Specialist – Data Storage & Infrastructure Operations, Infrastructure Services Team, ICT Operations Unit (AD6)

This vacancy is being advertised simultaneously internally and externally. Please note that if the post is filled internally, no appointment will be made from the external publication. Instead, the external selection process may be used to establish a reserve list of qualified candidates who may be considered for the same or similar opportunities in the future.

1. Organisational context

Organisational setting:

The post of Specialist – Data Storage & Infrastructure Operations is located in the Infrastructure Services Team, ICT Operations Unit, ICT Department, Capabilities Directorate.

The C1 ICT Department has the responsibility for devising, delivering and operating critical technology capabilities and solutions supporting the core mission and support processes of Europol. Over 150 internal staff members and a significant number of domain-specific consultants are responsible for devising, developing, delivering and operating information management and communication technology capabilities that ensure enhanced criminal information analysis and exchange among Europol, Member States and third parties.

The ICT Operations Unit is responsible for the operations and management of the Europol ICT Infrastructure. This includes Workplace services, Service Management, Network Services, Platform Services, Application Services, Infrastructure Services and ICT Security.

Purpose of the post:

The role of the Specialist – Data Storage & Infrastructure Operations is in charge of installing, maintaining and supporting of ICT Infrastructure with particular focus on Server-based computing technologies, including data backup/restore, enterprise email services and archiving solutions.

Further tasks include the implementation of the infrastructure solutions in line with design and the provision of 2nd/3rd level support for the solutions in scope.

Reporting lines:

The incumbent reports to the Senior Specialist - Head of Team – Infrastructure Services / Head of Unit – ICT Operations.

Job environment:

This post will require participation in a shift system including weekends and nights as well as on-call duty.

2. Functions and duties

The successful candidate will have to carry out the following main duties:

• Installation and configuration activities in accordance with engineering designs and specifications, performing installation and configuration activities in testing, pre-production and production environments;
• Contribute to the technical design of ICT infrastructure solutions in accordance with solution architecture guidelines and standards, translating high-level solution architectures into the implementation of concrete designs, procedures and specifications of ICT infrastructure solutions;
• Actively review Architecture and Engineering guidelines to ensure manageability and full understanding of technical consequences;
• Review and implement technical requirements for ICT infrastructure solutions including relevant security controls;
• Develop and maintain sufficient knowledge about the interdependencies of all infrastructure components deployed in the production environment in order to prevent incidents and problems;
• Acting as a second and third level support, perform technical analysis, investigation, troubleshooting and resolution of incidents or problems affecting the Europol ICT infrastructure;
• Provide support to capacity management activities, recommending changes in ICT infrastructure in order to address capacity demands;
• Provide technical advice and engineering support to other teams in the Department;
• Monitor technology developments maintaining up-to-date knowledge of state-of-the-art solutions;
• Perform any other tasks in the area of competence as assigned by the line management.

3. Requirements - Eligibility criteria

a. Candidates must

• Be a national of one of the Member States of the European Union and enjoy full rights as a citizen;
• Have fulfilled any obligations imposed by the applicable laws on military service;
• Produce appropriate character references as to his or her suitability for the performance of the duties;
• Be physically fit to perform the duties pertaining to the post as further specified in Article 13 of the Conditions of Employment of Other Servants of the European Union (CEOS);
• Produce evidence of a thorough knowledge of one of the languages of the Union and a satisfactory knowledge of another language of the Union to the extent necessary for the performance of the duties.

b. Candidates must have

• A level of education which corresponds to completed university studies of at least three years attested by a diploma;

OR

• Professional training of an equivalent level in a relevant area and after having completed the training, at least the number of years of relevant professional experience as indicated below:

Duration of professional training Additional professional experience required for equivalency

More than 6 months and up to 1 year 3 years

More than 1 year and up to 2 years 2 years

More than 2 years 1 year

• In addition to the above at least 3 years of total professional work experience gained after the award of the diploma.

