	industrial affairs, and research and development;

—	commercial, employment and labour market policy.

Field 4: Microeconomics/Business administration

—	analysis and formulation of studies/proposals regarding organisational structures and processes;

—	project management and planning;

—	team management;

—	management and control of financial resources;

—	needs and resources analysis;

—	producing financial plans;

—	applying the principles of internal control and risk management to the performance of departmental tasks;

—	financial reporting;

—	devising and applying the accounting framework in accordance with international standards (IFRS/IPSAS) and producing financial statements.

The European institutions attach particular importance to the ability to grasp varied and often complex issues, to react swiftly to changing circumstances and to communicate effectively. Recruits are therefore expected to show initiative and imagination and must be highly motivated. They must also be able to work frequently under pressure, both independently and as part of a team, and to fit into a multicultural and multilingual working environment. Finally, they must be prepared to upgrade their professional skills throughout their career.

II.   Eligibility (profile sought)

The competitions are open to candidates who, on the closing date for online registration  (2), satisfy the following requirements.

1.   Qualifications

Field 1: European public administration/Human resources

You must have successfully completed a full course of university education lasting at least three years and obtained a degree.

Field 2: Law

You must have successfully completed a full course of university education lasting at least three years and obtained a degree in law.

or

You must have successfully completed a full course of university education lasting at least three years and obtained a degree, and a qualification allowing you to practise as a lawyer.

Field 3: Economics

You must have successfully completed a full course of university education lasting at least three years and obtained a degree in economics.

or

You must have successfully completed a full course of university education lasting at least three years and obtained a degree, and obtained a post‐graduate qualification in economics.

Field 4: Microeconomics/Business administration

You must have successfully completed a full course of university education lasting at least three years and obtained a degree in business or management.

or

You must have successfully completed a full course of university education lasting at least three years and obtained a degree, and obtained a post-graduate qualification in business or management.

The selection board will allow for differences between education systems. For examples of the minimum qualifications required, see the tables annexed to the Guide for Applicants (3)(on the EPSO website) for each category. Note that these are examples only — more stringent requirements may be set in the notice of competition.

2.   Professional experience

No professional experience is required.

3.   Knowledge of languages

(a)

Main language You must have a thorough knowledge of: — Greek for open competition EPSO/AD/53/06, — Czech for open competition EPSO/AD/54/06, — Estonian for open competition EPSO/AD/55/06, — Hungarian for open competition EPSO/AD/56/06, — Lithuanian for open competition EPSO/AD/57/06, — Latvian for open competition EPSO/AD/58/06, — Maltese for open competition EPSO/AD/59/06, — Polish for open competition EPSO/AD/60/06, — Slovenian for open competition EPSO/AD/61/06, — Slovakian for open competition EPSO/AD/62/06. By way of exception, Cypriot citizens who do not have Greek as their main language may choose one of the following languages: Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, Estonian, Finnish, French, German, Hungarian, Italian, Latvian, Lithuanian, Maltese, Polish, Portuguese, Slovak, Slovenian, Spanish or Swedish. In this case, the second language must be different from the main language chosen.

(b)	Second language (i.e. different to your main language) You must have a satisfactory knowledge of either English, French or German.

All details relating to your knowledge of languages must be indicated on the electronic registration form  (4) and on the application form.

4.   General conditions

You must:

—	have Cypriot citizenship for open competition EPSO/AD/53/06,

—	have Czech citizenship for open competition EPSO/AD/54/06,

—	have Estonian citizenship for open competition EPSO/AD/55/06,

—	have Hungarian citizenship for open competition EPSO/AD/56/06,

—	have Lithuanian citizenship for open competition EPSO/AD/57/06,

—	have Latvian citizenship for open competition EPSO/AD/58/06,

—	have Maltese citizenship for open competition EPSO/AD/59/06,

—	have Polish citizenship for open competition EPSO/AD/60/06,

—	have Slovene citizenship for open competition EPSO/AD/61/06,

—	have Slovak citizenship for open competition EPSO/AD/62/06,

—	be entitled to full rights as a citizen,

—	have fulfilled any obligations imposed on you by the laws on military service,

—	meet the character requirements for the duties involved.

B.   ADMISSION TESTS

EPSO is organising admission tests with a view to carrying out a preliminary selection allowing admission to the competition.

EPSO will organise these tests for all candidates:

(i)	either directly on computer, if there are enough specialised test centres available, in which case the tests will be held over a time period to be set by EPSO, or

(ii)	on paper, in which case the admission tests and written examinations (see B.2) will be held on the same day for all candidates.

1.   Admission tests — marking

You will sit tests (a) and (b) in your second language (English, French or German). You must specify which language you choose when you register for the competition (see A.II.3(b)) and ensure that this language is different to your main language.

(a)	A test comprising a series of multiple‐choice questions to assess your knowledge of the European Union, its institutions and its policies. This test will be marked out of 20 (pass mark: 10).

(b)	A test comprising a series of multiple‐choice questions to assess your general ability, in particular your verbal and numerical reasoning skills. This test will be marked out of 40 (pass mark: 20).

Wrong answers in these tests will not be penalised.

The candidates (5)(see table below) who obtained the highest overall scores in the admission tests and a pass mark in each test will be asked to submit a full application with a view to being admitted to the competition.

