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CEDEFOP

European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training

CALL FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST

SECONDED NATIONAL EXPERT (SNE): VET POLICIES AND SYSTEMS

(REF.: CEDEFOP/2026/03/SNE)

DEADLINE FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST: TUESDAY, 16 JUNE 2026

SNEs are staff employed by a national, regional or local public administration, an international organisation, an employers' or employees' organisation who are seconded to Cedefop to bring their expertise in a particular field. The SNE's employer shall undertake to continue to pay their salary and to maintain their administrative status throughout the period of secondment.

Cedefop wishes to set up a list of candidates interested in a fixed-term secondment as SNE to Cedefop in the field of VET policies and systems.

1. CEDEFOP

Cedefop is the European Union's reference for vocational education and training (VET), skills and qualifications. Our mission as an EU agency is to provide research and policy analysis to support the development of European VET policies and to contribute to their implementation. More than ever, skills and VET play a crucial role at the intersection of different policy areas to accompany economic, demographic and social changes and to address issues like labour market integration and employability of EU citizens. We are committed and dedicated to providing pan-European expertise, services and tools that make a difference.

To learn more about Cedefop's work, please visit Cedefop's website.

Cedefop has its seat in Thessaloniki, Greece (Life in Thessaloniki). The Agency offers an international and stimulating workplace, with about 120 staff from EU Member States.

2. THE ROLE AND STATUS OF SECONDED NATIONAL EXPERTS

The Seconded National Expert (SNE) will work in the Department for VET and Qualifications (DVQ), under the supervision of the Head of Department.

As a member of the department, and in cooperation with colleagues working in Cedefop's VET policies and systems team, the SNE will contribute to Cedefop's monitoring of VET policies and systems and cross-country comparative analysis and reporting covering the 27 EU Member States, Norway and Iceland. The SNE will be actively engaged and interacting with partner organisations of the ReferNet, Cedefop's network of expertise in

Europe 123, 570 01 Thessaloniki (Pylea), GREECE | Postal address: Europe 123, Service Post, 57001 Thermi, GREECE
Tel. +30 2310490200 | Fax +30 2310490049 | E-mail: hr-recruitment@cedefop.europa.eu | www.cedefop.europa.eu

Cedefop

VET, that are the principal source of information for the VET policies and systems team's activities.

SNEs have a dual role: they bring to Cedefop their experience of the issues they are used to dealing with and take back to their employer the knowledge of EU issues which they acquire during their period of secondment. The sending organisation benefits from strengthened institutional links with Cedefop, enhanced insight into EU VET policy developments, and the return of an expert equipped with comparative knowledge, practical EU know-how and an extended contact network that supports evidence-based policy development at national level.

Typically, SNEs are seconded to Cedefop from the administrations of the EU Member States as well as from EFTA countries, candidate countries and public intergovernmental organisations. Staff employed in an international organisation or an employers' or employees' organisation can also be seconded to Cedefop, especially in departments where their unique skills and knowledge are specifically required by Cedefop.

The secondment is formalised by an exchange of letters between Cedefop's Executive Director and the representative of the sending organisation.

Expected benefits for the SNE:

The SNE will have an opportunity to:

  • Develop good understanding of Cedefop's mission and activities in VET and skills, its contribution to shaping EU policies in these fields, thereby getting more familiar with the resources offered by Cedefop and how they could be used for professional purposes in the sending organisation.
  • Gain experience in working at EU level, including cross-country comparative research and analysis, thereby improving their insights into developments and approaches to specific topics or in specific countries, which can inform the activities of the sending organisation.
  • Exchange and discuss on a daily basis with peers on thematic and methodological issues, within the Cedefop team, contractors and ReferNet partners, thereby capitalising on their expertise and benefitting the own professional development and deriving inspiration for the sending organisation.
  • Get access to contacts with relevant agencies and stakeholders across the EU.
  • Gain professional experience in a multicultural environment.
  • Participate in Cedefop conferences, seminars and workshops relevant to the areas of interest of the sending organisation.

3. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS

In cooperation with colleagues working in Cedefop's VET policies and systems team, the SNE will contribute to Cedefop's monitoring, research, analysis and reporting on VET policies and systems across Europe.

Functions and duties:

  • Reviewing activities and deliverables for specific countries assigned to the SNE, including reporting on the implementation of EU priorities in VET, VET systems updates, in close cooperation with the ReferNet partners; more specifically, reviewing

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CEDEFOP

and providing content-related feedback on completeness, clarity, coherence, relevance of the provided information, and preparing them for publication.