4. Requirements - Selection criteria

a. Professional experience:

Essential:

• Experience of working in large and complex IT infrastructure environments, including the installation and maintenance of large-scale and high-availability servers and data storage solutions;
• Experience with data Backup/Restore and Disaster Recovery;
• Experience with server and application virtualization implementation and support, such as VMware technologies;
• Hands-on experience, preferably five years or more, with installation and maintenance of Microsoft Exchange Server on-premises (2016/2019);
• Experience with email archiving and with backup and recovery for Microsoft Exchange such as VSS-based backups, database restore and mailbox restore requests.
• Experience with scripting and implementing of automation solutions in large infrastructure environments.

Desirable:

• Experience with Server-based computing technologies (e.g. Citrix, XenApp or others);
• Experience with Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and certificate maintenance

b. Professional knowledge

Essential:

• Knowledge of recent Microsoft (and/or RedHat) Server Operating systems and their security and maintenance aspects;
• Knowledge of Microsoft Exchange Server on-premises (2016/2019) and integration with Microsoft Active Directory;
• Knowledge of Active Directory Domain Services and integrated systems on large and complex environments;
• Knowledge of server and application virtualization with VMware configuration and related troubleshooting;
• Knowledge of data backup and restore.

Desirable:

• Knowledge of mobility platforms (e.g. BlackBerry UEM/BEMS or equivalent) integrated with Microsoft Exchange services;
• Knowledge of Dell EMC PowerMax (SAN) and Dell PowerScale (NAS), including maintenance, best practices, and platform capabilities;
• Knowledge of Netbackup.

c. General competencies

Essential:

Communicating:

• Very good communication skills in English, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to draft clear and concise documents on complex matters for various audiences.

Analysing & problem solving:

• Keen eye for detail with the ability to maintain standards of accuracy under pressure of tight deadlines.
• Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Competent user of Microsoft Office applications (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook) and the internet.

Delivering quality and results:

• High degree of commitment and flexibility.
• High level of customer and service-orientation.

Prioritising & organising:

• Good administrative and organisational skills.

Resilience:

• Very good interpersonal skills, including the ability to effectively liaise with other departments, groups and teams as well as with external partners.
• Ability to remain effective under a heavy workload and demonstrate resistance to stress.

Living diversity:

• Ability to work effectively in an international and multi-cultural environment.

d. Additional conditions:

Fulfil the condition stipulated in Article 5 of the Decision of the Executive Director on the Duration of contracts of employment for Temporary Agents, on the start date of the possible contract of employment which may be offered.

5. Selection procedure

All applications for Temporary Agent posts must be submitted through the online recruitment system accessible via Europol’s website**. For further information, please consult the** Europol Recruitment Guidelines**.**

The Authority Authorised to Conclude Contracts of Employment (AACC) sets up a Selection Committee, composed of at least three members, consisting of one chair and at least one member from the administration and one member designated by the Staff Committee.

The selection criteria, set out in this Vacancy Notice, will be assessed by the Selection Committee throughout the different stages of the selection procedure. Before the start of the selection procedure, the Selection Committee will decide which selection criteria will be used at each stage of the selection procedure. Certain selection criteria will be assessed only for shortlisted candidates during a written test and/or a competency-based interview.

The Selection Committee will assess the applications received in order to make an initial selection of those candidates meeting all eligibility criteria and matching best the selection criteria (suitability).

The minimum pass-mark for being shortlisted, i.e. invited to participate in a post-related selection procedure, consisting of a written test and a competency-based interview, is established as 60% of the total maximum score.

The Selection Committee will shortlist the 10 highest scoring candidates. All candidates having a score equal to the 10th highest scoring candidate will be invited to take part in the selection procedure. At shortlisting stage, the Selection Committee will establish the pass-mark for the selection procedure.