Competition	Field 1 European public administration/ Human resources	Field 2 Law	Field 3 Economics	Field 4 Microeconomics/Business administration
EPSO/AD/53/06 — CY	80	120	40	80
EPSO/AD/54/06 — CZ	200	160	80	80
EPSO/AD/55/06 — EE	120	120	40	40
EPSO/AD/56/06 — HU	160	80	40	80
EPSO/AD/57/06 — LT	120	80	40	40
EPSO/AD/58/06 — LV	120	80	40	40
EPSO/AD/59/06 — MT	120	80	40	40
EPSO/AD/60/06 — PL	660	630	435	435
EPSO/AD/61/06 — SI	120	80	80	40
EPSO/AD/62/06 — SK	80	80	80	40

Following examination of your application and provided you satisfy all the requirements for admission, according to the testing method adopted by EPSO:

(i) Computerised admission tests organised in specialised centres (CBT) You will be invited to sit the written tests.

(ii) Admission tests on paper organised simultaneously for all candidates The selection board will mark your written tests. NOTE: for organisational reasons, the written tests will be held on the same day as the admission tests.

2.   Admission tests — date and place (according to the testing method adopted by EPSO)

(i) Computerised admission tests organised in specialised centres (CBT) The admission tests will be held in specialised centres in the European Union. Your test date will be fixed by agreement with the centres, within a specific time period scheduled by EPSO. This period cannot be changed at the candidates' request. You will be notified of this date when you receive your invitation to the tests (via your EPSO profile).

(ii) Admission tests on paper organised simultaneously for all candidates The admission tests and the written tests will be held simultaneously for all candidates at one or more centres in the European Union. The date scheduled by EPSO cannot be changed at the candidates' request. You will be notified of this date when you receive your invitation to the tests (via your EPSO profile).

C.   WRITTEN AND ORAL TESTS

1.   Written tests — marking

You will sit tests (a) and (b) in your second language (English, French or German). You must specify which language you choose when you register for the competition (see A.II.3(b)) and ensure that this language is different to your main language.

(a)

A test comprising a series of multiple‐choice questions to assess your specialist knowledge in the chosen field. Time allowed for the test (by way of a guide): 1 hour This test will be marked out of 40 (pass mark: 20). The selection board will correct written tests (b) and (c) of those candidates (5) (see table below) who obtained the highest marks and a pass mark in written test (a).   Field 1 European public administration/ Human resources Field 2 Law Field 3 Economics Field 4 Microeconomics/Business administration EPSO/AD/53/06 — CY 40 60 20 40 EPSO/AD/54/06 — CZ 100 80 40 40 EPSO/AD/55/06 — EE 60 60 20 20 EPSO/AD/56/06 — HU 80 40 20 40 EPSO/AD/57/06 — LT 60 40 20 20 EPSO/AD/58/06 — LV 60 40 20 20 EPSO/AD/59/06 — MT 60 40 20 20 EPSO/AD/60/06 — PL 440 420 290 290 EPSO/AD/61/06 — SI 60 40 40 20 EPSO/AD/62/06 — SK 40 40 40 20

(b)	Test on a chosen subject, in the field chosen when you registered, to test your: — specialist knowledge, — comprehension skills, and ability to analyse and summarise, and — drafting skills. Time allowed for the test (by way of a guide): 2 hours This test will be marked out of 40 (pass mark: 20).

(c)

Drafting of a short memo in your main language setting out the arguments and conclusions of written test (b). This test is designed to assess your command of your main language as regards both style and presentation. Time allowed for the test (by way of a guide): 30 minutes This test will be marked out of 10 (pass mark: 8).

NB

The fact that you have been invited to sit the written tests at the same time as the admission tests does not mean you have been admitted to the competition. The written tests of candidates who do not pass the admission test will not be marked.

2.   Oral test — marking

Once written tests (b) and (c) have been marked, the candidates (5) (see table below) who obtained the highest overall scores in these tests (and a pass mark in each) will be admitted to oral test (d).

	Field 1 European public administration/ Human resources	Field 2 Law	Field 3 Economics	Field 4 Microeconomics/Business administration
EPSO/AD/53/06 — CY	20	30	10	20
EPSO/AD/54/06 — CZ	50	40	20	20
EPSO/AD/55/06 — EE	30	30	10	10
EPSO/AD/56/06 — HU	40	20	10	20
EPSO/AD/57/06 — LT	30	20	10	10
EPSO/AD/58/06 — LV	30	20	10	10
EPSO/AD/59/06 — MT	30	20	10	10
EPSO/AD/60/06 — PL	220	210	145	145
EPSO/AD/61/06 — SI	30	20	20	10
EPSO/AD/62/06 — SK	20	20	20	10

(d)

Interview with the selection board in your second language (English, French or German) as specified in your online registration, to enable it to assess: — your suitability to carry out the duties described at A.I, — your specialist knowledge in the field concerned, — your knowledge of the European Union, its institutions and its policies, — your motivation and ability to adjust to working as a European civil servant in a multicultural environment. Knowledge of your main language will also be tested. The test will be marked out of 50 (pass mark: 25).

3.   Tests — date and place (according to the testing method adopted by EPSO)

(i) Computerised admission tests organised in specialised centres (CBT) The written tests will be held simultaneously at one or more centres in the European Union for candidates who obtained the highest overall scores in the admission tests (and a pass mark in each). The date of the written tests scheduled by EPSO cannot be changed at the candidates' request. You will be notified of this date when you receive your invitation to the tests (via your EPSO profile).

(ii) Admission tests on paper organised simultaneously for all candidates See B.2.

As a rule the oral test will be held in Brussels.

4.   Reserve lists

The selection board will draw up reserve lists by competition and field, by merit group (maximum four groups) and in alphabetical order within those groups, of the candidates (5) (see section A, number of successful candidates) who obtained the highest overall scores in written tests (b) and (c) and oral test (d) and a pass mark in each.

The reserve lists and the date on which they expire will be published (6) in the Official Journal of the European Union and on the EPSO website (7).

