About the Agency
We are eu-LISA, the European Union Agency for the Operational Management of Large-Scale IT Systems in the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice. We help implement the European Union’s policies by designing, developing, and operating large-scale information systems in internal security, border management, and judicial cooperation.
Our teams develop and manage the technological architecture of the Schengen area and the EU justice domain. By equipping law enforcement and border management operators and judicial practitioners with cutting-edge technological infrastructure, we help ensure security and justice for citizens.
With a workforce of more than 24 nationalities, eu-LISA embraces an international work environment and values collaboration among colleagues from diverse backgrounds. As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to providing a positive and enjoyable work environment. We welcome applications from all suitable candidates, irrespective of age, gender, ethnicity or social origin, disability, religion or belief, and sexual orientation.
Join us to become part of our organisational culture that fosters inclusivity and diversity. Our belief is ‘Together as one, we are making it happen’. We want our people to feel respected, valued and empowered.
Please visit our website and discover more about eu-LISA’s core activities.
About the unit
The Technology and Software Engineering Unit (TSU) is responsible for overseeing the successful technical implementation of all core IT business systems and solutions managed by eu-LISA. TSU contributes to the technical delivery of large-scale IT development projects by providing subject matter expertise and hands-on capabilities in the following engineering domains: system and solution architecture, software development and design, DevOps, testing and quality assurance.
To that end, TSU provides a detailed framework, guidance as well as hands-on expertise on building large-scale IT systems and solutions, while also ensuring the software quality of those systems. To ensure that all new systems and releases are fit for purpose and in compliance with relevant quality expectations, TSU oversees comprehensive testing for software solutions and integrating services for all IT systems delivered for the EU’s Justice and Home Affairs (JHA) community.
The unit comprises the Solutions and Architecture Design Sector (ARCS), the Software Engineering Sector (SENS) and the Solutions Quality Assurance Sector (SQAS).
About the job
eu-LISA aims to establish a reserve list from which to source the best talent. The Chief Technology Officer (CTO) will lead the Technology and Software Engineering Unit and will report directly to the Head of Programme and Engineering Department. In this role you will support eu-LISA’s mandate and ensure that the Agency achieves its objectives, enhances its reputation, and answers stakeholders’ needs.
Your tasks will include a wide range of responsibilities that extend beyond the following list:
- Oversee all aspects of technology in close cooperation with internal governance bodies; understand well the business requirements and context; build and implement a technology strategy that ensures the alignment of technology with business goals;
- Define and implement the software engineering strategy and vision for eu-LISA, in alignment with the Agency’s mission, objectives and values, taking into account the need to drive technical ownership and accountability, and insource key development services;
- Balance the adoption of emerging technologies for new systems with the need to optimise existing systems taking into account trade-offs related to operational stability, business continuity and long-term efficiency;
- Ensure the delivery of high-quality, secure, innovative and maintainable large-scale / interoperable systems, in line with the mandate of eu-LISA and in accordance with the agreed scope, schedule, budget and quality criteria;
- Manage the software engineering approach, processes, methodologies, standards and tools (such as agile, DevOps, CI/CD, cloud, microservices, etc), and ensure their continuous improvement and adaptation to the evolving needs and challenges;
- Actively contribute to the Agency’s IT asset management;
- Drive, monitor and evaluate the performance and impact of the software engineering activities, and report on the progress, achievements, risks and issues to the Head of Programme and Engineering Department and the Executive Director;
- Drive the elaboration of solution requirements stemming from business and functional requirements;
- Provide strategic and technical guidance, support and advice to the Head of Department and to the Executive Director of eu-LISA on technology, software engineering and DevOps matters, and contribute to the respective decision-making process;
- Co-drive the architecture, scalability and implementation roadmap of the infrastructure and data platforms to ensure functionality and efficiency;
- Collaborate with eu-LISA’s research and innovation team to identify how the latest research outcomes can translate to tangible technology choices bringing value in the framework of the development of new and existing (under evolution) systems;
- Foster a culture of excellence, collaboration, learning and innovation within the software engineering and DevOps teams and across the Agency, and promote the sharing of knowledge, best practices and lessons learned;
- Lead and manage the software engineering team, ensuring their motivation, engagement, empowerment and accountability, and providing them with regular feedback, coaching and mentoring;
- Establish and maintain effective and constructive relationships with the internal and external stakeholders, such as the Member States, the European Institutions and other relevant decentralised Agencies (i.e. Europol, Frontex or the European Union Agency for Asylum), and represent the Agency in relevant forums, meetings and events on technology and software engineering matters.
Eligibility criteria
To be eligible for recruitment and selection, you need to meet the following formal criteria, which need to be fulfilled by the deadline for application:
General conditions
- You are national of one of the EU Member States or Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, or Switzerland and you enjoy full rights as a citizen;
- You produce the appropriate character requirements for the duties involved;
- You are physically fit to perform your duties;
- You have fulfilled any obligations imposed on you by the laws concerning military service.
Education
- You 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,
or
- You have a level of education which corresponds to completed university studies attested by a diploma when the normal period of university education is least three years or more and appropriate professional experience of at least one year;
Only qualifications awarded in an EU Member State or that are subject to an equivalence certificate issued by an authority in a said EU Member State shall be taken into consideration.
Professional experience
- You have at least 12 years of proven full-time professional experience relevant to the duties after the award of the qualification certifying the completion of studies required as a condition of eligibility as above.
Language
- You have a thorough knowledge (minimum level C1) of one of the 24 EU official languages and a satisfactory knowledge (minimum level B2) of another EU official language to the extent necessary for performing the duties.