It is intended for the selection procedure to be conducted remotely. Should the Selection Committee consider it necessary to conduct the selection procedure on-site at Europol in the interest of the proceedings, and subject to budget availability, the candidates invited to participate in the selection procedure will be informed accordingly.

After the selection procedure has taken place, the Selection Committee will establish a list of successful candidates, i.e. those scoring above the pre-defined pass-mark, which is shared with the AACC.

Should the internal selection procedure referenced above be unsuccessful, the Selection Committee makes a proposal to the AACC on the candidate to appoint. Following that proposal, the AACC makes a decision of appointment.

Should the post be filled through the internal selection procedure, no appointment proposal will be made.

Candidates who participated in the interview will be informed of the outcome, i.e. whether they have been successful or not. In view of the list of successful candidates established by the Selection Committee, the AACC retains the discretion to constitute a Reserve List. A Reserve List is valid for 24 months.

The Selection Committee’s work and deliberations are confidential. It is forbidden for candidates to make direct or indirect contact with the members of the Selection Committee or for anyone to do so on their behalf.

All enquiries related to a selection procedure should be addressed to the Europol HR Operational Support Team at the following email address: C2-12@europol.europa.eu. Detailed information on the selection procedure- including enquiries, measures of redress and their applicable deadlines is available in the Europol Recruitment Guidelines, which can be found on www.europol.europa.eu.

6. Compensation and benefits

Scale: AD6

The gross basic monthly salary is EUR 6.961,29 (step 1) or EUR 7.253,84 (step 2).

The step-in grade is determined on the basis of professional experience gained after the education required for the post and in line with applicable implementing rules.

Staff pay EU tax at source but salaries are exempt from national taxes. Compulsory deductions are made for health insurance, pension and unemployment insurance.

Subject to the applicable conditions being met, as defined in the EU Staff Regulations (EUSR)/CEOS and further specified in the case law of the Court of Justice of the European Union, allowances such as expatriation allowance (16% of basic gross salary) or foreign residence allowance (4% of basic gross salary), household allowance, dependent child and / or education allowance may be granted.

Staff enjoy worldwide insurance coverage by the Joint Sickness Insurance Scheme (JSIS) and are insured against sickness, the risk of occupational disease and accident.

Europol offers flexible working arrangements, a comprehensive provision for annual leave as well as parental leave supporting a healthy work-life balance.

Indicative net salary sample calculation AD6/step 1:

a) Staff member (single) in receipt of expatriation allowance (16%): EUR 7.240,58

b) Staff member with two dependent children in their custody in receipt of expatriation allowance (16%): EUR 9.436,00

The above information is indicative and for information purposes only. It is merely meant to give an indication of the possible net salary in light of the currently applicable amounts of the related allowances and the level of taxation. It has no legal value and no rights can be derived from it.

The information is based on figures applicable as of December 2025.

7. Terms and conditions

Contract of employment

The successful candidate will be engaged in the type of post Administrator and function group AD, grade 6 pursuant to Article 2(f) CEOS and Annex I to the EUSR.

The initial contract will be concluded for a period of 4 years (full-time – 40 hours a week). The contract may be renewed, in principle, for a period of 2 years. Any further renewal shall be for an indefinite duration.

If the successful candidate is already a member of temporary staff 2(f) in the relevant function group, he/she may be offered the opportunity of contract continuity, should the relevant conditions be fulfilled.

Conditions of engagement

Before the employment contract is concluded by Europol, the successful candidate will have to:

• declare any conflict of interest;
• undergo a pre-employment medical examination to confirm that he/she is physically fit to perform the duties pertaining to the post or, alternatively, receive the confirmation from Europol that he/she fulfils the conditions laid down in the Decision of the Deputy Executive Director of the Capabilities Directorate on the pre-employment medical examination available on www.europol.europa.eu.

The place of employment will be The Hague, The Netherlands. In exceptional cases, where justified in the interest of the service, the AACC may recruit a candidate who is a successful candidate in a selection procedure for temporary staff 2(f) CEOS as contract staff 3(a) CEOS, if the selection procedure is considered to be appropriate to the duties to be performed.

