The Role of Executive Director of EMA is Up for Grabs

The European Medicines Agency has issued a vacancy notice with the Official Journal of the European Union on May 14, 2019 for the position of executive director, as Guido Rasi’s tenure as head of the agency is set to come to an end in November 2020.

A proposal for what the role entails is included within the vacation notice, specifying tasks such as the day-to-day administration of EMA, which involves a budget of around EUR338 million (US$379 million) and 810 staff. The extensive list also includes responsibilities of strategies for agency work, management of resources, representation and communication with various stakeholders and the public on matters within EMA’s remit, and ensuring the cooperation of other bodies such as the European Commission and other member states.

Only applicants who are a national of a member state of the European Union or of one from the European Economic Area will be considered for the role. Other eligibility criteria listed in the notice include level of education (university degree or diploma), at least 15 years of both professional and management experience, knowledge of at least two EU languages (one thoroughly and one satisfactorily), and of an age that if accepted for the role the applicant will be able to complete the full five-year mandate.

Appointment of the position will be made by the management board of EMA, based on a list that has been drawn up by the European Commission, which answered questions from and provided a statement to the European Parliament. All applications will be analyzed by a preselection panel set up by the European Commission. 

Applications can be made online up until 12 pm (CEST).

Source: EUR-Lex