JOB DESCRIPTION

WE ARE

The Joint Audit Directorate for Cohesion (Direction d’audit de la Cohesion – DAC) provides assurance and audit results to both Directors-General – of DG EMPL and DG REGIO – for all funds under Cohesion policy as well as indirect and direct management. The DAC is entrusted to test the effectiveness of management and control systems, ensure the respect of applicable rules for all programmes. These are key factors that will contribute to the success and good reputation of the Funds.

Unit DAC.7 is a single audit coordination unit for both DGs. The core mission is the methodological support on audit matters to the operational audit units of the DAC and the Member States’ audit authorities. Moreover, it includes the high-level reporting on audit activities of the DAC (including the contribution on audit assurance to the Annual Activity Reports of the two DGs), the relations with the European Court of Auditors (ECA) on assurance and performance, including the discharge process. The unit also deals with matters of anti-fraud and relations with OLAF (Office Europeen de Lutte Anti-Fraude) and EPPO (European Public Prosecutor’s Office).

WE PROPOSE

The policy assistant contributes to the relations with the Court of Auditors and discharge bodies within a team of 8 staff members. The new colleague will, together with the team:

-Co-ordinate the work linked to each ECA performance audit which will be assigned to him/her inside the ECA team, in close cooperation with the team members.

-Assist in ensuring the quality review of Commission’s replies provided on ECA findings in response to draft clearing letters and special reports.

-Participate in adversarial meetings with the ECA in view of the release of the related ECA special report, in cooperation with DG BUDG.

-Where necessary, attend the presentation of the special reports before CONT (committee at European Parliament) and/or Council.

-Co-ordinate the work linked to the ECA Statement of Assurance, in close cooperation with audit units in the DAC.

-Contribute to the preparation of the Directors’ General and Commissioners’ briefings.

-Contribute to the Commission’s replies to be provided to written parliamentary questions introduced in the context of the discharge process.

-Contribute to the presentation of the ECA Annual report before CONT (EP) and COMBUD (Council). -Contribute to the Commission’s comments on the different opinions provided by both Council and EP committees as well as on the draft discharge report and its amendments provided by CONT in view of granting discharge to the Commission;

-Assist in updating regularly the RAD (Reach Address Database) database managed by DG BUDG and aiming at following all recommendations issued by the ECA and discharge bodies.

-Assist in providing input needed on any monitoring activities requested at the level of the Directorate or the DGs on topics related to his/her files, preparation of the AAR or discussion of draft special reports to the DG EMPL Coordination and DG REGIO Board of Directors meetings.

WE LOOK FOR

We are looking for a proactive and motivated colleague with a positive, open mindset, eager to learn, adaptable to change, and ready to grow within a dynamic and collaborative team. The ideal candidate will be comfortable navigating between routine tasks and strategic challenges, managing shifting priorities, and contributing with flexibility and resilience – especially during peak periods. Strong planning and organisational skills are essential, as is the willingness to support others and step up when the workload intensifies.

The candidate should demonstrate a solid understanding of Cohesion policy, with experience in and/or knowledge of policy, audits or programme implementation considered a strong asset. Candidates should also have sharp attention to detail, coupled with the ability to distinguish what truly matters. A strong ability to communicate complex issues clearly and simply is essential, as are excellent drafting skills. The candidate must be capable of organising and prioritising their work autonomously, with a strong sense of responsibility and reliability. Good knowledge of English is essential, good knowledge of French is definitely an asset.

HOW TO EXPRESS YOUR INTEREST?

With a view to guaranteeing equal access to all, the Commission recruits from an open database of spontaneous applications. The present call for interests aims at helping the recruiters to identify potentially interested candidates within this database.

In practice, to express your interest, please follow the subsequent two steps:

1. If you are not registered yet in the open EPSO database, please do so at the following address: CAST Permanent. Please select under selection procedures for contract agent the CAST permanent profile that best suits your education and experience.
2. You should send your documents in a single pdf in the following order:
3. your CV 2. completed application form.

Please send these documents by the publication deadline to [email protected]

and [email protected] indicating the call for interest reference EC- 2025-REG10-250119 in the subject.

No applications will be accepted after the publication deadline.