ICT Systems Specialist

We are opening a call for expressions of interest in the post of an ICT Systems Specialist. The Directorate-General for Digitalisation, Information Technology and Cybersecurity (DITEC) is looking for a motivated ICT Systems Specialist to join the Central Infrastructure Sector (OPC). The successful candidate will work closely with colleagues across the General Secretariat of the Council (GSC) to deploy, monitor, support and troubleshoot the storage and back-up infrastructures. The role covers a wide range of activities, including providing level 3 support, managing the daily data back-ups and restores, maintaining and improving the back-up infrastructure and managing the storage offering (block/SAN, file/NAS and object storage solutions). If you think you would like to contribute to shaping secure and innovative digital services, we would love to hear from you!

We are

In partnership with delegates and staff, the Directorate-General for Digitalisation, Information Technology and Cybersecurity (DITEC), organises information and makes it accessible through smart and secure services. We help transform work by innovating and promoting a "digital-first" mindset. Our team is composed of dynamic and motivated colleagues, committed to developing digital services to transform and improve the way the General Secretariat of the Council (GSC) works. The Directorate-General comprises three directorates: Directorate 1 – Digitalisation; Directorate 2 – Communication and Information Systems and Directorate 3 – Cybersecurity. 

The ”Infrastructure and Operations” (RUN) Unit is part of the Communication and Information Systems Directorate. It delivers high-quality secure communication and information services by operating communication and information systems and maintaining their infrastructure in line with best practices and in the most cost-effective way. We work closely with clients across the GSC to deliver user-friendly IT tools and sound information management policies. Our applications add value to and facilitate the GSC’s activities.

The Central Infrastructure (CI) sector of the Infrastructure and Operations (RUN) unit of the GSC’s Communication and Information Systems Directorate is responsible for the implementation and operational management of the computing and storage infrastructures. The sector’s mission is, among other things, to provide support for the GSC’s applications. Core services that are provided include computing and storage services.

The General Secretariat of the Council (GSC) is the body responsible for assisting two European Union (EU) institutions: the European Council and the Council of the EU, including their presidencies, the Permanent Representatives Committee (Coreper) and the other Council committees and working parties.

The GSC organises and ensures the coherence of the Council’s work and the implementation of its 18-month programme. In summary, the GSC plays a vital role in ensuring effective functioning and coordination within the EU's decision-making bodies.

We offer

Reporting to the Head of Office, you will take care of the continuous improvement and fine-tuning of the storage and back-up infrastructure. You will ensure the proper functioning of daily IT operations in a pro-active and re-active (incident-solving) way.

You will use and develop your excellent technical knowledge and communication skills to propose new measures/technical solutions to improve the Central Infrastructure service.

Working in a very dynamic environment, you will provide administrative and technical assistance to senior management in the field of Communication and Information Systems (CIS) in order to make systems, tools and services available. You will have the opportunity to manage, operate and use storage and back-up equipment and tools in the area of communication and information systems (CIS) to maximise the availability of systems, applications and services.

You will be expected to efficiently support the continuous operations of our systems and services, to carry out general tasks such as implementing decisions and monitoring the implementation of activity programmes.

Through your involvement in drafting and/or implementing policies and strategies, and in conducting studies and evaluations, in particular relating to technology watching, you will contribute to the success of our IT services.

In this role, you will liaise with many internal and external contacts.

As providers of critical services to our internal customers, you will create regular reporting on the performance and health status of the IT systems. You will also take part in the incident response and resolution process.

We offer a dynamic position, where team spirit and collegiality are core values and where personal development is actively encouraged.

You will be a member of a strong and dedicated team of IT professional experts in their respective domains. The team is very close-knit, and communication among its members is important. Technological expertise and an understanding of IT security are cornerstones of the team.

You can discover the GSC's core values and culture here.

Your main tasks

Working with a team of officials and external contractors, your duties as an ICT Systems Specialist in the Computing and Storage sector may include the following: to

- contribute to the design and development of the IT architecture;

- participate in storage and backup activities;

- take part in corrective, adaptive and changing maintenance programmes;

- update the systems inventory;

- manage and supervise systems;

- provide support for IT service users;

- follow up incidents and/or problems;

- contribute to system and project documentation;

- provide operational follow-up and support for systems;

- take part in administrating the systems’ security

- tribute to test plans and BCP tests;

- take part in procurement procedures;

- support the activities of the GSC, in particular meetings, events and summits.

