The recruitment process

We advertise all of our vacancies on the ECHA website. You must submit your complete application by the closing date. 

One selection board will review all valid applications against the criteria defined in the vacancy notice. This board will select the most suitable applicants in an objective, impartial and transparent manner and will invite them to an interview.

Interview and written test

The next stage involves an interview with the selection board appointed for each selection procedure. The board will assess applicants against the criteria defined in the vacancy notice.

The interview will be held in English, but the knowledge of other languages may also be tested. Native English speakers can also expect to prove their second language skills.

In addition to the interview, applicants will undergo a written test in English in the area of expertise required for the specific profile. 

Reserve lists

Following the interviews and written tests, the selection board will create a reserve list with the most suitable candidates. ECHA may recruit staff from the reserve list at any time during the period of validity of the lists, which in general is two years with a possible extension of one year.

You must remember that the inclusion on the reserve list does not imply any entitlement to employment.

The selection procedure may take up to six months from the closing date for applications to the approval of the reserve list.

Applicants can request a review within ten days of notification of the decision. They may also submit an appeal within three months. Like all citizens of the EU, applicant can also make a complaint to the European Ombudsman.