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Senior expert in skills analysis and forecasting

Cedefop - 02 December 2008

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Job Description

Cedefop is the centre of expertise to support the development of VET and evidence-based policy-making. It provides advice, research, analysis, information, and stimulates European cooperation and mutual learning. Its networks allow the Centre to keep abreast of recent developments. Cedefop works closely with the European Commission, governments, representatives of employers and trade unions, as well as with researchers and practitioners. It provides them with up-to-date information on developments, experience and innovation in VET, and forums for policy debate. Cedefop shares its expertise through electronic and hard-copy publications, conferences and working groups.

Cedefop  was founded in 1975 and moved to Thessaloniki, northern Greece, in 1995. It has approximately 130 staff. Cedefop’s working language is English.

Background to Skills Analysis and Forecasting
In 2002, Cedefop started an initiative on early identification of skill needs. The objectives are to analyse and anticipate skill and competence needs in sectors, regions and occupations at European level. In the follow-up, Cedefop established the network Skillsnet which aims to foster cooperation with, and provide a platform for, experts and stakeholders engaged in skills analyses and forecasts. Cedefop has carried, or is carrying, out several analyses of skill needs in particular sectors, as well as medium-term forecasts of skill needs and supply. The intention is to update and improve skills forecasts regularly, and to complement them by analyses of skill mismatch and interactions between skill supply and demand. Furthermore, work on skill needs in selected sectors will continue, and the feasibility of a European employers survey on skill and competence needs will be explored in the near future.
Anticipation of the demand and supply of skills and analysis of skill mismatch is ranking high on the current political agenda of the EU and its Member States. It puts high challenges on the research capacity in this field and on the capability to indicate the significance of findings for informed decision making at all levels, including policy makers, education and training providers, companies, social partners, employment services and guidance and counselling.

Candidates can find more information about Cedefop’s projects at www.trainingvillage.gr, particularly in the section ‘Projects and networks’ and at Cedefop’s homepage (www.cedefop.europa.eu).

Responsibilities and tasks
In the framework of Cedefop’s medium-term priorities and annual work programme, the successful candidate will be appointed as senior expert in the skill needs team.
The responsibilities and tasks are the following:
(1)       Research
This entails:
·         Forecast and analysis of skill supply and demand at macro level in the EU at country, sectoral and occupational levels, and of supply and demand imbalances;
·         Research on the interactions between skill demand and supply with a view to incorporate these in skill projections;
·         Regular updates and improvement of projection methods and approaches;
·         Analysis and processing of data relevant for European forecasting;
·         Comparative analysis of skill developments by countries, sectors and occupations and in enterprises;
·         Synthesising and contextualising information, drawing conclusions and making recommendations for policy-making in the field of employment and education and training policy;
·         Publication and dissemination of results;
·         Involvement in related internal and external working groups, committees, etc.;
·         Team work with in-house colleagues and cooperation with stakeholders and external partners, especially with the European Commission.
This work is done in close cooperation with a team of experts experienced in research on skills analysis and forecasting.
(2)       Ensure overall project management from design to achievement of expected results and their dissemination in a cost-effective manner
·            Define with the team/area and Head of Area) project objectives, expected deliverables, budget, activities, timetable and planning, human resources and ensure adequate implementation and management;
·            Manage public procurement procedures (with technical support of the procurement service) including calls for tenders, selection and evaluation of offers, steering and follow-up of external contractors with the aim to ensure best performance;
·            Manage budgetary and financial aspects of the project(s), define budget requirements, report on the use of budget resources;
·            Ensure promotion and dissemination of outcomes, in cooperation with Area Communication, information and dissemination, taking into account Cedefop’s target groups.

(3)        Contribute to the work of Cedefop
·            Contribute to the drafting of Medium-term priorities, annual work programmes, management plans, progress reports and annual reports;
·            Contribute to internal communication and knowledge sharing within the Area and with other Cedefop services; participate in cross-area activities as appropriate;
·            Develop and maintain good relations with external partners including the research community, the European Commission and other European institutions and with international organisations, including representing Cedefop and promoting its work at meetings and conferences;
·            Coordinate forecasting activities in liaison with colleagues helping ensure the delivery of high quality outputs, a good working atmosphere, effective working methods and good communication.

