• entry by means of “concours” (open examinations);
• recruited in groups and often for particular disciplines (e.g. lawyers, economists) but not generally for specific posts;
• unlimited period of contract;
• candidates generally (but not always) need a number of years of specialist experience;
• concours are usually advertised in 2 national publications in each Member (or Candidate Member) State;
• recruitment to permanent posts is only by concours: spontaneous applications for permanent posts are not accepted.

• each Temporary Agent is usually recruited for a specific post
• sometimes take a written test and then interviewed by Selection Boards;
• candidates must have a number of years of specialist experience;
• depending on the type of contract offered, appointments can range from several months to a number of years;
• the salary scales and allowances are the same as those for permanent staff;
• sometimes advertised.

• Temporary posts are offered from time to time at the Commission, mainly in the Research and Information Society Directorates-General. These contracts can be for up to 5 years in duration.
• Many of these jobs are at the research institutes in Ispra (Italy), Geel (Belgium), Petten (Netherlands), Karlsruhe (Germany) and Seville (Spain). There is a separate recruitment process for such jobs.
• The Commission also offers research fellowships at PhD and post-doctorate level.

• usually taken on following a short test and interview
• contracts generally vary from a few weeks to a maximum of three years
• auxiliaries have a different pay scale and are not entitled to the same range of allowances as permanent officials and Temporary Agents
• not normally advertised
• cease to exist after 31 December 2007

• usually recruited after several short written tests and interview
• for staff recruited for:
  • manual or administrative support tasks and in Commission Representations, Delegations, Agencies - temporary contracts of up to 5 years, can be renewed for up to a further 5 years, at which stage they can be made permanent
  • temporary absences due to illness, maternity leave, staff shortages during periods of increased work pressure, lack of specialist staff - temporary contracts of 3 months (min) and 3 years (max)
• being used more frequently instead of Temporary Agents or Auxiliary contracts
• offer lower rates of pay and less attractive conditions of service
• sometimes advertised on EPSO website

• many work on direct, negotiable contract to the Institution but some people are employed by larger contractors, who in turn work for the Institution in question.

• employed via an employment agency (often Vedior-Gregg or Adecco), they work within the Institution but are paid by the agency;
• generally “C” Grade staff, carrying out clerical/secretarial duties.

• experts employed by Government Departments or the private sector, who are seconded to the Institutions, usually the Commission, for a period of up to 4 years.
• Their salaries are paid by their “home” employer but the Institution pays them a generous living and travel allowance

Special Advisers

• high level experts, normally working for the Commissioners.