D.   HOW TO APPLY

Please also refer to the Guide for Applicants (3), which can be found on the EPSO website (7). It contains detailed instructions to help you submit your application correctly.

1.   Creating an EPSO profile/online registration

Before registering, you should carefully check whether you fulfil all the eligibility criteria.

If you want to apply, you must register via the Internet by going to the EPSO website (7) and following the instructions there concerning the various stages of the procedure.

It is your responsibility to complete your online registration in time (2). We strongly advise you not to wait until the last few days before applying, since heavy Internet traffic or a problem with the Internet connection could lead to the online registration being terminated before you complete it, thereby obliging you to repeat the whole process. Once the deadline for registration has passed, you will not be able to register.

On completion of your online registration, you will receive on screen a registration number which you must note — this is your reference number that will be used in all matters concerning your application. Receipt of this number means that the registration process is finished; it is confirmation that we have registered the data you entered.

If you do not receive a number, your application has not been registered!

Please note that you must have an e-mail address. This will be used to identify you. The information you have to enter in your registration includes your choice of languages (see A.II.3), and details of the qualifications required for admission to the competition (qualification, name of issuing establishment and date obtained).

You do not need to submit any documents at this stage. You will be asked to send in a full application later (see D.4).

Once you have registered online, you can use the EPSO website (7) (click on ‘Ongoing competitions’) to follow the progress of the competition.

If you have a disability that prevents you from registering online, you may request — preferably by fax — a paper version of the form  (8) , which you should fill in, sign and return by registered mail, postmarked no later than the closing date for registration. All subsequent communication between EPSO and you will be by post.

You must enclose with your registration form a certificate attesting your disability, issued by a recognised body. You should also set out on a separate sheet of paper any special arrangements you think are needed to make it easier for you to take part in the tests.

The closing date for registration is 7 September 2006. Online registration will not be possible after 12 noon (Brussels time) on that day.

NB

(i) Computerised admission tests organised in specialised centres (CBT) Within a period of about one month after the closing date for registration, candidates will receive, via their EPSO profile, information concerning the organisation of the admission tests.

(ii) Admission tests on paper organised simultaneously for all candidates Within one month of the closing date for registration, EPSO will ask you to: — confirm your registration — confirm your choice of languages — and, where applicable, choose the city in which you wish to sit the admission tests and (if applicable) the written tests. You will receive this request and should signal your confirmation via your EPSO profile only. If you do not confirm your application within two months of the closing date for registration, EPSO will consider that you have withdrawn your application and the procedure will be terminated.

2.   Admission tests/written tests

Candidates who are found to meet the general conditions (see A.II.4) after EPSO has carried out a preliminary eligibility check based on the information given on the registration forms and have confirmed their application in time will be invited to the admission tests (and, where applicable, the written tests). An invitation to take part in the tests does not mean that your eligibility has already been checked in detail.

3.   Invitations

Details of when and where you must attend the admission tests and other tests will be available only on the EPSO website (7). You can access it by entering the user name and password you specified when registering online. You are responsible for updating any change, via your EPSO profile, in your postal or e-mail address.

You are also responsible for consulting your EPSO profile to keep track of the progress of the competition and to check the information relevant to your application at every stage. If you find that you cannot do this, it is your responsibility to notify EPSO immediately by e-mail (9).

If possible, you will be asked to sit the admission tests (and where applicable the written tests) in the city you choose when you confirm your application. For organisational reasons you will not be able to switch to another venue unless you can prove that you have changed residence and have informed EPSO of this at least three weeks before the date scheduled for the admission tests (and, if applicable, the written tests).

4.   Full application

Candidates who obtained the highest overall scores in the admission tests and a pass mark in each will be asked to print out and complete the full application form in their EPSO profile on the EPSO website (7). It must be sent in by the closing date (10).

Documents to enclose with the application form

Your application must give full details of your citizenship and studies. You should also enclose the following documents:

—	copy of a document proving your citizenship (e.g. your passport);

—	copy of diploma(s)/degree(s) certifying successful completion of studies;

—	on a blank sheet, a numbered index of the above documents (all documents must be numbered and accompanied by a translation in English, French or German, which you may do yourself).

You should send only uncertified photocopies of the above documents. Paper copies downloaded from websites and/or references to websites do not constitute such documents.

When completing your application form, you may not refer to any previous applications submitted or other documents enclosed with such applications. None of the documents submitted with your application will be returned.

Signing and sending the form

It is your responsibility to make sure that your application form, duly completed, SIGNED and accompanied by all the supporting documents, is sent in time (the postmark will serve as proof of the date of sending) by registered post to the following address:

European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO)

CORT 80

Open competition EPSO/AD/.../06 (indicate the number of the competition chosen)

B-1049 Brussels

Scrutiny of applications

The selection board will examine the files of candidates who obtained the highest overall scores in the admission tests and a pass mark in each to determine whether they satisfy the requirements set out at A.II.1 and 3 of this notice according to the testing method adopted by EPSO.

(i) Computerised admission tests organised in specialised centres (CBT) The selection board will invite candidates who satisfy all the requirements for admission set out at A.II to sit the written tests.

(ii) Admission tests on paper organised simultaneously for all candidates The selection board will mark the written tests of candidates who satisfy all the requirements for admission set out at A.II.

You will automatically be disqualified if:

—	you have posted your application after the closing date (10),

—	you have not completed and/or signed the application form (original signature required),

—	you do not satisfy all the requirements for admission,

—	you have not sent all the supporting documents before the closing date (10).

A CURRICULUM VITAE IS NOT A SUPPORTING DOCUMENT.

