The European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE)1 invites applications with a view to establish a reserve list for the post of Seconded National Expert – Gender-Based Violence (GBV).

The registration of applications begins on 6 October 2026 and will close on 11 November 2026 at 13:30 Eastern European Time. 

The Agency 

Based in Vilnius, Lithuania, EIGE is a decentralised agency of the European Union (EU) entrusted with specific objectives envisaged to contribute and strengthen the promotion of gender equality. 

To achieve its goals, the Agency collects and analyses comparable and reliable information at EU level and develops appropriate methodological tools for the integration of gender equality into all EU policies. It fosters the exchange of good practices and dialogue between stakeholders and raises EU citizen awareness of this policy area by providing technical assistance to EU institutions, in particular the European Commission, as well as the authorities of the Member States.

In the course of its work to promote and strengthen gender equality, EIGE supports policymakers with high-quality research and comparable data relevant to their work.   

Job description

Context 

Combating gender-based violence (GBV) is one of the European Commission’s policy priorities, as set out in the Roadmap for Women’s Rights and the Gender Equality Strategy 2026–2030.

In 2023, the European Union ratified the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (CETS No. 210), known as the Istanbul Convention. In May 2024, Directive (EU) 2024/1385 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 May 2024 on combating violence against women and domestic violence was adopted.

The Directive criminalises at EU level certain forms of violence against women, including specific forms of online violence, and requires Member States to put in place comprehensive measures concerning prevention, protection, access to justice, support, coordination and cooperation between authorities. It also establishes requirements for the collection, development, production and dissemination of statistics on violence against women and domestic violence.

These developments have increased the demand from EU institutions and Member States for evidence, expertise and practical support to strengthen institutional responses to violence against women and domestic violence. They also require robust, comparable and high-quality data to inform effective policies and monitor progress.

EIGE is mandated to support Member States and EU institutions through evidence-based research, data collection and analysis, development of common standards and indicators, and the provision of gender equality expertise.

Against this background, EIGE is establishing a Seconded National Expert (SNE) vacancy with two complementary profiles:

  • Profile 1 – Statistical/Data
  • Profile 2 – Legal/Policy

The purpose of the vacancy is to strengthen EIGE’s capacity and expertise in gender-based violence and gender equality, both in relation to ongoing work and to emerging and future needs arising from EU legislation, policy developments and data requirements.

The selection procedure will therefore seek candidates with either a strong statistical/data profile or a strong legal/policy profile. The two profiles have a number of common requirements, while additional profile-specific criteria will be applied according to the candidate’s area of expertise.

The selection procedure will aim to establish a reserve list comprising up to three candidates for the Statistical/Data profile and up to three candidates for the Legal/Policy profile, for a maximum of six candidates in total. Candidates placed on the reserve list may be considered for secondment according to EIGE’s ongoing and future operational needs and subject to the applicable rules and availability of suitable secondment arrangements.

Job profile and duties

Under the supervision of the Head of the Research and Policy Support Unit and the relevant Team Leader, and working in close collaboration with colleagues across EIGE, the selected SNEs will enhance the Unit’s operational, analytical and research capacity in the area of gender-based violence and gender equality.

The posts require a very good understanding of gender equality and/or gender-based violence, strong analytical and research skills, the ability to work with EU and international policy frameworks, and excellent written and oral communication skills in English.

The duties will differ according to the selected profile as follows.

Profile 1 – Statistical/Data

The SNE appointed under the Statistical/Data profile will contribute primarily to the development, collection, validation, analysis and dissemination of statistical information and evidence on gender-based violence and gender equality.

