Head of Sector Justice and Home Affairs

<div><p><b>Type of post/type of contract</b> AD</p>
<p><b>Grade/function group</b> AD5-AD12</p>
<p><b>Publication under</b> Article 29(1)(a), (b) and (c) of the Staff Regulations</p>
<p><b>Place of employment</b> Brussels (Belgium)</p>
<p><b>Deadline for applications</b> 03/03/2026 (Brussels time GMT+1) at 12:00 midday</p>
<h3>WHO ARE WE?</h3>
<h3>The EDPS - a young and dynamic institution</h3>
<p>The European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS) is the independent data protection authority of the EU institutions and bodies and the advisor to the EU legislator on data protection matters. Established in 2004 and based in Brussels, the EDPS works to promote a strong data protection culture across the EU institutions and in EU legislation. We also closely monitor technological developments and seek to anticipate their impact on the individual's privacy. Additionally, since the entry into force of the AI Act, we ensure that the EU institutions use, develop, and deploy AI in line with its rules. The EDPS employs around 170 staff members, including EU officials, Contract Agents, Temporary Agents, Seconded National Experts and Trainees, working on a full-time or part-time basis.</p>
<h3><b>The EDPS - a great place to work</b></h3>
<p>We value a strong culture of respect, flat hierarchical structures and an open door policy to foster innovative ideas and a strong collaboration between colleagues. To ensure our staff's well-being and motivation, we believe that it is essential to create a healthy organisational climate and to strike a good work-life balance. To achieve this, we offer various flexible working arrangements, as well as learning and development opportunities, such as job-shadowing and training programmes.</p>
<h3>WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR?</h3>
<p>Someone who</p>
<ul>
<li>fits in an informal and friendly yet professional working environment;</li>
<li>appreciates working collaboratively with other colleagues on a variety of different projects;</li>
<li>brings their creativity and initiative to the table;</li>
<li>engages constructively with stakeholders, based on our core values: integrity, impartiality, transparency and pragmatism.</li>
</ul>
<h3>ABOUT THE POSITION</h3>
<p>Our job vacancy is in the Justice and Home Affairs Sector of the Policy & Legislative Consultation Unit. The unit is in charge of advising European institutions on data protection matters, in particular in the context of legislative consultation in accordance with Regulation (EU)2018/1725 which lays down the rules for data protection in the EU institutions (EUDPR). This includes in particular:</p>
<ul>
<li>Advising the Commission, the European Parliament and the Council on legislative proposals, draft implementing and delegated acts, and international agreements that have an impact on the protection of personal data.</li>
<li>Developing and maintaining expertise related to data protection in various areas of EU law, including AI and digital regulation, as well as judicial and police cooperation in criminal matters, interoperability and large-scale IT systems.</li>
<li>Contributing and coordinating the EDPS involvement as a member of the European Data Protection Board (EDPB), in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (EU) 2016/679 and the EUDPR.</li>
<li>Contributing and coordinating the EDPS international cooperation activities, including international cooperation among data protection authorities and/or in the context of intergovernmental organisations.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Your main responsibilities will include:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Carrying out and supervising legislative consultation and other tasks assigned to the Justice and Home Affairs Sector;</li>
<li>Developing and implementing the strategy and objectives of the Sector, as well as supporting the day-to-day management of resources and ensuring business continuity and availability;</li>
<li>Putting in place smooth working methods for the team to perform their duties and to ensure the cohesion and well-functioning of the team;</li>
<li>Ensuring the respect of procedures in place, contributing to a smooth workflow and respect of deadlines;</li>
<li>Conducting quality checks and coherence of the documents produced by the team, in line with the guidance provided by hierarchy;</li>
<li>Ensuring the coordination and cooperation with the other sectors of the Policy and Legislative Consultation Unit, and with the other EDPS units;</li>
<li>Providing input for the budget and planning in relation to the Sector's activities and moni