Selection criteria
The suitability of candidates will be assessed against the following criteria during different stages of the selection procedure:
Leadership skills
- Ability to lead, motivate, empower, and develop people in an international context, fostering a culture of ownership, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement;
- Ability to determine and focus on priorities as well as to monitor and evaluate the progress;
- Ability to set and revise objectives for the unit, anticipate long-term business requirements and improve the Agency’s process efficiency and effectiveness;
- Ability to recognise potential risks and business requirements to ensure resilience and alignment of systems and services with the business strategy;
- Ability to handle budgetary resources and organise work, resources, and procedures to achieve operational efficiencies, value for money, and high-quality outcomes.
Professional experience and knowledge
- Solid experience similar to the duties outlined in the section “About the job”. The Selection Committee will assess the range of fields covered, length, type and level of work done and its relevance to the areas of work listed in “About the job”;
- Out of the twelve (12) years of proven full-time professional experience required to satisfy the eligibility for the post, at least three (3) years of post-graduate professional experience must have been gained in a management function relevant for this position.
Candidates should clearly indicate for all years during which the management experience has been acquired: (1) title and role of management positions held; (2) numbers of staff overseen in these positions; (3) the size of budgets managed; (4) numbers of hierarchical layers above and below; and (5) number of peers.
Education
- University degree in Software/Computer engineering or IT related studies.
Personal competencies
- Ability to act upon eu-LISA’s values and guiding principles (We get the job done – We take ownership – We are all role models – We act together as one);
- Ability to communicate clearly, solicit input and maintain regular contact with staff, partners and stakeholders;
- Ability to establish and maintain effective and constructive relationships with internal and external stakeholders, and to understand and anticipate their needs and expectations to find the best solutions for the business;
- Ability to analyse complex and ambiguous situations, to identify and evaluate the possible courses of action, and to make and implement sound and timely decisions.
Language
- Strong drafting and communication skills in English, both orally and in writing, at least at the C1
Advantageous
- Good knowledge of the administrative and financial circuits in the public sector;
- Good knowledge of procurement of IT development services within national or European organisations or contexts;
- Possession of industry recognised certifications related to IT technology and engineering (e.g. Certified Information Technology Professional – CITP, Certified ScrumMaster – CSM, ITIL 4, AWS Certified Solution Architect – Professional, Certified Information Systems Auditor – CISA, Certified in the Governance of Enterprise IT – CGEIT or others).
What we offer
Competitive salary package composed of a basic salary and various allowances:
- eu-LISA offers a competitive salary package. To begin with, the salary is determined by the grade for which you have applied. In addition, your future salary is based on the total number of years of professional experience and adjusted to the cost of living in your place of employment.
- Depending on your individual and family situation, you may be eligible for various allowances such as expatriation, installation and household allowance, dependent child, or education allowance, ensuring your financial comfort. It is important to note that salaries are exempt from national taxation, as they are subject to a tax raised by the EU.
Additional benefits: Your health and safety are our priority. We offer a wide range of additional benefits such as health insurance, including sickness and accident insurance, hospitalisation, dental care, and preventive medicine coverage. If you desire, your family members can be covered as well. In addition, we provide a generous EU pension scheme (defined benefit plan) that becomes available after completing 10 years of service within EU Institutions/Agencies or upon reaching the pensionable age from the EU pension scheme, to which both the Agency and you make monthly contributions.
Mental Health and Well-being Program-me: Our comprehensive programme prioritises a healthy work-life balance, including amongst other reimbursements for health and fitness activities.
Training and Development Opportunities: We invest in your professional development and personal growth. You will have access to a wide range of training programmes and learning resources.
Flexible Work Arrangements: While you will be required to relocate permanently to the place of employment or its surrounding areas, you can enjoy a healthy balance between teleworking from this place and office presence within our hybrid working arrangements. Additionally, you can telework from outside of your place of employment for up to 10 days per year.
Generous Holiday Package: You will receive at least 24 days of annual leave per calendar year, additional leave days may be granted for age and grade, and home leave to travel to your home country, if applicable. Some special leave can be granted for certain circumstances such as marriage, childbirth, and more. On top, you will benefit from an average of 18 eu-LISA holidays, including the Agency’s end of the year closure.
Education for children: We offer access to an accredited European School in all our three sites, ensuring educational opportunities for your children.
Application process and next steps
Ready to join us in building a safer Europe? Apply now!
Before submitting your application, you should carefully check whether you meet all eligibility requirements.
Please complete your application form via the e-recruitment platform here. eu-LISA does not accept applications submitted by any other means (e.g., e-mail or post), or any spontaneous applications.
It is in your interest to ensure that your application is accurate, thorough, and truthful. Your application should contain personal details, educational background, professional experience, language proficiency, motivation letter, and responses to pre-screening questions, if applicable. Candidates are requested to support their application with adequate, concise examples of their work experience and qualification, especially if not directly addressed in the duties listed in the application under professional experience.
Please note that if at any stage of the selection procedure it is established that any of the requested information provided by a candidate is false, they will be disqualified. If a candidate reaches the reserve list stage, they will be requested to supply documentary evidence in support of the statements that they made for this application.
Please be aware that the deadline for submitting your application is 13 December 2024 12:59 pm Tallinn time/11:59 am Strasbourg time.
If you encounter any difficulties during the application process or have any further questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to the Talent Acquisition Service. Feel free to send an email to eulisa-RECRUITMENT@eulisa.europa.eu.
Join our diverse team, where you will have the opportunity to grow both professionally and personally while enjoying the journey.