The tasks may include:

  • Collect, process and analyse existing EU-wide data, including microdata, and produce statistics and analytical outputs in assigned research areas;
  • Contribute to the implementation and further development of EIGE’s EU-wide data collections, including administrative, survey and other relevant data sources;
  • Support the identification, assessment and use of relevant national, EU and international data sources;
  • Develop, review and improve statistical indicators relevant to measuring the incidence and prevalence of gender-based violence and progress in gender equality;
  • Contribute to the development of new indicators and methodologies responding to emerging policy and legislative needs;
  • Assess and validate the quality, comparability and consistency of statistical methods and data;
  • Identify limitations, gaps and inconsistencies in available data and propose approaches to improve data quality and comparability;
  • Produce comparative statistical analysis and data visualisations for research, policy and dissemination purposes;
  • Analyse microdata and conduct policy-relevant interpretative and comparative analysis;
  • Contribute to the analysis and use of administrative data from the justice sector and other relevant sectors in the context of the implementation of Directive (EU) 2024/1385;
  • Support the planning, implementation, quality assurance and final evaluation of statistical and research outputs delivered by EIGE contractors;
  • Develop and maintain statistical information exchange with relevant national, international and EU services;
  • Follow developments in statistical methodologies, data sources and data collection practices relating to gender-based violence and gender equality at national, European and international levels;
  • Contribute to the identification of data needs arising from EU legislation and policy developments;
  • Provide statistical and methodological input to EIGE research, reports, indicators, policy briefs and other outputs;
  • Contribute to multidisciplinary work with legal and policy colleagues, ensuring that statistical evidence is appropriately interpreted and translated into policy-relevant findings;
  • Contribute, as appropriate, to the monitoring and follow-up of relevant recommendations arising from the Istanbul Convention and GREVIO processes, particularly where statistical evidence and data are concerned.

Profile 2 – Legal/Policy

The SNE appointed under the Legal/Policy profile will contribute primarily to legal, policy, institutional and comparative analysis concerning gender-based violence, gender equality and related EU and international frameworks.

The tasks may include:

  • Analyse EU and national legal and policy frameworks relevant to gender-based violence and gender equality;
  • Contribute to the implementation of the provisions of Directive (EU) 2024/1385 falling within EIGE’s mandate;
  • Contribute to legal and policy analysis concerning the criminalisation of forms of violence against women, including rape, femicide and relevant forms of online gender-based violence;
  • Analyse the implementation of EU legislation and policies relevant to preventing and addressing violence against women and domestic violence;
  • Assess new and emerging EU legislation, including legislation in the areas of security, migration and asylum, from a gender equality and gender-based violence perspective;
  • Analyse the potential implications of EU and national legislation and policies for women experiencing gender-based violence;
  • Conduct comparative analysis of national legislation, policies, institutional arrangements and practices relating to gender-based violence and gender equality;
  • Identify and assess good practices, gaps and challenges in national responses to violence against women and domestic violence;
  • Contribute to the analysis and follow-up of GREVIO recommendations relevant to EIGE’s mandate, including the identification of priorities and areas for further action;
  • Contribute to legal and policy analysis concerning the implementation of the Istanbul Convention and other relevant international standards;
  • Analyse the interaction between legal, policy and institutional frameworks and the availability and use of administrative and statistical data on gender-based violence;
  • Contribute to the assessment of the implementation and impact of relevant EU legislation and policies;
  • Produce high-quality analytical, legal and policy-oriented reports, briefing notes and other outputs;
  • Support the development of policy recommendations based on evidence and comparative analysis;
  • Follow relevant legislative and policy developments at EU, national and international levels and identify emerging issues relevant to EIGE’s mandate;
  • Develop and maintain professional exchanges with relevant national administrations, EU institutions and agencies, international organisations and other stakeholders;
  • Contribute to multidisciplinary research and analytical work with statistical/data specialists and other EIGE colleagues.

Formal requirements & selection criteria

Formal requirements

To be considered eligible for selection, an applicant must meet the following formal requirements by the closing date of this call:

  • a university degree, or a level of formation which corresponds to completed university studies attested by a diploma and appropriate professional experience of at least one year when the normal period of university education is at least three years;
  • very good command of both spoken and written English, which is the predominant working language at the Agency, and a satisfactory knowledge of a second EU language;
  • entitlement to full rights as a European citizen or nationality of an EU candidate country or an EFTA country or a country with which the European Council has decided to open accession negotiations, and which has concluded a specific agreement with the Commission on staff secondments;
  • any obligations imposed by the national laws concerning military service.

