The Work

Assistants (AST) usually work in supporting roles and are crucial for the internal management of the EU Institutions.

The work in this job role typically includes:

• Handling contacts with the press, the media and the public

• Drafting, revising and preparing various documents for publication

• Organising different types of events

• Preparing information documents, publications, brochures, audiovisual products

• Managing communication activities through websites, social media, etc.

• Participating in the analysis and media impact of communication activities

• Liaising and coordinating with stakeholders (Publications Office, subcontractors, etc.)

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.

Social

The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.

Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.

Training & Development 

Steps and pathways of development may prepare you for entrance to a Career in the EU.  

FET Centre Traineeship: Business and Office admn, Social media NFQ Level 5 Search FET Traineeship 

FET Centre PLC Course: Communications, PR. Media and Social media NFQ Level 5-6 Search our FET PLC Coursefinder 

Higher Education CAO Entry Communications, PR. Media and Social media NFQ 6-8 Search our CAO coursefinder

EU Entrance Requirements: 

Communication Assistants in the EU must have:

• A good command of at least 2 European languages (one of which must be English, French or German)
• either
  - post-secondary education in communication, media studies, journalism or public relations and at least 3 years' appropriate professional experience,
• or
  - secondary education and at least 6 years' professional experience

An assistant career in the EU covers grades AST 1 to AST 11. New staff usually enter at grades AST 1 or AST 3 EU Staff Grades

AST 1 candidates must have completed secondary education and have previous relevant experience, or have a relevant vocational qualification.

AST 3 candidates should have completed secondary education, a relevant vocational qualification and/or several years' relevant experience.

In general, to apply for an Assistant competition, you must have completed (at least) secondary school.

Last Updated: April, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €30k - €145k

Salaries vary based on assignment & project. Factors of repatriation and package of requirement in your role in the EU impact overall salary.

An assistant career ranges from grades AST 1 to AST 11

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) 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: July, 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.

• European Movement Ireland

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• EU Careers - European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO)

  • Candidate Contact Service, Office C-80 00/40, B1049 Brussels
  • 00800 6789 1011
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• Public Appointments Service

  • Chapter House, 26/30 Abbey Street Upper, Dublin 1, D01 C7W6
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• European Parliament Information Office in Ireland

  • 43, Molesworth Street, Dublin, 2
  • 01 - 605 7900
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