EFSA Seconded National Experts Call 2025-2027

EFSA Seconded National Experts Call 2025-2027

EFSA SECONDED NATIONAL EXPERTS CALL
EFSA/NS/SNE/2025

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), based in Parma, Italy
is opening positions for

Seconded National Experts (SNEs)
All Units and Departments

The call is on-going with no deadline for submitting applications

IS THIS SECONDMENT FOR ME?

Are you a qualified professional working for a public administration searching for a challenge in a stimulating and dynamic EU Agency? Do you want to apply your skills and knowledge to contribute to achieving EFSA's objectives and strategy? Is your organisation seeking opportunities to cooperate and build synergies with EFSA?

As an SNE you will serve a dual role: you will bring your expertise to EFSA and take back to your home administration the knowledge acquired during your period of secondment, fostering mutual exchange and strengthening cooperation between EFSA and its partners.

Being an SNE in EFSA means you will play an active role in an organisation that makes a difference to the lives of 445 million EU citizens.

WHY EFSA?

EFSA employs around 570 staff members, and its Scientific Committee and Panels engage highly qualified and independent scientific experts. Every position within EFSA plays an important part in creating an inspirational environment in which to work and develop.

EFSA’s standards and values are driven by ethics and integrity and all staff is expected to act in a manner consistent with its principles, including fairness, transparency and impartiality in work practices and conduct towards other people.

EFSA is an equal opportunities employer and encourages applications from all suitably qualified candidates without any distinction on grounds of age, gender, sexual orientation, impairment and disability, ethnic or social origin, religion or belief. All EFSA staff is committed to creating an open and inclusive environment.

As an SNE, you will have the chance to make a difference to European food safety working in an international and dynamic environment. You will also be able to participate in several valuable networking opportunities across Europe.

WHAT CAN WE OFFER YOU?

Working at EFSA

As an SNE at EFSA, you'll become an integral part of a dynamic, multicultural team, contributing your professional knowledge to the Agency’s activities. Depending on your expertise and assigned Unit, your tasks may include supporting scientific panels, participating in data collection and risk assessment, or engaging in communication and business support. Your role will allow you to share knowledge, gain new skills, and enhance collaboration within EFSA.

This position provides an opportunity to gain experience at a leading EU scientific agency, furthering your professional development. The experience you acquire will benefit both your home administration and EFSA, contributing to the enhancement of the EU’s scientific assessment capacity.

Life in Parma

Parma is a lively city of around 200.000 inhabitants located in the Italian region of Emilia-Romagna and ranked as one of the most liveable cities in Italy. Its centre is rich in art, with architecture from different periods and plenty of parks. Parma is famous for its food, surrounding picturesque countryside and medieval castles. It is strategically located between major cities like Milano and Bologna and within reachable distance from ski resorts, seaside and mountains.

Benefits

The selected SNEs might be entitled to a daily and a monthly allowance and to reimbursement of travel expenses at the start and the end of the secondment. For more information on benefits and working conditions please consult the 'Decision of the Executive Director of EFSA laying down rules on the secondment to the European Food Safety Authority of national experts'.

EFSA also offers flexible working hours, possibility to telework, access to well-being initiatives, and training and development opportunities.

SELECTION PROCEDURE

EFSA applies a policy of equal opportunities and does not discriminate on any grounds.
The selection is made on the basis of the eligibility criteria and of the candidates’ competencies with due regard to an appropriate balance of nationality and gender.
A position as Seconded National Expert is offered on the basis of the business needs of the organisation and budget availability.
Candidates are invited to keep their application up to date throughout the publication period.

Steps of the selection procedure

1. Candidates apply electronically via the online recruitment tool.
2. When a position becomes available, eligible candidates will be screened by EFSA's units according to the information provided in the application form.
3. The shortlisted candidate will be invited to an online interview to discuss the suitability for the role as well as mutual expectations and opportunity to enhance collaboration with your organisation.
4. The selected candidate will be requested to complete a declaration of interest.
5. The secondment shall be established by an agreement between the Executive Director as Appointing Authority, the SNE and the SNE’s employer. The Permanent Representation of the Member State concerned will be informed.

• The place of secondment will be specified in the secondment agreement and will normally be at EFSA's premises in Parma, Italy.
• An SNE may work in any field where his/her services are deemed necessary provided there is no conflict with the interests of EFSA. The SNE shall carry out his or her duties and shall act in compliance with the Authority’s interest.
• The SNE's employer shall continue to pay his/her salary, to maintain his/her administrative status (permanent official or contract staff member) throughout the period of secondment.
• The SNE's employer shall also continue to be responsible for all the social rights, particularly social security and pension.

You must satisfy the following requirements for applying for a secondment position at EFSA:

I. Eligibility criteria

1. Be nationals of a European Union or EFTA Member State or a country with which the Council has decided to open accession negotiations and which has concluded a specific agreement with EFSA on staff secondments, except where the Executive Director grants derogation;
2. Be employed by a national, regional or local public administration or an intergovernmental organisation;
3. Have worked for your employer on a permanent or contract basis for at least 12 months before the secondment and shall remain in the service of that employer throughout the period of secondment;
4. Have at least three (3) years full-time experience in administrative, scientific, technical, advisory or supervisory functions at a level equivalent to the post;
5. Have thorough knowledge of one of the European official languages and a satisfactory knowledge of another European official language to the extent necessary for the performance of his duties;
6. Meet the character requirements needed for the duties involved (e.g. a sworn affidavit to the effect that you have no criminal record).

II. Selection criteria

Experience and Knowledge

1. Expertise in an area relating to the activities of EFSA.
2. Interest and motivation to build partnership with EFSA, hence contribute to enhancing the EU's risk assessment community.
3. Ability to communicate effectively in English at all levels both orally and in writing.

If you have any questions regarding this call please visit EFSA website here or write us at ask@efsa.europa.eu