Frank Borchers, CPCC September 2015

How to apply for CSDP Missions and have a good Interview Lithuania, Vilnius 29 September 2015

We shall talk about Background: bureaucracy in Brussels Civilian missions Calls for Contributions Applying for a position Interviews Challenges

So what are they doing there in Brussels? Institutions EEAS - European External Action Service CMPD – Crisis Management Planning Directorate CPCC – Civilian Planning and Conduct Capability Planning, Operations, Mission Support, Mission Support: Procurement, Finance, Legal and Logistics Human Resources

CPCC and CSDP Missions 10 Missions: EULEX Kosovo • EUAM Ukraine EUPOL COPPS • EUBAM Rafah EUPOL Afghanistan • EUCAP Sahel Niger EUMM Georgia • EUCAP Nestor EUBAM Libya • EUCAP Sahel Mali

CPCC and CSDP Missions Staffing 31.08.2015 Total 2499 International 1312 (sec, contr.) National Staff 1187

Recent news about CSDP Missions EUPOL RD Congo – Liquidation Phase ended 28 Feb 2015 EUBAM Libya – suspended with reduced staff (3) as of 01 Apr 2015 EUCAP Sahel Mali and EUAM Ukraine just finalised CfC 1-2015 to full Mission strength

Call for Contributions (1) 45 CfCs in 2014 (23 regular, 22 extraord.) 1269 posts advertised (Sec 864, Sec/Con 405) 7899 applicants (Sec 2453, Con 5445) 6091 Male, 1808 Female 2122 Interviews (Sec 1430, Con 692) 807 Selections (Sec 608, Con 199) 602 Male, 205 Female 8 VE CfCs 10 CRT CfCs

Call for Contributions (2) CfC process Seconded and seconded/contracted positions Important: Read ”Main tasks” and match your profile Education Professional experience, management level Be realistic, but also ambitious

Recruitment How does it function?

3 Call for Contributions Aim: 3 Call for Contributions per Mission per year

Call for Contributions Cycle 16 weeks from Extension Request to Deployment

Week 16 – 13 Extension Requests Week 12 – 10 CfC advertised at webpage Week 9 Communication Mission/ HQ Week 8 – 5 Interviews Week 4 – 1 Selection/Non-selection Week 0 Deployment

Planning Ahead Example: Launch 10/2015 Period covered: up to 04/2016

Staff categories Seconded Contracted (seconded by the MS or Third Contributing State to the Mission) MS – only allowances paid by the Mission, e.g. per diem, hard ship and risk , and high risk insurance Third State – has to bear all costs (Council Documents 7291/09 (10 March 2009) and 9084/13 (30 April 2013) Contracted (Individual applies independent from the MS or Third Contributing State for a seconded/contracted position) (Salary and allowances paid by the Mission)

Essential requirements EU Citizen (Third States) Health Language: English, French / local HEST / HEAT PC/IT requirements Passport, visa, security clearance, driving license Knowledge about EU, mandate, local culture Frankofone missioner Lokal kultur

From real life Respected Sir, With reference to your advertisement ,the Project Adviser is required. So, I am interested to work with your prestigious Organization for the above cited position which suits with my educational background and experience. I would feel proud by becoming the part of this well-known Organization. So I am offering my Services along with enclosed CV. I would always be grateful to you for giving me this prestigious chance for starting my bright career I would always be looking forward for your response. Thanks Cover letter fra en ansøger, og det er fra det virkelige liv

Application / Education Abbreviations Internationally recognised - but explain Main field of study - related to educational requirements Equivalent police or military education Short courses, other education: only if relevant Søg hjælp til fagudtryk og vær sikker på at panelmedlemmer fra 28 forskellige lande forstår budskabet. Undlad dykker og lignende ceritfikater Spørgsmål, er det vanskeligt at beskrive din uddanelse?

Application – professional experience To be found in "Main tasks" and "requirements" Match your experience best possible and precisely Underline your strongest sides Cut the unnecessary Describe how many years, level and management experience Straight to the point, max 10-15 lines per job Target your motivation to the job

Endelig fundet og så er han genert

Interview panels and shortlisting Composition of panels Shortlisting procedure Invitation and advanced notice Notification on selection/non-selection

Interview Create a good atmosphere = decisive factor Understand the questions Present yourself = less CV and much more of: Relevant experience related to the job How you handle challenges How you motivate your staff Humor Management style Private and personal issues

EU, Mandate, Conflict Homework EU Mandate Conflict in the area Political organisations, Council, PSC, CivCom Agencies, EEAS, CMPD, CPCC, FPI, Commission Mandate Monitoring, Mentoring and Advising (MMA), Training, Executive, SSR Conflict in the area Describe and explain special challenges for the Mission

Questions re. professional experience = 50 % Related to "Main tasks" and education Refresh your experience and relate it to "main tasks" Prepare bullet points on paper Refresh your knowledge related to your professional experience Find good examples from your previous assignments Mention your relevant experience whenever possible Prepare in English or French

Motivation Can be a separate question Having done your homework is part of motivation My special contribution Prepared knowledge A little bit of humor is welcome

General questions Handling stressful situations As Head of OPS and Planning you will very often be working under time constraints, facing tight deadlines and high expectations from your hierarchy and colleagues. Please describe your management style when you are met with a heavy workload and demands/expectations that are impossible to fulfil. Considerations: Prioritize your tasks Reorganize Inform DHoM, HoM Ask for support/assistance

Specialised questions MAC (Mission Analytical Capability) position: Please describe the analytical cycle! Procurement position: What are the different steps and the time frame for the launch of an international open procedure?

Special challenges Telephone line No body language Formulating your points in English or French No recognition during the interview Interview panel language (accent)

Hints Reassure that you have understood the question, repeat what you have heard All preparations for the interview: in English or French Don’t be afraid of silence Prepare accessible notes, only bullet points Prepare a couple of good questions for the panel

More hints Prepare your voice and face Be there: 100 % Os der ikke er født med x faktor, vi kan alligevel bruge virkemidler