Selection process

All appointments at EFSA are made through open selection procedures following rigorous guidelines of transparency and equity.

EFSA publishes all its job opportunities on an online recruitment platform. You need to register and create an account to apply. Your profile can be filled in at any time and used to pre-fill any future applications.

The creation of a candidate profile does not imply any commitment from EFSA or the candidate. The online application form is the only acceptable means of applying for a position in EFSA.

To access your submitted applications go to My submissions. You can change information in your application until the call closes.

Most job opportunities are for a specific position in a particular unit but there are also open calls used to create rosters of staff, experts, young professionals and seconded experts.

EFSA does not consider spontaneous applications.

Staff

Each application is screened based on the requirements of the job profile stated in the vacancy notice. The most suitable applicants are called for an assessment exercise (typically an interview and written test).

A Talent Pool (reserve list of suitable candidates) for the position may be established. The Executive Director takes the final decision on the appointment of the selected candidate. Successful candidates will receive an electronic offer letter in their profile.

Young Professionals

Open calls for trainees are aimed at creating pools of young talent. Each application is screened based on the eligibility criteria.

The most suitable candidates are contacted for a telephone or online interview to discuss expectations and their availability. The Executive Director takes the final decision on the basis of the unit/team’s recommendation. Successful candidates will receive an electronic offer letter in their profile.

Secondments

Calls for Seconded National Experts (SNEs) and Guest Programme Visitors are launched to create pools of eligible experts who may be seconded to EFSA for a limited period.

They can be assigned to one of the EFSA units according to their area of interest and expertise.

Each application is screened based on the requirements of the relevant call published by EFSA. The most suitable candidates are called for a telephone or online interview as needs arise.

For the SNE scheme, an exchange of official correspondence will follow, between EFSA’s Executive Director and the authority of the successful candidate. Finally, EFSA, the successful candidate and his/her employer sign the formal agreement.

For the Guest Programme scheme, the selected candidate shall receive a placement offer stating the starting date, the duration and the actual location of the placement. The relevant employer or university shall also be informed. The admission of candidates shall be authorised by the Executive Director.

Experts

Before the five-year term of office of members of the Scientific Committee and the Scientific Panels comes to an end, EFSA organises a formal procedure for selecting its members.

EFSA publishes an open call for applications for scientific experts specialised in the fields within the remit of EFSA’s Scientific Committee and Panels.

A thorough selection process is carried out at the end of which the Management Board appoints the new Scientific Committee and Panel members, based on a shortlist submitted by the Executive Director.