5.   Reserve lists

The names of the successful candidates (see C.4) will be entered on the reserve lists.

6.	If, at any stage in the procedure, it is established that the information on your online registration form or official application form is incorrect, you will be disqualified from the competition.

7.	To facilitate the administrative work, you are asked to GIVE YOUR FULL NAME AS PROVIDED ON YOUR APPLICATION AND TO QUOTE THE NUMBER OF THE COMPETITION AND FIELD, THE MAIN LANGUAGE CHOSEN AND THE REFERENCE NUMBER YOU RECEIVED WHEN YOUR ONLINE REGISTRATION WAS ACCEPTED, IN ALL CORRESPONDENCE.

E.   GENERAL INFORMATION

1.   Equal opportunities

The European Union institutions apply a policy of equal opportunities and accept applications without distinction on the grounds of sex, race, colour, ethnic or social origin, genetic features, language, religion, political or any other opinion, membership of a national minority, property, birth, disability, age or sexual orientation.

2.   Selection board

A selection board is appointed for each competition. It is made up of representatives of the administration and of the institutions' staff committee. The names of its members will be published on the EPSO website (7) approximately two weeks before the admission tests.

You are strictly forbidden to make any contact with the members of the selection board, either directly or indirectly. It is up to the selection board to decide whether candidates infringing this rule are to be disqualified.

EPSO is responsible for all communication with candidates until the competition is completed.

3.   Approximate timetable

Depending on the total number of candidates, the competition will take approximately nine months from start to finish, beginning on the date on which your application is confirmed.

Full details are available on the EPSO website (7).

4.   Requests from candidates for access to information concerning them

Candidates involved in selection procedures have a special right of access to certain information concerning them directly and individually, subject to the conditions described below. EPSO may accordingly provide candidates who so request with supplementary information relating to their participation in the competition. Candidates should send any requests for information in writing to EPSO within a month of being notified of their results in the competition. EPSO will reply within a month of receiving the request. Requests will be dealt with in such a manner as to take account of the secret nature of the proceedings of selection boards provided for by the Staff Regulations (Annex III, Article 6) and to conform to the rules on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data. Examples of the type of information which may be supplied are given in the Guide for Applicants (see III.2).

5.   Requests for review — Appeal procedures — Complaints to the European Ombudsman

See Annex.

6.   Recruitment

If you are placed on the reserve list, you will be eligible for appointment as a probationary official, as and when required by the European institutions, in Brussels, Luxembourg or any other place of activity.

If you are placed on the reserve list and offered a post, you will subsequently be asked to produce the originals of all the requisite documents, in particular your qualifications, so that copies can be authenticated.

Recruitment will depend on posts and funds becoming available.

Depending on the nature of the post, candidates on the reserve list may initially be offered a temporary contract; in this case, their names will remain on the reserve list.

Article 29(1)(b) of the Staff Regulations refers to the possibility for officials to request a transfer to another institution or agency. However, in the interests of the service, during their first three years of service newly recruited officials may be transferred only in exceptional and duly justified cases. Any such transfer is subject to the agreement of both the institution or agency that originally recruited the official and the institution or agency that received the transfer request.

7.   Retirement

You should note that the retirement age for officials is laid down in the Staff Regulations as follows:

—	either automatically at the age of 65;

—	or, at the official's own request, at the age of 63 or where the official is between 55 and 63 and satisfies the requirements for the immediate payment of a pension;

—	exceptionally, at the official's own request and where it is considered to be in the interest of the service, at not later than the age of 67.

8.   Grade

Administrators will be recruited from the reserve list to grade AD5.

9.   Remuneration

Basic monthly salary as at 1 January 2006:

grade AD5, first step: EUR 3 921,80

10.   Protection of personal data

As the body responsible for organising the competition, EPSO will ensure that candidates' personal data are processed as required by Regulation (EC) No 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. This applies in particular to the confidentiality and security of such data (Official Journal of the European Communities L 8 of 12 January 2001).

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(1)  The European Union institutions apply a policy of equal opportunities and accept applications without distinction on the grounds of sex, race, colour, ethnic or social origin, genetic features, language, religion, political or any other opinion, membership of a national minority, property, birth, disability, age or sexual orientation.

(2)  No later than 12 noon (Brussels time) on 7 September 2006.

(3)  http://europa.eu/epso/on-line-applications/guide_en.htm

(4)  For practical reasons this form is available in English, French and German only.

(5)  Where several candidates with identical marks qualify for the last place, they will all be admitted to the next stage of the competition.

(6)  Successful candidates may explicitly ask for their names not to be published.

(7)  http://europa.eu/epso.

(8)  Write to EPSO — Info-recruitment, Avenue de Cortenbergh, 80, 4/17, B-1049 Brussels. Fax: (32-2) 295 74 88.

(9)  E-mail address: epso-AD-...-06@ec.europa.eu (indicate the number of the competition chosen).

(10)  The closing date will be indicated in good time in your EPSO profile.

