TA​/AD-Head of Unit – EU Drugs

Organisational Context

The post of Head of Unit – EU Drugs Unit is located in the European Serious and Organised Crime Centre (ESOCC), Operations Directorate. The Operations Directorate hosts the following distinct Departments:
Operational and Analysis Centre, European Serious Organised Crime Centre, European Cyber Crime Centre, European Counter Terrorism Centre, European Financial and Economic Crime Centre and European Centre Against Migrant Smuggling. The Operations Directorate deals with the core business of Europol, improving the effectiveness and cooperation of the competent authorities in the Member States in preventing and combating serious and organised crime, as well as terrorism affecting the Member States.

This requires close cooperation with the Liaison Bureaux at Europol and via them with the Operational Teams in the Member States. Europol delivers a number of products and services to national law enforcement agencies to support them in their fight against international serious and organised crime, as well as terrorism.

The Head of the EU Drugs Unit is responsible for the effective discharge of his/her responsibilities under the supervision of the Head of the relevant Department.

This includes close contact with Heads of Teams and Specialists/Analysts as well as external counterparts in order to identify opportunities for operational support and to enhance operational cooperation and live information exchange with competent authorities in MS and Third Countries.

The incumbent reports to the Head of the European Serious and Organised Crime Centre (ESOCC) Department. This post might require participation in a shift system including weekends and nights as well as on‑call duty.

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

• Set vision, goals and objectives for the Unit in alignment with Europol’s organisational strategy and inspire staff;
• Develop and implement policies and procedures to facilitate seamless operations and ensure compliance with relevant legal framework and fundamental rights outlined in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union;
• Manage the delivery of relevant products and services included in the Europol work programme; ensure the quality and timeliness of the products and services delivered;
• Manage staff within the Unit; establish and monitor the achievement of key performance indicators and identify and address areas for improvement; provide constructive feedback, guide and empower staff in order to grow and develop;
• Ensure the effective management and efficient use of all financial, human and other resources, in support of Europol's program delivery; identify risks and ensure appropriate mitigation;
• Manage conflicts by effectively applying techniques and strategies that identify and address conflicts early and to find satisfactory solutions that promote positive outcomes;
• Ensure that data entrusted to the unit are protected and used in accordance with the relevant Europol regulations;
• Cultivate a culture of teamwork and cooperation with zero tolerance for harassment; put into place effective communication and collaboration between the Unit and other Units/stakeholders inside or outside of Europol;
• Make development opportunities available and ensure staff members have the know‑how, resources, environment and support necessary to achieve results in an effective manner;
• Represent the Unit in external and cross‑departmental engagements and negotiations and provide advice on matters relating to area of responsibility; deliver presentations and prepare reports;
• Act as role model for the Unit and champion diversity and inclusion matters inside and outside Europol;
• Perform any other duties in the area of competence as assigned by the line management.

Applicants must:

• Be a member of a competent authority within the meaning of the Article 2(a) of the Europol Regulation and enjoy full rights as a citizen of a Member State;
• Have fulfilled any obligations imposed by the applicable laws on military service;
• Produce appropriate character references as to his or her…