For further information on terms and conditions, please consult the EUSR/CEOS available on Europol’s website.

Probation period

Engagement for this post is subject to the successful completion of a probationary period of 9 months.

If the successful candidate chooses contract continuity, and has already successfuly completed the probationary period provided for in Article 14 of the CEOS, in the relevant function group, he/she will not serve the probationary period.

Europol reserves the right to terminate the contract of employment during or at the end of the probation period in accordance with Article 14 CEOS.

Security screening and certificate of good conduct

Candidates who have been recruited to a post at Europol are required to furnish a valid certificate of good conduct before the start of their employment. The certificate of good conduct must be provided to Europol prior to the signature of the employment contract. The certificate of good conduct must be issued by the relevant authorities of the country of nationality of the candidate and must not be older than three months at the time of submission to Europol. Europol reserves the right not to proceed with the signature of the contract based on the content of the certificate or if the candidate fails to provide the certificate to Europol.

The certificate of good conduct does not substitute a valid security clearance required for all Europol staff at the level indicated in the vacancy notice. Failure to obtain the requisite security clearance before the expiration of the probationary period may be cause for termination of the employment contract.

Candidates who currently hold a valid security clearance at the level indicated in the vacancy notice or above do not need to obtain a certificate of good conduct or a new security clearance and must provide a copy of the current security clearance certificate to Europol prior to the signature of the employment contract. Europol shall verify and confirm the continued validity of the security clearance. In case Europol determines that the security clearance is not valid, the candidate will be required to provide a valid certificate of good conduct prior to the signature of the employment contract. Europol may at any time terminate the employment contract if the result of the security screening is not positive and the necessary clearance level is not granted or extended.

The requested level of security clearance for this post is: SECRET UE/EU SECRET

8. Additional information

Equal opportunity

Europol is an equal opportunity employer. Europol accepts applications without distinction on grounds of gender, sexual orientation, national, ethnic or social origin, religion or beliefs, family situation, age, disability, or other non-merit factors. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements and qualifications, experience and skills.

Europol lives diversity and provides an inclusive work environment to all. Europol strives to recruit, develop and retain a diverse and talented workforce through application of equal opportunity and impartiality.

Privacy Notice

Regulation (EU) 2018/1725 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2018 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data by the Union institutions, bodies, offices and agencies and on the free movement of such data, and repealing Regulation (EC) No 45/2001 and Decision No 1247/2002/EC, applies to the processing of personal data carried out in the process of selection and recruitment of staff at Europol, following the application of this Regulation to all administrative personal data held by Europol in accordance with Article 27A of the Europol Regulation.

For additional information, please consult the applicable privacy notice available on Europol’s website, also inserted in the EUROPOL RECRUITMENT GUIDELINES.

Statutory obligations upon leaving the service

Pursuant to Article 16 of the EUSR, EU officials and, by analogy, temporary agents continue to be bound by the duty to behave with integrity and discretion as regards the acceptance of certain appointments or benefits after leaving the service. Those staff members intending to engage in an occupational activity within two years of leaving the service shall inform their institution, so that it may take an appropriate decision in that respect. In cases where the intended activity is related to the work carried out by the staff member during the last three years of service and could lead to a conflict with the legitimate interests of the institution, the decision to be taken may include forbidding the staff member from undertaking it or giving its approval subject to any conditions it thinks fit.

Main dates

Publication date: 11 September 2026

Deadline for application: 07 October 2026, 23:59 Amsterdam Time Zone

Selection procedure: November 2026

Application process and selection procedure

For further details on the application process and the selection procedure, please consult our FAQs or refer to the EUROPOL RECRUITMENT GUIDELINES available on Europol’s website.

Contact details

For further details on the application process please call +31 (0) 70 302 5040 or

+31 (0) 70 353 1154.