SNEs are national or international civil servants or persons employed in the public sector who are working temporarily for an EU Institution
Work Environment
This occupation is typically found in the following Career Sector(s):
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Working Life
SNEs play a duel role in the EU. The idea is that the SNEs will share their experiences and expertise in particular policy areas with EU staff, and in return will take back knowledge of EU policies and processes to their national administrations.
As an SNE you will work alongside Commission officials, helping to achieve the strategic objectives defined by a Directorate-General or Service for the benefit of EU citisens.
On secondment, you will work under the instructions of an EU official, according to a detailed job description and governed by rules that help avoid the risk of any conflicts of interest.
Qualities - Seconded National Expert (SNE) - EU
The EU institutions are looking for candidates who are talented, motivated, and highly qualified in their field, and who have the following competencies in particular:
- Analysis and problem solving - Ability to identify the critical facts in complex issues and develop creative and practical solutions
- Communication – Communicate clearly and precisely both orally and in writing
- Delivering quality and results – Take personal responsibility and initiative for delivering work to a high standard of quality within set procedures
- Learning and development – Develop and improve personal skills and knowledge of the organisation and its environment
- Prioritising and organising – Prioritise the most important tasks, work flexibly, and organise own workload efficiently
- Resilience – Remain effective under a heavy workload, handle organisational frustrations positively, and adapt to a changing work environment
- Working with others - Work cooperatively with others in teams and across organisational boundaries and respect differences between people
An additional requirement for posts in the AD career bracket (administrators) is:
• Leadership – Manage, develop and motivate people to achieve results
Interests - Seconded National Expert (SNE) - EU
This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
Administrative
Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.
They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.
Entry / Progression - Seconded National Expert (SNE) - EU
On occasion the EU will invite national and international civil servants and public sector staff to bring their experience to an EU institution for a temporary time period - (where an employee transfers to a different job for a specified period of time is known as 'secondment').
As well as civil servants, experts from international organisations, universities, research centers and other entities belonging to the public sector, can also be seconded to the EU, especially in areas where their unique skills and knowledge are specifically required by an EU Institution.
In order to become an [SNE] Seconded National Expert , candidates must have at least 3 years work experience or more depending on role and EU Career Grade.
SNEs are typically seconded from the civil services of EU countries, so the vast majority are national, regional or local civil servants.
SNEs from EU countries are recruited via their Permanent Representations to the EU.
Those interested in becoming an SNE should contact their country's permanent representation to the EU for information about current opportunities.
Further information on available vacancies and requirements are also available from EU careers job opportunities.
Pay & Salary - Seconded National Expert (SNE) - EU
Salary Range (thousands per year)* €57k - €100k
Basic monthly permanent official salaries range from around €2,300 per month for a newly recruited Assistant-Secretary (AST/SC 1) official, €4500 for an entry level graduate administrator grade (AD 5) and up to €16,000 per month for a limited number of top level Administrators (AD 16) at Director-General level. Each grade is broken up into five seniority steps with corresponding salary increases. Basic salaries are adjusted annually in line with inflation and purchasing power in the EU countries.
Data Source(s):
Europa.eu/ EPSO
Last Updated: August, 2024
Labour Market Updates - Seconded National Expert (SNE) - EU
Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: National government administrative occupations, Local government administrative occupations, Officers of non-governmental organisations.
This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2024).
The strong employment growth rate for this occupation relates mainly to growth between 2020 and 2021, with employment levels falling by 7,000 since 2022. Despite this there was a relatively high level of recent job hires for this occupation in 2023, and it also featured strongly in online job adverts (Eurostat/CEDEFOP) data. At 59%, this occupation had the highest share with third level qualifications across the group potentially leading to a level of skills mismatches.
Job openings are likely to continue, particularly given the size of the occupation and the slightly higher than average share of older workers. Upskilling and reskilling may also be required for those already employed in these occupations in order to reach targets set out in the Civil Service Renewal Plan 2024 in areas such as in digital skills.
Useful Contacts - Seconded National Expert (SNE) - EU
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European Movement Ireland
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EU Careers - European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO)
- Candidate Contact Service, Office C-80 00/40, B1049 Brussels
- 00800 6789 1011
- Click Here
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Public Appointments Service
- Chapter House, 26/30 Abbey Street Upper, Dublin 1, D01 C7W6
- (01) 858 7400 or Local: 1890 44 9999
- [email protected]
- Click Here
