Data processing, analytics, and statistics – EPSO open competition (AST 3)

The European Union is looking for data management professionals to join its civil service.

The European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO) is organising an open competition to establish reserve lists for assistants (grade AST3) in the following fields: 

1. Data processing, analytics, and statistics
2. Librarianship and information science
3. Records and archives management

Candidates may apply for one field only.

Key deadlines

The application period runs from 6 October 2026 to 11 November 2026 (12.00 midday Brussels time).

Candidates must upload: 

• a  valid identity card or passport by the application deadline (11 November 2026, 12.00 midday, Brussels time), and 
• supporting documents by 11 March 2027 (12.00 midday, Brussels time).

Responsibilities

As an assistant, your tasks will depend on the field you choose and may include:

Data processing, analytics, and statistics 

• Identifying, collecting, and preparing data from multiple sources (administrative, surveys, geospatial, digital/web and other large structured and unstructured datasets, both publicly and privately held).
• Supporting data and metadata exchanges with Member States and other entities and stakeholders, including through format checks, validation rules and compliance with agreed standards.
• Managing data quality, metadata and documentation, including data validation, data dictionaries, provenance and processing records, ensuring traceability, reproducibility and transparency.
• Producing and validating data, including statistical outputs, dashboards, indicators, tables and visualisations. 
• Creating and maintaining data visualisations, including infographics, interactive dashboards and maps, and contributing to reports, briefings, methodological notes and the communication of data quality.
• Contributing to data analytics and data science activities, including through scripts and queries, process automation, statistical methods, machine learning and AI-related tools, while applying data protection, confidentiality and cybersecurity safeguards.

Librarianship and information science

• Cataloguing, classifying and maintaining electronic and physical information resources.
• Managing library collections, information resources and electronic resources.
• Supporting users in locating information and carrying out bibliographic searches.
• Maintaining library management systems and other related software.
• Supporting research through literature reviews, searches, bibliographies and subject guides.
• Promoting library and information services and supporting training and user engagement.

Records and archives management

• Supporting the development and implementation of policies for records and archives management.
• Creating and maintaining records and archives controls, including classification and metadata schemes and disposition authorities.
• Managing records and archives throughout their lifecycle, including digital curation and preservation.
• Providing support in defining the technical requirements for IT systems for managing records and/or archives.
• Contributing to ensuring security of records in all media through risk management of storage environments and business continuity planning.
• Providing assistance and guidance to staff on records and archives management.

The duties listed above are not exhaustive. Detailed information is available in the Notice of Competition, which can be found on the application page by clicking the “Get started” button below.

Selection process - Testing

The selection process for the Data management competition (AST3) includes online reasoning tests (verbal, numerical and abstract reasoning), a field-related test, and a free-text essay on EU matters. All tests will very likely take place on the same day. 

Candidates may choose any two of the 24 official EU languages for testing.

All information on test dates, materials and results will be published on the competition page and communicated to candidates via the Candidate Portal, once confirmed.

Further details are available in the Notice of Competition, which all candidates must read carefully.

Reserve list and Recruitment

Candidates who succeed in the selection process are placed on a reserve list. 

Once on a reserve list, successful candidates may be contacted by the recruiting services of the EU institutions and bodies interested in their profile, or they may apply proactively to published vacancies. If shortlisted, they may be invited for targeted recruitment interviews. Such interviews, and any other related procedures, are outside the selection process conducted by EPSO. Recruitment interviews are conducted by the relevant recruiting services usually in English and/or French. Other languages may also be used during the interviews, based on the needs of the recruiting services and the knowledge expressed by candidates in their applications.

As an employer, the institutions and bodies of the EU offer a community of expertise with a wide range of opportunities to broaden your personal and professional development. The multicultural, international and diverse teams that make up the EU Civil Service work together to benefit the lives of approximately 450 million EU citizens and beyond.

The EU institutions and bodies that EPSO works for, are committed to diversity and inclusion. They seek diversity actively and promote inclusion among their staff. EPSO therefore encourages applications from qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds and on the broadest possible geographical basis among the EU Member States. 
Learn more about Diversity & Inclusion in the EU institutions and bodies.

Do you have what it takes?

To apply for the Data management competition (AST3), you must meet the following requirements:

• Be an EU national and enjoy the full rights of an EU citizen.  
• Have a thorough knowledge of one official EU language (C1 level) and a satisfactory knowledge of another official EU language (B2 level).  
• You must also have:

  • completed post-secondary studies of at least two years, attested by a diploma in an area relevant to your chosen field, followed by at least three years of relevant professional experience;

    or

  • a level of secondary education attested by a diploma giving access to post-secondary education, followed by at least six years of relevant professional experience.

The exact requirements vary by field. Candidates must consult the Notice of Competition for full details.