The Work

SNEs play a duel role in the EU. The idea is that the SNEs will share their experiences and expertise in particular policy areas with EU staff, and in return will take back knowledge of EU policies and processes to their national administrations. 

As an SNE you will work alongside Commission officials, helping to achieve the strategic objectives defined by a Directorate-General or Service for the benefit of EU citisens.

On secondment, you will work under the instructions of an EU official, according to a detailed job description and governed by rules that help avoid the risk of any conflicts of interest.

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

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.

On occasion the EU will invite national and international civil servants and public sector staff to bring their experience to an EU institution for a temporary time period - (where an employee transfers to a different job for a specified period of time is known as 'secondment').

As well as civil servants, experts from international organisations, universities, research centers and other entities belonging to the public sector, can also be seconded to the EU, especially in areas where their unique skills and knowledge are specifically required by an EU Institution.

In order to become an [SNE] Seconded National Expert , candidates must have at least 3 years work experience or more depending on role and EU Career Grade.

SNEs are typically seconded from the civil services of EU countries, so the vast majority are national, regional or local civil servants.

SNEs from EU countries are recruited via their Permanent Representations to the EU.

Those interested in becoming an SNE should contact their country's permanent representation to the EU for information about current opportunities.

Further information on available vacancies  and requirements are also available from EU Careers Job opportunities.

Last Updated: April, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €57k - €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):
Europa.eu/ 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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