The eligibility requirements are identical for both profiles.

Candidates who do not meet all formal eligibility requirements will not be considered further in the selection procedure.

Selection criteria 

All eligible candidates will be assessed against the common selection criteria and, depending on the profile for which they apply, the relevant profile-specific criteria.

A. Common essential criteria – applicable to both profiles

Candidates must demonstrate:

  • At least four years of professional experience gained after the award of the relevant qualification and at a level corresponding to the responsibilities and tasks described in this vacancy;
  • Substantial professional experience in the field of gender-based violence, gender equality and/or social statistics;
  • Proven ability to analyse, interpret and critically assess relevant evidence and information;
  • Evident organisational skills, including the ability to manage priorities, work under pressure and meet tight deadlines;
  • Excellent interpersonal and problem-solving skills and the ability to work effectively with multiple stakeholders in a multicultural and multidisciplinary environment;
  • Demonstrated understanding of the policy and institutional context in which gender-based violence and gender equality are addressed.

B. Profile-specific essential criteria – Statistical/Data profile

In addition to the common essential criteria, candidates applying for the Statistical/Data profile must demonstrate:

  • Substantial professional experience in quantitative/statistical research and analysis relevant to gender-based violence and/or gender equality;
  • Proven experience in collecting, processing, analysing and interpreting quantitative data;
  • Proven experience with statistical methods and techniques appropriate to the candidate’s area of expertise;
  • Proven ability to assess data quality, comparability, reliability and limitations;
  • Experience working with official statistics and, where relevant, survey and/or administrative data;
  • Proven ability to develop, use or assess statistical indicators relevant to gender-based violence and/or gender equality;
  • Experience analysing microdata and/or conducting comparative statistical analysis;
  • Proven experience with data-analysis software, such as Excel, SPSS, Stata, R or equivalent tools;
  • Ability to translate statistical findings into clear, policy-relevant analytical conclusions.

C. Profile-specific essential criteria – Legal/Policy profile

In addition to the common essential criteria, candidates applying for the Legal/Policy profile must demonstrate:

  • Substantial professional experience in legal, policy, institutional and/or comparative analysis relevant to gender-based violence and/or gender equality;
  • Proven ability to analyse and interpret legal and policy frameworks and assess their practical implications;
  • Experience producing high-quality legal, analytical and/or policy-oriented reports;
  • Experience with EU and/or international legal and policy frameworks relevant to gender-based violence and/or gender equality;
  • Proven ability to conduct comparative analysis of legislation, policies, institutional arrangements and/or national practices;
  • Ability to assess the implementation and potential impact of legislation and policies from a gender equality and gender-based violence perspective;
  • Ability to identify gaps, challenges, good practices and areas for policy or legislative improvement;
  • Ability to interpret and use relevant official statistical and other evidence in support of legal and policy analysis.

Advantageous criteria

The following criteria will be considered advantageous for candidates under either profile, where relevant:

  • Knowledge of EU policies and legislation related to gender-based violence and/or gender equality;
  • Knowledge of Directive (EU) 2024/1385 on combating violence against women and domestic violence;
  • Knowledge of the Istanbul Convention and relevant GREVIO recommendations;
  • Experience working with EU institutions, agencies, national administrations or international organisations;
  • Experience working in a multidisciplinary and/or multicultural environment;
  • Experience establishing and maintaining professional networks and cooperation with national, European or international stakeholders;
  • Knowledge of emerging forms of gender-based violence, including technology-facilitated and online violence;
  • Experience working with justice-sector, migration, asylum, security or other administrative data and/or policy frameworks relevant to gender-based violence.

Selection procedure and application

Selection procedure

Only duly completed applications submitted electronically within the deadline will be taken into consideration.

All applications will first be examined to establish whether candidates meet the formal eligibility requirements set out in section 2.1.

A selection panel will be appointed by EIGE to conduct the selection procedure and to shortlist candidates for both profiles. The same selection panel will assess applications against the applicable common and profile-specific selection criteria, ensuring a consistent and transparent approach across the two profiles.

