The Work

Policy Administrators (AD) are typically involved in drafting policies and monitoring the implementation of EU law, analysing and advising.

Using scientific methods they develop surveys and undertake statistical analysis. For example, to examine urban inequality, researchers may take a random sample of adults from selected households. They may ask a series of questions to find out about the adult's experiences of employment or their residential preferences.  
 
Quantitative research involves large samples (usually more than 100 people) and measurable data. Qualitative research uses smaller numbers of people and concentrates more on people's opinions and experiences. Focus groups, made up of a small number of selected people, are encouraged to discuss a particular topic. Researchers may also interview people on a one-to-one basis.  
 
Computers are normally used to analyse data and produce statistics, graphs and models. At the end of the project, researchers write a report that sets out research aims, results, conclusions and recommendations. The findings of a completed project are often presented to interested parties.  
 
Researchers help to form and monitor social policy in central government departments. They use census records to study and predict changes in population structure and movement. Knowledge of public attitudes to diet, drugs, crime and alcohol helps the government to set health care targets and produce public information literature. Research into crime (for example, domestic violence) helps the police and may lead to changes in the law.  
 
In local government, research tends to be very specific to policy. Researchers help local authorities by producing information on housing, education, social services and planning. For example, they survey people's opinions about the state of housing, or the impact of a new road designed to relieve traffic congestion.  
 
Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Prepare publications and reports containing research findings.
• Analyse and interpret data in order to increase the understanding of human social behavior.
• Plan and conduct research to develop and test theories about societal issues such as crime, group relations, poverty, and aging.
• Collect data about the attitudes, values, and behaviors of people in groups, using observation, interviews, and review of documents.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate methods of data collection, such as questionnaires or interviews.
• Teach sociology.
• Direct work of statistical clerks, statisticians, and others who compile and evaluate research data.
• Consult with and advise individuals such as administrators, social workers, and legislators regarding social issues and policies, as well as the implications of research findings.
• Collaborate with research workers in other disciplines.
• Develop approaches to the solution of groups' problems, based on research findings in sociology and related disciplines.

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

Linguistic

The Linguistic's interests are usually focused on ideas and information exchange. They tend to like reading a lot, and enjoy discussion about what has been said. Some will want to write about their own ideas and may follow a path towards journalism, story writing or editing. Others will develop skills in other languages, perhaps finding work as a translator or interpreter. Most Linguistic types will enjoy the opportunity to teach or instruct people in a topic they are interested in.

Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

There are a variety of different jobs available in the EU institutions. While some require specific qualifications, many are open to people from a variety of backgrounds, from science, to arts to business.  

-Higher Education CAO Entry NFQ Search CAO courses

In general, to apply for an Administrator (AD) Policy Officer competition, you must have completed (at least) three years of university.

You must have:

• a good command of at least 2 European languages (one of which must be English, French or German)
• a degree (or be graduating this year) for entry at Grade AD 5 
• several years’ relevant experience, to join us at a more senior level (Grade AD 7) Grades for Careers in European Union. 

Last Updated: April, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €27k - €100k

Basic monthly permanent official salaries range from around €2,300 per month for a newly recruited Assistant-Secretary (AST/SC 1) official, €4500 for an entry level graduate administrator grade (AD 5) and up to €16,000 per month for a limited number of top level Administrators (AD 16) at Director-General level. Each grade is broken up into five seniority steps with corresponding salary increases. Basic salaries are adjusted annually in line with inflation and purchasing power in the EU countries.

Data Source(s):
EU Salary Scales EPSO

Last Updated: August, 2024

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

The changes in classification as a result of the introduction of the new Labour Force Survey in 2017 are partly responsible for the strong employment growth rate for this occupation, although employment also grew strongly between 2019 and 2020, and continued to grow in 2022. Those employed are primarily female (69%), working full-time (90%), and over half (55%) held third-level qualifications. With a higher than average share of persons employed aged 55 years and older (31% compared to 19% for all occupations), replacement demand is likely to result in opportunities opening up for these roles even if employment growth slows.

There was a significant number of vacancies advertised online for clerical officer roles across the civil service and Government administration roles. However, recent job hires for 2022 far exceeded employment growth indicating that job churn is a feature of this occupation. While job openings are set to continue, upskilling and reskilling may also be required for those already employed in these occupations in order to reach targets set out in the Civil Service Renewal Plan 2024 in areas such as in digital skills.

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