Expert in Research and Policy Analysis - Thassaloniki - Grèce H/F/X

Our mission as an EU agency is to provide research and policy analysis to support the development of European VET, skills and qualifications policies and 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, including the digital and green transitions, and to address issues like labour market integration and employability of EU citizens. This is where 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.

Description of the function

Key responsibilities of the position

Research and policy analysis

• Carry out state-of-the-art analysis of trends in VET and skills and translate it into insights and advice to inform EU policies. 
• Engage in capacity building and peer review initiatives and contribute to project design and implementation. 
• Design and apply analytical frameworks and use quantitative or qualitative research methods. 
• Design and implement interviews, qualitative surveys, focus groups, and case studies. 

Outreach

• Contribute to drafting Cedefop's research and policy publications. 
• Produce high quality analytical outputs (research reports, policy briefs, online tools and databases, and other knowledge products). 
• Present Cedefop work in workshops, conferences, fora, peer learning activities, and expert communities, and network with key EU stakeholders. 

Project and contract management

• Plan and coordinate research activities, manage timelines and deliverables, and contribute to the successful implementation of complex projects involving multiple stakeholders. 
• Manage and/or participate in the full cycle of contract management, involving external contractors and research partners, from drafting the tender specifications to implementation.

For a more detailed description, please refer to the full account here .

Profil

Based on the requirements of the regulatory framework, for your application to be considered eligible, you must fulfil all the following requirements on the closing date for submission of applications: 

Nationality:  Be a national of one of the Member States of the European Union or a national of the European Economic Area (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway). Agreement on the European Economic Area.

Citizen rights: Enjoy full rights as a citizen. 

Military service: Have fulfilled any legal obligations concerning military service. 

Physical fitness: Be physically fit to perform the duties relating to the post Before appointment, the successful candidate must undergo a medical examination..

Education and professional experience: Have a level of education which corresponds to completed university studies of at least 3 years attested by a diploma.

Only diplomas that have been awarded in EU Member States or EEA countries or that are the subject of equivalence certificates issued by the authorities in the said countries shall be taken into consideration. 

Language skills: Have a thorough C1 knowledge of one EU language (1) and a satisfactory knowledge (Level B2 in all dimensions as per the CEFR) of another EU language as required for the performance of the duties.

(1) By way of derogation from Articles 12(2)(e), 82(3)(e) and 85(3) of the CEOS of the European Union, the languages referred to in Article 129(1) of the Agreement shall be considered by Cedefop, in respect of its staff, as languages of the Union referred to in Article 55(1) of the Treaty on European Union

For a more detailed description, please refer to the full account here .

Conditions d'accès

Essential preselection criteria 

If you do not meet the minimum requirements in the essential criterion below, your application will not be considered further. 

at least 3 years work experience ([2]) in the past 10 years, conducting qualitative or quantitative policy-oriented research relevant to the duties described in Section 3 - Key responsibilities of the position.

Advantageous preselection criteria 

• authored publication(s) assessed based on their relevance to Cedefop's work in VET and skills development ([3]);
• experience working as staff member ([4]) in an EU Institution or a public international organisation; 
• advanced university degree (EQF Level 8).

Written test and interview 

This stage of the selection procedure will allow you to prove your suitability for the post. You will have the opportunity to demonstrate the following technical and soft skills relevant for the job: 

Applied knowledge of methods and techniques, quantitative or qualitative, used in conducting policy-oriented research in VET and skills development. 

• Ability to translate research findings into policy insights and evidence-based recommendations. 
• Ability to develop research proposals relevant to Cedefop's work in VET and skills development. 
• Ability to plan, organise and effectively monitor and manage complex projects to deliver results. 
• Ability to collaborate constructively in a multicultural and multidisciplinary team.
• Resilience, adaptability, and strong sense of commitment.
• Ability to communicate clearly in English (orally and in writing) and to adapt the communication style to match the specifics of the audience. 

The written test will be organised remotely (proctoring method) and assessed by the selection board anonymously (i.e. the candidate is assigned a code, and the selection board is not aware of the candidates' identity when correcting the written test).

Only candidates who obtain at least 60% of the maximum score for the written test will be invited to take part in an interview with the selection board. The interviews will take place remotely. In the final score the written test will have a weight of 35% and the interview 65%.

To learn more about Cedefop organisation, please see Cedefop's organisational chart and to learn more about the relevant projects of DVS, please see the dedicated webpage

For a more detailed description, please refer to the full account here.

([2]) PhD studies are considered as professional experience for up to three years, even when unpaid, provided that the PhD has been successfully completed. 

([3]) (During the application process you will be able to upload up to 3 relevant publications. In case of co-authored publication, please declare your specific contribution as one of the authors.) 

([4]) SNE, trainees, interims, external contractors are not considered as staff members.

Diplôme

• Supérieur universitaire

Compétences linguistiques

• Anglais (requis)

  • Comprendre : Expérimenté - (C1)
  • Écrire : Expérimenté - (C1)
  • Lire : Expérimenté - (C1)
  • Parler : Expérimenté - (C1)

• Français (atout)

  • Comprendre : Indépendant + (B2)
  • Écrire : Indépendant + (B2)
  • Lire : Indépendant + (B2)
  • Parler : Indépendant + (B2)

Avantages du poste

• Estimated monthly salary (net + gross):     Between 4,800 to 5,500 gross salary
• The salary grid is available here.
• Location of working place:               Street + number: Europe, 123
• Postal code: 57001
• City: Thessaloniki
• Country: Greece
• Estimated date of employment:  
• Type of contract (permanent, temporary) Temporary (renewable)
• Length of contract (if temporary):                  5 years (renewable)
• Working time (full, part-time):       Full time
• Working hours (per week):                40
• Timetable (days and hours):            Monday to Friday
• Number of holidays (per year):      19 to 20 working days of paid annual leave

Informations supplémentaires

¿ow to apply

Please submit your application in English by Thursday 21 May 2026 at 13:00 Greek time (CET+1), through the online system. 

To register and apply, please go to the Vacancies section on Cedefop's website, click on Apply to right. 

Supporting documents (diploma(s), work experience certificate(s), etc.) may be requested in the context of the selection phase. 

Candidates are strictly forbidden to make any contact relating to this selection procedure with the selection board and the Executive Director, or members of Cedefop's management, either 7 directly or indirectly. Any infringement of this rule will lead to disqualification from the selection process.

For useful information for applicants, refer to the dedicated guide for applicants. If you have a query, please refer first to the Frequently Asked Questions. 

If you cannot find the response that you need there, please send an email to Voir email sur actiris.brussels .

Please note: Artificial Intelligence tools may not be used in the completion of any part of this procedure. If such use activity is detected, the candidate will be disqualified from the selection procedure.

For a more detailed description, please refer to the full account here .