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25.7.2006

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

CA 172/24

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NOTICE OF OPEN COMPETITIONS

(2006/C 172 A/02)

The European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO) is organising the following open competitions, based on tests, to constitute a reserve of:

ASSISTANTS  (1) (AST1)

WITH CYPRIOT CITIZENSHIP (CY)	EPSO/AST/16/06
WITH CZECH CITIZENSHIP (CZ)	EPSO/AST/17/06
WITH ESTONIAN CITIZENSHIP (EE)	EPSO/AST/18/06
WITH HUNGARIAN CITIZENSHIP (HU)	EPSO/AST/19/06
WITH LITHUANIAN CITIZENSHIP (LT)	EPSO/AST/20/06
WITH LATVIAN CITIZENSHIP (LV)	EPSO/AST/21/06
WITH MALTESE CITIZENSHIP (MT)	EPSO/AST/22/06
WITH POLISH CITIZENSHIP (PL)	EPSO/AST/23/06
WITH SLOVENE CITIZENSHIP (SI)	EPSO/AST/24/06
WITH SLOVAK CITIZENSHIP (SK)	EPSO/AST/25/06

in the secretarial field

CONTENTS

A.	DUTIES AND ELIGIBILITY (PROFILE SOUGHT)

B.	ADMISSION TESTS

C.	PRACTICAL AND ORAL TESTS

D.	HOW TO APPLY

E.	GENERAL INFORMATION

ANNEX:

Requests for review — Appeal procedures — Complaints to the European Ombudsman

In parallel with this competition EPSO is also organising the following open competitions:

—

EPSO/AD/53/06, Administrators (AD5) with Cypriot citizenship (CY) EPSO/AD/54/06, Administrators (AD5) with Czech citizenship (CZ) EPSO/AD/55/06, Administrators (AD5) with Estonian citizenship (EE) EPSO/AD/56/06, Administrators (AD5) with Hungarian citizenship (HU) EPSO/AD/57/06, Administrators (AD5) with Lithuanian citizenship (LT) EPSO/AD/58/06, Administrators (AD5) with Latvian citizenship (LV) EPSO/AD/59/06, Administrators (AD5) with Maltese citizenship (MT) EPSO/AD/60/06, Administrators (AD5) with Polish citizenship (PL) EPSO/AD/61/06, Administrators (AD5) with Slovene citizenship (SI) EPSO/AD/62/06, Administrators (AD5) with Slovak citizenship (SK) in the fields of: — European public administration/Human resources, — Law, — Economics, — Microeconomics/Business administration.

—

EPSO/AST/16/06, Assistants (AST1) with Cypriot citizenship (CY) EPSO/AST/17/06, Assistants (AST1) with Czech citizenship (CZ) EPSO/AST/18/06, Assistants (AST1) with Estonian citizenship (EE) EPSO/AST/19/06, Assistants (AST1) with Hungarian citizenship (HU) EPSO/AST/20/06, Assistants (AST1) with Lithuanian citizenship (LT) EPSO/AST/21/06, Assistants (AST1) with Latvian citizenship (LV) EPSO/AST/22/06, Assistants (AST1) with Maltese citizenship (MT) EPSO/AST/23/06, Assistants (AST1) with Polish citizenship (PL) EPSO/AST/24/06, Assistants (AST1) with Slovene citizenship (SI) EPSO/AST/25/06, Assistants (AST1) with Slovak citizenship (SK) in the Secretarial field.

—

EPSO/AST/26/06, Assistants (AST1) having as their main language Danish (DA) EPSO/AST/27/06, Assistants (AST1) having as their main language German (DE) EPSO/AST/28/06, Assistants (AST1) having as their main language Greek (EL) EPSO/AST/29/06, Assistants (AST1) having as their main language English (EN) EPSO/AST/30/06, Assistants (AST1) having as their main language Spanish (ES) EPSO/AST/31/06, Assistants (AST1) having as their main language Finnish (FI) EPSO/AST/32/06, Assistants (AST1) having as their main language French (FR) EPSO/AST/33/06, Assistants (AST1) having as their main language Italian (IT) EPSO/AST/34/06, Assistants (AST1) having as their main language Dutch (NL) EPSO/AST/35/06, Assistants (AST1) having as their main language Portuguese (PT) EPSO/AST/36/06, Assistants (AST1) having as their main language Swedish (SV) in the Secretarial field,

You may apply for only one of these competitions and for only one field within that competition. You must choose when you register online, and you may not change your choice after the closing date for registration.

To ensure that all general information relating to the competition and all communication between candidates and EPSO is clearly understood on both sides, only English, French and German will be used for the invitations to the various tests and for correspondence between EPSO and candidates.

The language you choose as your second language (see A.II.2(b)) will be the language used for communicating with you.

A.   DUTIES AND ELIGIBILITY (PROFILE SOUGHT)

These open competitions are being held to recruit Assistants (AST1) in the Secretarial field.

The purpose of the competitions is to draw up reserve lists from which to fill vacant posts in the institutions of the European Union.

Number of successful candidates by competition:

EPSO/AST/16/06 — CY	35
EPSO/AST/17/06 — CZ	70
EPSO/AST/18/06 — EE	70
EPSO/AST/19/06 — HU	65
EPSO/AST/20/06 — LT	70
EPSO/AST/21/06 — LV	75
EPSO/AST/22/06 — MT	70
EPSO/AST/23/06 — PL	80
EPSO/AST/24/06 — SI	70
EPSO/AST/25/06 — SK	70

I.   DUTIES

Duties will include:

—	secretarial tasks associated with organising meetings, arranging official travel, etc.;

—	a range of other standard secretarial tasks: filing documents and correspondence, monitoring correspondence, keeping appointments diaries, etc;

—	word processing in your main language and possibly in another official language of the European Union;

—	formatting electronic documents (e.g. page layout, tables);

—	various administrative tasks associated with file management using office software packages.

The European institutions attach particular importance to the ability to grasp varied and often complex issues, to react swiftly to changing circumstances and to communicate effectively. Recruits are therefore expected to show initiative and imagination and must be highly motivated. They must also be able to work frequently under pressure, both independently and as part of a team, and to fit into a multicultural working environment. Finally, they must be prepared to upgrade their professional skills throughout their career.