Formal requirements
To be considered eligible, applicants must:
·         Be a citizen of one of the member states of the European Union;
·         Have a level of education which corresponds to completed university studies attested by a diploma when the normal period of university education is four years or more and after having obtained the university degree, at least 9 years full-time equivalent professional experience
or
a level of university education which corresponds to completed university studies attested by a diploma when the normal period of university education is three years and, after having obtained the university degree, at least 10 years of full-time equivalent professional experience
·         Have a thorough knowledge of one of the languages of the Communities and satisfactory knowledge of another language of the Communities;
·         Enjoy full rights as a citizen;
·         Have fulfilled any obligations imposed by the laws on military service;
·         Be physically fit to perform the duties relating to the post.

Prospective applicants will be assessed against the following criteria:


Education, knowledge and experience
·         A university degree preferably in social sciences (economics, statistics, political science, sociology, education sciences and the like);
·         Be in possession of a PHD;
·         As stated above, at least 9 respectively 10 full-time equivalent years of relevant  professional experience in applied research and analysis in the field of employment and/or education and training documented by publications;
·         Proven experience with up to date methods of econometric analysis;
·         Substantial experience and knowledge of European education and training policies and research activities in the field, including knowledge of European employment and labour market issues;
·         Very good written and spoken English.

Professional competences and skills
·         Advanced knowledge in skills and/or employment and/or economic forecasting and analysis methods at macro and micro level, and their applications, including most recent econometric techniques;
·         Strong analytical skills and ability to draw up conclusions and recommendations;
·         Ability to contextualise information and to identify key issues and important trends;
·         Experience in drafting research papers, policy-relevant documents and studies, documented by publications and working papers particularly on topics related to the post;
·         Ability to plan, coordinate, carry out and supervise projects, to set priorities and deliver high quality results to schedule and budget;
·         Ability to moderate and steer international networks and to cooperate with network members on issues related to the tasks;
·         Excellent communication skills, including clear and concise scientific writing skills and the ability to explain complex issues to a broad range of audiences;
·         Proven ability to lead discussion and present work accurately and convincingly in meetings and conferences;
·         Ability to work cooperatively and effectively in a multicultural and multidisciplinary team and with EU and international organisations;
·         Ability to anticipate and accept new demands and challenges, to manage a range of tasks, respond to ad hoc requirements and to work constructively under stress;
·         Persistence, accuracy, task focus and result-orientation;
·         Commitment to continuous professional and personal development.

The following characteristics will be considered as additional assets
·         A good command of a third EU language;
·         Competence and experience in designing, carrying out and analysing empirical surveys, including knowledge in sample techniques and advanced analysis methods;
·         Understanding of public procurement procedures.

Contractual conditions
The contract is for five years with the possibility for renewal.
The terms of employment are those described in the Staff Regulations of the European Communities and in the Conditions of Employment of Other Servants of the European Communities (cf. articles 8 to 50a referring to temporary staff).
The grade for this position is AD 8. The basic monthly salary of a temporary agent in the first step at AD 8 level, before any deductions or allowances, is approximately EUR 5.890. The salary is subject to a salary weighting (currently 95.3%) but free of national taxation. In addition, Cedefop offers attractive benefits in line with those of the EU Staff Regulations.
Recruitment will take place under the condition that corresponding budget appropriations and a vacant post are available.
The place of employment is Thessaloniki, Greece, where Cedefop has its official seat.

Equal opportunities
Cedefop applies a policy of equal opportunities and takes care to avoid any form of discrimination.


Selection procedure
Eligibility of candidates will be assessed according to compliance with all formal requirements by the closing date for the submission of application papers. Selected candidates will be invited for written tests and an interview.
The Selection Board’s work and deliberations are strictly confidential and any contact with the board members is strictly forbidden.
Please note:    it is intended to hold tests and interviews in Thessaloniki on 26 and 27 February 2009 (subject to change).


Submission of applications
A detailed curriculum vitae preferably using the European format (see our website www.cedefop.europa.eu ), certificates, recommendation letters and a letter of motivation of not more than 2 pages should be sent to the following address:
 
Cedefop
European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training
c/o Mail Registration Agent
Ref.: CEDEFOP/2008/12/AD
PO Box 22427 - Finikas
GR- 55102 Thessaloniki
Candidates should send four copies of their CV and supporting documents in order to facilitate the selection process. The four copies should be sent as separate sheets, without stapling or binding. Candidates should not send original diplomas or certificates.
In order to be considered, the application documents must clearly quote on the envelope the vacancy reference number and be sent by registered post. Candidates must be able to produce proof of registration if requested. Applications delivered via e-mail will not be accepted.
Reference number: CEDEFOP/2008/12/AD
Please note: The CV and letter of motivation must be sent in English.
 

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