  • Monitoring and interpreting trends and developments in VET policies and systems, based on qualitative and quantitative inhouse and external sources.
  • If applicable, carrying out own desk research, interviews with national policy-makers, participating in focus groups.
  • Communicating/collaborating with contractors and partner organisations in the context of joint monitoring, research and analysis activities and/or meeting and events.
  • Drafting thematic cross-country and country-specific reports and articles for Cedefop publications and background documents to be shared with the European Commission, Directors General for Vocational Training (DGVT), Advisory Committee for Vocational Training (ACVT) and other stakeholders.
  • Organising, moderating and participating in meetings, working groups and conferences as part of the project activities.
  • Contribute to public procurement procedures (with technical support of the procurement service), including drafting calls for tenders, selection and evaluation of offers.
  • Supporting team members and contributing to tasks they coordinate (e.g. providing guidelines for contractors or partner organisations, helping to improve outputs, contribute to the preparation, implementation and follow-up of events).
  • Contributing to the identification of research gaps and the design and implementation of research or analysis.
  • Keeping up to date on the findings of Cedefop work, national and EU-level developments related to VET policies and systems.

4. FORMAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Be a citizen of one of the Member States of the European Union, EFTA countries or candidate countries.
  • Be employed by a national, regional, or local public administration, an international organisation or an employers' or employees' organisation on a permanent or contract basis for at least 12 months before the secondment and remain in the service of that employer throughout the period of secondment.
  • Have at least three years of experience in functions which can be regarded as equivalent to those of category AD as defined in the Staff Regulations of the European Union.
  • Have a thorough knowledge of English (1) and a satisfactory knowledge of a second language to the extent necessary for the performance of the duties.

(1) English is the working language of Cedefop.

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5. ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Essentials:

  • A completed university degree.
  • At least three years of professional experience in education and training policy or research.
  • Experience in drafting publications for a policy audience, effectively summarising cross-country comparative analysis.
  • Experience using confidently standard ICT tools, digital communication tools and online platforms for daily professional tasks.

Additional asset:

  • Experience in procurement and contract management.

As part of the selection procedure Cedefop will organise a written assignment and interview to test the below:

  • Knowledge and understanding of the EU VET skills policy context, and the VET system of their country.
  • Drafting skills and ability to produce high quality written documents in English.
  • Ability to analyse and synthesise qualitative and quantitative data, conduct cross-country comparative analyses and convey findings and conclusions clearly and coherently.
  • Good communication skills and ability to tailored messages to different target groups.
  • Ability to deliver results and manage multiple assignments timely and efficiently, both independently and as part of a team.
  • Openness to explore and familiarise with new methods and tools, including AI-based tools.

6. CONTRACTUAL CONDITIONS, ALLOWANCES AND BENEFITS

The duration of the secondment is up to two (2) years, renewable up to a maximum period of four (4) years. Exceptionally, up to six (6) years.

The SNE will work at Cedefop's premises while remaining employed and remunerated by the sending organisation throughout the secondment, who continues to pay their salary and maintain their social security coverage. During this period, the SNE is also covered by Cedefop's accident insurance scheme.

A flexible working schedule may be agreed upon to allow the SNE to remain in touch with his/her permanent place of work.

A daily allowance and a monthly allowance, subject to the weighting factor for Greece (currently 87%) is paid to the SNE depending on the distance between the place of origin and the place of secondment. The subsistence allowance is granted under the same conditions as the expatriation allowance for officials (²).

(²) Article 4 of Annex VII to the Staff Regulations and the provisions implementing this Article shall apply mutatis mutandis.

Cedefop

Cedefop also covers the school fees (primary and secondary education) for children of SNEs in line with the rules applicable to officials and temporary staff.

For more information, please refer to Cedefop rules on secondments.

Contact point for further questions: hr-recruitment@cedefop.europa.eu.

7. HOW TO EXPRESS INTEREST

To be considered, applications must include:

  • a letter from the current employer confirming that, in case the applicant is selected and seconded, the sending organisation undertakes to continue paying the applicant's salary and maintaining their administrative status throughout the period of secondment.
  • a motivation letter.
  • a CV.

Only applications including all 3 documents, will be considered.

Individual expressions of interest, without letter from their employer will not be accepted.

Applications must be submitted by Tuesday 16 June 2026, 13:00 (EET) at the latest to the following email address: hr-recruitment@cedefop.europa.eu.

Only eligible candidates will be contacted by Cedefop's HR service.

8. EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

Cedefop believes in equality and diversity and is committed to providing equal opportunities to all applicants and to preventing discrimination on any grounds.

Cedefop actively welcomes applications from all qualified candidates, without any distinction on any grounds and from the broadest possible geographical basis amongst the EU Member States, EFTA or candidate countries.

9. DATA PROTECTION

Any information provided in the documentation related to candidates for secondment application is subject to EU legislation on protection of personal data and confidentiality of information.

10. DECLARATION OF COMMITMENT TO SERVE PUBLIC INTEREST INDEPENDENTLY

The successful candidate will be required to sign a declaration of commitment to act independently in the public interest and a declaration in relation to interests that might be considered prejudicial to his/her independence.

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At Impactpool we do our best to provide you the most accurate info, but closing dates may be wrong on our site. Please check on the recruiting organization's page for the exact info. Candidates are responsible for complying with deadlines and are encouraged to submit applications well ahead.
Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify. Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.