Assistant-Secretaries (AST/SC), also referred to as Secretaries/Clerks, generally work in office management and administrative support roles within EU institutions. Their tasks may include preparing files, supporting the coordination and organisation of departmental activities, handling documents, and providing general administrative support to teams, managers, and services.

Assistant-Secretaries cover grades from AST/SC 1 to AST/SC 6, reflecting different levels of responsibility and experience:

• New staff usually enter at grades AST/SC 1 or AST/SC 2
• AST/SC 1: entry level, requiring secondary education and either relevant professional experience or a relevant vocational qualification 
• AST/SC 2: sometimes used for more experienced candidates 
• Higher AST/SC grades involve increasing levels of responsibility and experience