All applicants will be treated equally and assessed objectively against the selection criteria applicable to the profile for which they apply. Candidates will be assessed on the basis of the evidence provided in their application concerning their qualifications, professional experience, expertise and suitability for the duties of the relevant profile.

Following the assessment of admissible applications, the best-qualified candidates may be invited to an interview. Interviews will be conducted in English.

The selection procedure is intended to establish one reserve list covering both profiles, with:

  • up to 3 candidates for the Statistical/Data profile; and
  • up to 3 candidates for the Legal/Policy profile.

The reserve list may therefore contain up to 6 candidates in total.

Inclusion on the reserve list does not create an entitlement to secondment. Candidates on the reserve list may be considered for secondment where a suitable need arises, in accordance with EIGE’s applicable rules, the Agency’s priorities and operational requirements, and subject to the availability and agreement of the candidate’s employing administration.

The reserve list is intended to provide EIGE with access to appropriate expertise for ongoing and future needs in the field of gender-based violence, including needs arising from developments in EU legislation, implementation of Directive (EU) 2024/1385, the Istanbul Convention, data requirements, research activities and emerging policy priorities.

The chosen candidate(s), as appropriate, will be requested to provide:

  • A copy of an identity card, passport or other official document specifying citizenship;
  • A copy of the diploma certifying the required level of academic qualifications;
  • Documentary evidence of professional experience, clearly indicating starting and finishing dates.

Copies of the above-mentioned documents will be retained by the Agency in accordance with applicable data protection requirements.

If at any stage of the procedure it is established that information provided in the application has been knowingly falsified, the candidate shall be disqualified from the procedure.

The secondment shall be formalised through an exchange of letters between the Agency and the employer of the selected SNE.

Applications

Candidates should clearly indicate in their application whether they are applying for:

  • Profile 1 – Statistical/Data, or
  • Profile 2 – Legal/Policy.

Candidates should demonstrate explicitly how their qualifications and professional experience meet both the common essential criteria and the profile-specific essential criteria applicable to their chosen profile.

Where a candidate has substantial expertise relevant to both profiles, this may be indicated in the application. However, candidates should identify the profile under which they wish to be primarily assessed.

For applications to be valid, candidates must complete the EIGE application form, available only in English, and forward it electronically to eige.hr@eige.europa.eu. The subject title should include the vacancy reference number.

Applications may also be forwarded to EIGE on behalf of applicants by the Permanent Representations of the EU Member States.

Applicants are requested not to attach supporting documents at this stage, such as copies of identity cards, diplomas or evidence of previous professional experience. Only candidates shortlisted following the assessment and interview stage will be asked to provide documentary evidence for verification.

Applications will not be returned to candidates but will be retained by the Agency in accordance with its applicable data protection requirements.

Due to the large volume of applications, the Agency regrets that only candidates selected for the interview stage will be contacted.

Conditions of secondment

The purpose of the secondment is to provide the SNE with experience of the Agency's working methods and policies, to enable them to gain practical experience and understanding of the day-today work of its work and to give them the opportunity to work in a multicultural, multilingual environment. It also serves to enable staff of national administrations to put into practice the knowledge they have acquired in their studies, particularly in their respective areas of responsibility.

The SNE shall remain in the service of his/her employer throughout the period of secondment. The employer shall continue to pay the SNE's salary and maintain his/her administrative status and social rights, including social security and pension rights, throughout the secondment. The SNE shall be entitled to a daily subsistence allowance and a monthly subsistence allowance in accordance with Article 16 of EIGE Management Board Decision MB/2024/003 on the engagement and use of Seconded National Experts (SNEs) and National Experts in Professional Training (NEPTs).

The subsistence allowances are granted under the same conditions as the expatriation allowance for officials. The applicable amounts are based on the corresponding amounts for Brussels and take into account the correction coefficient applicable to Lithuania. The allowances are intended to cover living expenses at the place of secondment on a flat-rate basis and do not constitute remuneration paid by EIGE.