II.   ELIGIBILITY (PROFILE SOUGHT)

The competitions are open to candidates who, on the closing date for online registration  (2), satisfy the following requirements.

1.   Qualifications and professional experience

You must have

(i)	a level of post-secondary education attested by a diploma in a field relevant to the nature of duties listed in A.I., or

(ii)	a level of secondary education attested by a diploma giving access to post-secondary education followed by at least three years professional experience relevant to those duties listed in A.1.

The selection boards will allow for differences between education systems. For examples of the minimum qualifications required, see the tables annexed to the Guide for Applicants (3) (on the EPSO website) for each category. Note that these are examples only — more stringent requirements may be set in the notice of competition.

2.   Knowledge of languages

(a)

Main language You must have a thorough knowledge of the: — Greek language for open competition EPSO/AST/16/06, — Czech language for open competition EPSO/AST/17/06, — Estonian language for open competition EPSO/AST/18/06, — Hungarian language for open competition EPSO/AST/19/06, — Lithuanian language for open competition EPSO/AST/20/06, — Latvian language for open competition EPSO/AST/21/06, — Maltese language for open competition EPSO/AST/22/06, — Polish language for open competition EPSO/AST/23/06, — Slovenian language for open competition EPSO/AST/24/06, — Slovak language for open competition EPSO/AST/25/06. By way of exception, Cypriot citizens who do not have Greek as their main language may choose one of the following languages: Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, Estonian, Finnish, French, German, Hungarian, Italian, Latvian, Lithuanian, Maltese, Polish, Portuguese, Slovak, Slovenian, Spanish or Swedish. In this case, the second language must be different from the main language chosen.

(b)	Second language (i.e. different to your main language) You must have a satisfactory knowledge of English, French or German.

All details relating to your language skills must be indicated on the online registration form  (4) and on the application form.

3.   General conditions

You must:

—	have Cypriot citizenship for open competition EPSO/AST/16/06,

—	have Czech citizenship for open competition EPSO/AST/17/06,

—	have Estonian citizenship for open competition EPSO/AST/18/06,

—	have Hungarian citizenship for open competition EPSO/AST/19/06,

—	have Lithuanian citizenship for open competition EPSO/AST/20/06,

—	have Latvian citizenship for open competition EPSO/AST/21/06,

—	have Maltese citizenship for open competition EPSO/AST/22/06,

—	have Polish citizenship for open competition EPSO/AST/23/06,

—	have Slovenian citizenship for open competition EPSO/AST/24/06,

—	have Slovak citizenship for open competition EPSO/AST/25/06,

—	be entitled to full rights as a citizen,

—	have fulfilled any obligations imposed on you by the laws on military service,

—	meet the character requirements for the duties involved.

B.   ADMISSION TESTS

EPSO is organising admission tests with a view to carrying out a preliminary selection allowing admission to the competition.

EPSO will organise the tests for all candidates:

(i)	either directly on computers, if there are enough specialised test centres available, in which case the tests will be held over a time period to be set by EPSO, or

(ii)	on paper, in which case the test (see B.2) will be held on the same day for all candidates.

1.   Admission tests — marking

You will sit tests (a) and (b) in your second language (English, French or German). You must specify which language you choose when you register for the competition (see A.II.2(b)) and ensure that this language is different to your main language.

(a)	A test comprising a series of multiple-choice questions to assess your knowledge of the European Union and its institutions. This test will be marked out of 20 (pass mark: 10)

(b)	A test comprising a series of multiple-choice question to assess your general ability, in particular your verbal and numerical reasoning skills. This test will be marked out of 40 (pass mark: 20).

Wrong answers in these tests will not be penalised.

The candidates (5) (see table below) who obtained the highest overall scores in the admission tests and a pass mark in each test will be asked to submit a full application with a view to being admitted to the competition.

EPSO/AST/16/06 — CY	90
EPSO/AST/17/06 — CZ	175
EPSO/AST/18/06 — EE	175
EPSO/AST/19/06 — HU	165
EPSO/AST/20/06 — LT	175
EPSO/AST/21/06 — LV	190
EPSO/AST/22/06 — MT	175
EPSO/AST/23/06 — PL	200
EPSO/AST/24/06 — SI	175
EPSO/AST/25/06 — SK	175

Following examination of your application, provided you satisfy all the requirements for admission, you will be invited to sit the practical and oral tests.

2.   Admission tests — date and place (according to the testing method adopted by EPSO):

(i) Computerised admission tests organised in specialised centres (CBT) The admission tests will be held in specialised centres in the European Union. Your test date will be fixed by agreement with the centres within a time period scheduled by EPSO. This time period cannot be changed at the candidates' request. You will be notified of this date when you receive your invitation to the tests (via your EPSO profile).

(ii) Admission tests on paper organised simultaneously for all candidates The admission tests will be held simultaneously for all candidates at one or more centres in the European Union. The date scheduled by EPSO cannot be changed at the candidates' request. You will be notified of this date when you receive your invitation to the tests (via your EPSO profile).

C.   PRACTICAL AND ORAL TESTS

1.   Practical tests – marking

Standard keyboards  (6) such as those used in the European workplace will be provided.

(a)

Practical test involving the processing of an MS Word document (e.g. page layout, tables, correcting of text, etc.). This test will be marked out of 40 (pass mark: 20). You will sit test (a) in English (EN), French (FR) or German (DE); you must specify which language you choose when you register online (see A.II.2(b)).

(b)	Practical test to assess your writing skills (particularly spelling, syntax and grammar) in your main language and which will involve writing an essay on the basis of information provided. This test will be marked out of 20 (pass mark: 15).

