Role and Responsibilities

Administrators are permanent officials who play a crucial role in the EU's legislative and policy-making processes. They are typically involved in drafting policies, implementing EU law, and performing analytical and advisory work. An AD career is a graduate-level path, requiring at least a university degree.

Key Functions

Policy Development: Researching and drafting new policies and legislation.

Legal Analysis: Ensuring new and existing laws comply with EU treaties.

Economic Analysis: Monitoring economic trends and providing analysis for policy-making.

External Relations: Representing the EU in international negotiations and managing relations with non-EU countries.

Project Management: Managing EU-funded projects and programmes across Europe and beyond.

The Competition

The main entry point for graduates is the AD5 competition. 'AD5' refers to the entry-level grade for administrators. The competition is highly competitive and field-neutral, meaning your specific area of university study does not matter. The focus is on demonstrating a set of core competencies and reasoning skills.

Typical AD5 Competition Structure

1. Computer-Based Tests: Verbal, Numerical, and Abstract Reasoning. These are a pass/fail gateway.

2. EU Knowledge Test: A multiple-choice test on EU institutions, policies, and history. Your score here is crucial for ranking.

3. Assessment Centre: A series of exercises (case study, group exercise, oral presentation) to evaluate professional competencies.

Career Path

An AD career offers a clear progression path, from AD5 up to the highest levels of EU civil service (AD16, Director-General). The work is intellectually challenging, with opportunities to move between different policy areas (Directorates-General) and even different EU institutions over the course of a career.

Role and Responsibilities

Assistants are permanent officials who play a vital executive and technical support role within the EU institutions. They are essential for the smooth implementation and management of EU policies. These roles generally require at least a secondary education, and for some specialized roles, professional experience may be needed.

Key Functions

Administrative Support: Managing budgets, organizing meetings, and handling document flows.

Financial Management: Assisting with accounting, financial verification, and budget execution.

Communication: Drafting minutes, preparing notes, and managing internal and external communication.

Technical Support: Providing support in areas like IT, building management, or logistics.

Policy Implementation: Assisting administrators in the day-to-day work of implementing EU policies and programmes.

The Competition

Assistants are typically recruited through AST competitions. The entry-level is often AST1 or AST3. These competitions are designed to test practical skills and competencies relevant to the support role.

Typical AST Competition Structure

1. Computer-Based Tests: Verbal, Numerical, and Abstract Reasoning, often accompanied by a test of professional skills (e.g., accuracy, prioritizing and organizing).

2. Practical Tests: Depending on the profile, this could include drafting tests, inbox exercises, or tests of specific IT skills.

3. Assessment Centre: Similar to the AD competition, this stage evaluates core competencies like teamwork, communication, and resilience.

Career Path

Assistants have their own career progression track within the EU institutions. They are the backbone of the administration, ensuring that the work of policy-makers is effectively carried out. There are also opportunities for assistants to take on greater responsibility and even, in some cases, to transition to the administrator function group through internal competitions.

Role and Responsibilities

Contract Agents (or 'CAST' for Contract Agents Selection Tool) are staff employed on fixed-term contracts to perform a wide variety of tasks. Unlike permanent officials (AD/AST), their employment is temporary, though contracts can often be renewed. CAST positions are an excellent way to gain experience within the EU institutions and can be a stepping stone to a permanent career.

Jobs are classified into four Function Groups (FG) based on the tasks and required qualifications:

FG I: Manual and administrative support service tasks (e.g., drivers, catering staff).

FG II: Clerical or secretarial tasks, office management.

FG III: Executive tasks, drafting, accountancy and equivalent technical tasks.

FG IV: Administrative, advisory, linguistic and equivalent technical tasks (requires a university degree).

The Selection Procedure (CAST Permanent)

The CAST Permanent procedure is not a competition for a specific number of posts, but a way for EU institutions to create a pool of candidates they can recruit from as needs arise.

1. Application: Candidates submit an application to one or more CAST profiles in a permanently open database.

2. Pre-selection: When institutions need to fill a position, they search the database for suitable profiles. Shortlisted candidates are invited to take computer-based reasoning tests.

3. Reasoning Tests: Verbal, Numerical, and Abstract Reasoning tests are organized by EPSO. Passing these tests makes you eligible for recruitment.

4. Recruitment: Once you pass the tests, your name is in a pool of successful candidates. Institutions can then contact you for interviews and further recruitment tests for specific vacancies.

Career Path

A CAST position offers valuable experience inside the EU system. While contracts are temporary, they can last for several years. Successful contract agents often gain the knowledge and experience that helps them succeed in the more competitive AD or AST open competitions for permanent posts. For FG IV agents, the work can be very similar to that of an entry-level AD5 official.