Candidates should ensure that their employer supports their candidacy and, if selected, is prepared to fulfil the obligations applicable to the secondment, including the continued payment of the SNE’s salary throughout the period of secondment.

The initial period of secondment will be for a minimum of one year. It may be extended in accordance with the applicable EIGE Rules on the engagement and use of Seconded National Experts (SNEs).

The place of secondment is EIGE’s office in Vilnius, Lithuania.

Independence & declarations of interest

The selected SNE will be required to enter into a commitment to act independently in the public interest and to make complete declarations of any direct or indirect interests that might be considered prejudicial to his or her independence.

Equal opportunities

The Agency applies a policy of equal opportunities in line with the formal requirements noted above. 

Applications are accepted without distinction on any grounds of gender, race, colour, ethnic or social origin, genetic features, language, religion or belief, political or any other opinion, membership of a national minority, property, birth, disability, age or sexual orientation.

EIGE is committed to promote diversity and inclusion in its working environment and organisational culture. This includes Reasonable Accommodation for applicants with a disability3.

Appeal procedures

If a candidate considers that s/he has been adversely affected by a particular decision, s/he can lodge a complaint under Article 90(2) of the Staff Regulations of Officials of the European Union and Conditions of Employment of Other Servants of the European Union, by writing to The Director, European Institute for Gender Equality, Gedimino Prospektas 16, Vilnius, Lithuania LT01103.

The complaint must be lodged within three months. The time limit for initiating this type of procedure (see Staff Regulations as modified by Council Regulation No 723/2004 of 22nd March 2004 published in the Official Journal of the European Union L 124 of 27th April 2004) starts to run from the time the candidate is notified of the act adversely affecting her/him. 

Candidates may also submit a complaint to the European Ombudsman concerning possible instances of maladministration by EIGE. Before submitting a complaint to the European Ombudsman, candidates should make use of the relevant administrative remedies available to them.

A complaint to the European Ombudsman does not suspend the applicable time limits for lodging an administrative complaint or bringing judicial proceedings.

Protection of personal data

As the body responsible for organising the competition, the EIGE ensures that applicants’ personal data are processed as required by 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. This applies in particular to the confidentiality and security of such data.

Personal data shall thus be processed solely for the purpose of the selection procedure.

Lithuania and life in Vilnius 

Lithuania is a Member State of the European Union and part of the Schengen Area. Its western coastline along the Baltic Sea is renowned for natural beauty, including sandy beaches, dunes and pine forests.

Vilnius, the capital, has a population of just over 550,000 and is situated on the banks of the river Neris. The city is known for its abundant green spaces and safe, family-friendly environment, offering excellent opportunities for outdoor and recreational activities. Vilnius combines rich cultural heritage, including Baroque, Gothic, Renaissance and classical architecture, with a vibrant contemporary life, making it attractive for both professionals and families. Its medieval old town is one of the largest preserved in Europe and has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1994.

Vilnius is the country’s main centre for politics, business, science, culture and innovation. It hosts a growing number of international conferences, professional networks and cultural events, offering a dynamic yet accessible urban environment. The city centre is compact, well-maintained and considered very safe.

Public transport is efficient, and most areas of the city are easily accessible. EIGE’s premises are located in the Europe House on Gedimino prospektas, the main thoroughfare, with convenient access to public transport, services, cultural venues and educational facilities.

Vilnius hosts several international and bilingual schools, , that provide high-quality education. The city is also home to a wide range of cultural and entertainment options, from museums, theatres and music venues to restaurants, cafés and sports facilities, providing a balanced lifestyle for both work and family life.

Further information is available on the websites of Go Vilnius and Invest Lithuania.

Footnotes

1Established by the European Parliament: See Council Regulation (EC) No 1922/2006 of 20 December 2006 (OJ L 403/9 of 30.12.2006).^

2Available here: https://eige.europa.eu/sites/default/files/documents/04-engagement-rule…;^

3See EIGE’s Director’s decision 268/2022 on Reasonable Accommodation and the reference in the application form.

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