2.   Oral test — marking

(c)

An interview with the selection board in your second language (English, French or German), as specified by you on your online registration form (see A.II.2(b)), and in your main language, to enable it to assess: — your suitability to carry out the duties described in A.I, — your specialist knowledge in the field concerned, — your knowledge of the European Union and its institutions, — your ability to adjust to working as a European civil servant in a multicultural environment. This test will be marked out of 50 (pass mark: 25)

3.   Date and place of the practical and oral tests

As a rule these tests will be held in Brussels on the same day.

4.   Reserve lists

The selection board will draw up reserve lists by competition, by merit group (maximum four groups) and in alphabetical order within each group, of the candidates (see section A, number of successful candidates) who obtained the highest overall scores in all the practical and oral tests and a pass mark in each.

The reserve lists and their expiry dates will be published (7) in the Official Journal of the European Union and on the EPSO website (8).

D.   HOW TO APPLY

Please also refer to the Guide for Applicants (3), which can be found on the EPSO website (8). It contains detailed instructions to help you submit your application correctly.

1.   Creating an EPSO profile/online registration

Before registering, you should carefully check whether you fulfil all the eligibility criteria.

If you want to apply, you must register via the Internet by going to the EPSO website (8) and following the instructions there concerning the various stages of the procedure.

It is your responsibility to complete your online registration in time. We strongly advise you not to wait until the last few days before applying, since heavy Internet traffic or a problem with the Internet connection could lead to the online registration being terminated before you complete it, thereby obliging you to repeat the whole process. Once the deadline for registration has passed, you will not be able to register.

On completion of your online registration, you will receive on screen a registration number which you must note down — this is your reference number that will be used in all matters concerning your application. Receipt of this number means that the registration process is finished; it is confirmation that we have registered the data you entered.

If you do not receive a number, your application has not been registered!

Please note that you must have an e-mail address. This will be used to identify you. The information you have to enter in your registration includes your choice of languages (see A.II.2), and details of the qualifications required for admission to the competition (qualification, name of issuing establishment and date obtained).

You do not need to submit any documents at this stage. You will be asked to send in a full application later (see D.4).

Once registered, you can use the EPSO website (8) (click on ‘Ongoing competitions’) to follow the progress of the competition.

If you have a disability that prevents you from registering online, you may request — preferably by fax — a paper version of the form  (9) , which you should fill in, sign and return by registered mail, postmarked no later than the closing date for registration. All subsequent communication between EPSO and you will be by post.

You must enclose with your registration form a certificate attesting your disability, issued by a recognised body. You should also set out on a separate sheet of paper any special arrangements you think are needed to make it easier for you to take part in the tests.

The closing date for registration is 7 September 2006. Online registration will not be possible after 12 noon (Brussels time) on that day.

NB

(i) Computerised admission tests organised in specialised centres (CBT) Within a period of about one month after the closing date for registration, candidates will receive, via their EPSO profile, information concerning the organisation of the admission tests.

(ii) Admission tests on paper organised simultaneously for all candidates Within one month of the closing date for registration, EPSO will ask you to: — confirm your registration, — confirm your choice of languages, — and, where applicable, choose the city in which you wish to sit the admission tests. You will receive this request and you should signal your confirmation via your EPSO profile only. If you do not confirm within two months of the closing date for registration, EPSO will consider that you have withdrawn your application and the procedure will be terminated.

2.   Admission tests

Candidates who are found to meet the general conditions (see A.II.3) after EPSO has carried out a preliminary eligibility check based on the information given on the registration forms and have confirmed their application in time will be invited to sit the admission tests. An invitation to take part in the tests does not mean that your eligibility has already been checked in detail.

3.   Invitations

Details of when and where you must attend the admission tests and other tests will be available only on the EPSO website (8). You can access your EPSO profile here by entering the user name and password you specified when registering online. You are responsible for updating, via your EPSO profile, any change in your postal or e-mail address.

You are also responsible for consulting your EPSO profile to keep track of the progress of the competition and to check the information relevant to your application at every stage. If you find that you cannot do this, it is your responsibility to notify EPSO immediately by e-mail (10).

If possible, you will be asked to sit the admission tests in the city you choose when you confirm your application. For organisational reasons you will not be able to switch to another venue unless you can prove that you have changed residence and have informed EPSO of this at least three weeks before the date scheduled for the admission tests.

4.   Full application

Candidates who obtained the highest overall scores in the admission tests and a pass mark in each will be asked to print out and complete the full application form in their EPSO profile on the EPSO website (8). This form must be sent in by the closing date (11).

Documents to enclose with the application form

Your application must give full details of your citizenship and studies. You should also enclose the following documents:

—	copy of a document proving your citizenship (e.g. your passport, etc.);

—	copy of diploma(s) certifying the successful completion of studies;

—	where applicable, employers' references clearly indicating starting and finishing dates and exact nature of the duties carried out; you will be given more detailed instructions on how to present details of your professional experience in your EPSO profile;

—	numbered index of the above documents (all documents must be accompanied by a translation in English, French or German, which you may do yourself).

You should send only uncertified photocopies of the above documents. Paper copies downloaded from websites and/or references to websites do not constitute such documents.

When completing your application form, you may not refer to any previous applications or other documents enclosed with such applications. None of the documents submitted with your application will be returned.

Signing and sending the form

It is your responsibility to make sure that your application form, duly completed, SIGNED and accompanied by all the supporting documents, is sent in time  (11) (the postmark will serve as proof of the date of sending) by registered post to the following address:

European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO)

CORT 80

Open competition EPSO/AST/.../06 (indicate the number of the competition chosen)

B-1049 Brussels

Scrutiny of applications

The selection board will examine the files of candidates who obtained the highest overall scores in the admission tests and a pass mark in each to determine whether they satisfy the requirements set out in section A.II.1 and 2 of this notice.