Working conditions

A number of training courses are available, allowing you to integrate more quickly into the new work environment. Our staff benefit from a good work-life balance, through flexible working hours and teleworking arrangements, in line with the needs of the service. You may have to undertake standby duties outside normal working hours relating to high-level events such as European Council meetings or Council sessions.

Teleworking is possible, in accordance with the rules of the Directorate General (60% of the week in the office is standard practice within the team). No open space but shared offices. No missions abroad are envisaged. Taking part in standbys (rotation among team members) is expected.

You will also work in secure areas.

We are looking for 

Eligibility criteria

To be considered eligible, you must meet all the criteria listed below:

• be a national of a Member State of the European Union;

• enjoy your full rights as a citizen;

• meet the character requirements for the duties involved; 

• be physically fit enough to perform the duties involved;

• be below retirement age, which for officials and agents of the EU is set at the end of the month in which the age of 66 is reached;

• have fulfilled any military service obligations required by national laws;

• have knowledge of at least two official EU languages2, one at minimum C1 level (thorough knowledge) and the other at minimum B2 level (satisfactory knowledge)

Qualifications and experience 

a. You must have a level of education and professional experience corresponding to:

 a level of post-secondary education of at least two years, attested by a diploma in information systems, computer engineering or a related field, followed by at least six years’ professional experience in ICT, of which a minimum of three years in the field of storage and back-up,

 a level of secondary education attested by a diploma giving access to post-secondary education, followed by at least nine years’ professional experience in ICT, of which a minimum of three years in the field of storage and back-up.

NB: Diplomas, whether issued in a Member State or in a non-EU country, must be recognised by an official body of an EU Member State, such as the Ministry of Education.

These are the technical abilities we expect from the candidate:

- Windows and/or Linux OS;

- TCP/IP networking essentials;

- Firewall essentials;

- A thorough knowledge of fibre channel SAN, NAS and back-up technologies;

- Back-up storage infrastructure (DellEMC DataDomain);

- Back-up software (DellEMC NetWorker, PPDM, DDboost, Cohesity);

– Block storage infrastructure (DellEMC VMAX, PowerStore, UNITY);

– File storage infrastructure (DellEMC ISILON, PowerScale or equivalent);

– Data protection software (Varonis or equivalent);

– HP MSL tape libraries;

– BCP/Disaster Recovery procedures;

Selection criteria

We are looking for a colleague who: o Considers different points of view and needs when solving problems, as well as possible short- and medium-term constraints and impacts;

o Is responsive to the needs of internal and external stakeholders;

o Identifies and prioritises the key issues related to a task or challenge;

o Follows up on actions to achieve timely results for set objectives;

o Selects and applies appropriate digital tools and technologies to work with others; interacts and shares information;

o Uses the GSC digital environment appropriately to protect its devices, information and personal data;

o Takes ownership of and assumes responsibility for their own results and demonstrates commitment to achieving their goals;

o Adapts quickly to new work situations and changing work conditions and responds to fluctuating circumstances and workload in a positive manner;

o Collaborates constructively with others, within and across teams, using the technologies available, shares know-how and information with others and is open to taking on board new information and knowledge;

o Embraces diversity and fosters an environment of inclusion; strives to treat others respectfully and with fairness; o Considers the point of view of others when negotiating, persuading and facilitating;

o Communicates in ways that generate buy-in and create a win-win situation for the parties involved; uses convincing arguments and solid reasoning;

o Identifies their own learning needs, strengths and weaknesses and develops their own skills, taking the lead from management;

o Is proactive in keeping up to date with digital developments, seeks solutions, solves technical problems and explains technological needs to colleagues, service providers and stakeholders;

o Acts as a role model and an ambassador for the department, represents the GSC in a positive and professional manner and is aware of the potential impact of their actions, including in their private life, as a GSC official/staff member;

o Acts with integrity and impartiality, in a respectful and helpful manner.

Language requirement 

• All documentation in the sector is produced in English; therefore, a very good knowledge of English (both oral and written), to minimum B2 level, and a good knowledge of French, to minimum B1 level4, is required.

he following would be advantageous:

• knowledge of the functioning of the GSC, its procedures and working methods and its relations with other institutions;

Specific requirements

• the post requires security clearance allowing access to classified infrastructures (EU SECRET level). Candidates applying for the post must be prepared to undergo security screening under Council Decision 2013/488/EU of 23 September 2013.

Read full vacancy notice here