Candidates who satisfy all these requirements for admission (see A. II) will be invited to sit the practical and oral tests.

You will automatically be disqualified if:

—	you have posted your application after the closing date (11),

—	you have not completed and/or signed the application form (original signature required),

—	you do not satisfy the requirements for admission,

—	you have not sent all the supporting documents before the closing date (11).

A CURRICULUM VITAE IS NOT A SUPPORTING DOCUMENT.

5.   Reserve lists

The names of the successful candidates (see C.4) will be put on the reserve list.

6.	If, at any stage in the procedure, it is established that the information on your online registration form or official application form is incorrect, you will be disqualified from the competition.

7.	To facilitate the administrative work, you are asked to GIVE YOUR FULL NAME AS PROVIDED ON YOUR APPLICATION AND TO QUOTE THE NUMBER OF THE COMPETITION AND THE REFERENCE NUMBER YOU RECEIVED WHEN YOUR ONLINE REGISTRATION WAS ACCEPTED, IN ALL CORRESPONDENCE.

E.   GENERAL INFORMATION

1.   Equal opportunities

The European Union institutions apply a policy of equal opportunities and accept applications without distinction on the grounds of sex, race, colour, ethnic or social origin, genetic features, language, religion, political or any other opinion, membership of a national minority, property, birth, disability, age or sexual orientation.

2.   Selection board

A selection board is appointed for each competition. It is made up of representatives of the administration and of the institutions' staff committee. The names of its members will be published on the EPSO website (8) approximately two weeks before the admission tests.

You are strictly forbidden to make any contact with the members of the selection board, either directly or indirectly. It is up to the selection board to decide whether candidates infringing this rule are to be disqualified.

EPSO is responsible for all communications with candidates until the competition is completed.

3.   Approximate timetable

Depending on the number of candidates and the number of practical and oral tests to be organised, the competition will take approximately nine months from start to finish, beginning on the date of confirmation of registration.

Full details are available on the EPSO website (8).

4.   Requests from candidates for access to information concerning them

Candidates involved in selection procedures have a special right of access to certain information concerning them directly and individually, subject to the conditions described below. EPSO may accordingly provide candidates who so request with supplementary information relating to their participation in the competition. Candidates should send any requests for information in writing to EPSO within a month of being notified of their results in the competition. EPSO will reply within a month of receiving the request. Requests will be dealt with in such a manner as to take account of the secret nature of the proceedings of selection boards provided for by the Staff Regulations (Annex III, Article 6) and to conform to the rules on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data. Examples of the type of information which may be supplied are given in the Guide for Applicants (see III.2).

5.   Requests for review — Appeal procedures — Complaints to the European Ombudsman

See Annex.

6.   Recruitment

If you are placed on the reserve list, you will be eligible for appointment as a probationary official, as and when required by the European institutions, in Brussels, Luxembourg or any other place of activity.

If you are placed on the reserve list and offered a post, you will subsequently be asked to produce the originals of all the requisite documents, in particular your qualifications, so that copies can be authenticated.

Recruitment will depend on posts and funds becoming available.

Depending on the nature of the post, candidates on the reserve list may be offered a temporary contract; in this case, their names will remain on the reserve list.

Article 29(1)(b) of the Staff Regulations refers to the possibility for officials to request a transfer to another institution or agency. However, in the interests of the service, during their first three years of service newly recruited officials may be transferred only in exceptional and duly justified cases. Any such transfer is subject to the agreement of both the institution or agency that originally recruited the official and the institution or agency that received the transfer request.

7.   Retirement

You should note that the retirement age for officials is laid down in the Staff Regulations as follows:

—	either automatically at the age of 65,

—	or, at the official's own request, at the age of 63 or where the official is between 55 and 63 and satisfies the requirements for the immediate payment of a pension,

—	exceptionally, at the official's own request and where it is considered to be in the interest of the service, at not later than the age of 67.

8.   Grade

Assistants will be recruited from the reserve list to grade AST1.

9.   Remuneration

Basic monthly salary as at 1 January 2006:

grade AST1, first step: EUR 2 393,13

10.   Protection of personal data

As the body responsible for organising the competition, EPSO will ensure that candidates' personal data are processed as required by Regulation (EC) No 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. This applies in particular to the confidentiality and security of such data (Official Journal of the European Communities L  8 of 12 January 2001).

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(1)  The European Union institutions apply a policy of equal opportunities and accept applications without distinction on the grounds of sex, race, colour, ethnic or social origin, genetic features, language, religion, political or any other opinion, membership of a national minority, property, birth, disability, age or sexual orientation.

(2)  No later than 12 noon (Brussels time) on 7 September 2006.

(3)  http://europa.eu/epso/on-line-applications/guide_en.htm

(4)  For practical reasons, this form is available only in English, French and German.

(5)  Where several candidates with identical marks qualify for the last place, they will all be admitted to the next stage of the competition.

(6)  Details concerning the keyboards to be put at the candidate's disposal will be given at the time of invitation to the practical tests.

(7)  Successful candidates may explicitly ask for their names not to be published.

(8)  http://europa.eu/epso

(9)  Write to EPSO — Info-recruitment, Avenue de Cortenbergh, 80, 4/17, B-1049 Brussels. Fax: (32 2) 295 74 88.

(10)  E-mail address: epso-AST-..-06@ec.europa.eu (indicate the number of the competition chosen).

(11)  The closing date will be indicated in good time in your EPSO profile.

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