• Function title: Psychologist (Selection & Testing)
• Reference: NOC-NM-2023-FGIV/712
• Location: Brussels / Luxembourg(*)
• The selected candidate must reside either at this location or within a reasonable proximity that allows for the satisfactory execution of their duties – Information about living in Brussels / Luxembourg
• Nature of the competition: Internal and external competition
• Applicable regulations: Conditions of Employment of Contract Staff at EUROCONTROL
• Function group: Function group IV
• Job level: 16-18 – Check salary simulations for the basic grade
• Generic post: Project Manager/Specialist
• Number of posts: 1
• Duration of engagement: 5 Year(s) – extension or conversion of the contract is possible – see “Useful information” section
• Security clearance: Security vetting may be required in accordance with the relevant EUROCONTROL security policies
• Directorate/Service: NMD/TRG/TST – Training Support & Tools Unit
• Working arrangement: Hybrid work (remote and onsite)
• Competition publication date: 16/11/2023
• Competition closing date: 04/01/2024 (23:59 Brussels time)
• Reserve list: Applicable – See details in the “Useful information” section
• (*) The EALC is situated in Luxembourg. The jobholder may be assigned to Luxembourg or Brussels. The role can be carried out from both sites, except for trainings, which will take place either in Luxembourg or at users’ premises.

Your team

Within the Network Management Directorate, the Training Division and the EUROCONTROL Aviation Learning Centre (EALC) in Luxembourg support European aviation by providing a unique and best-in-class learning experience aimed at aviation professionals. They provide a wide range of online and in-person courses, tools and services. The aim is to add value to stakeholders in the EUROCONTROL Member States and beyond, with a constantly expanding learning portfolio delivered across multiple learning channels.

Join the Training Division as a psychologist and shape the Future of Air Traffic Control!

We are excited to announce a unique opportunity for you to join our team as a psychologist for the First European Air Traffic Controller Selection Test (FEAST), the largest provider worldwide. FEAST is a globally available test battery that evaluates the knowledge, skills, and abilities of individuals applying for Air Traffic Control (ATC) training. It is accessible to both civil and military air navigation service providers (ANSPs) as well as to certified ATC aviation training academies and universities.

At the EALC, we are at the forefront of designing the air traffic control selection processes. We take pride in our commitment to delivering exceptional standards and contributing to the safety of air transport.

What makes this opportunity remarkable is the scale of impact you will have. With FEAST currently being used by 54 organisations worldwide, you will have the chance to positively influence the selection of air traffic controllers (ATCOs) on a global scale. Your expertise and insights will shape the next generation of ATCOs who will ensure the smooth and safe operations of air traffic.

You will collaborate with professionals from diverse backgrounds and join a team of dedicated people who are passionate about their work and are driven by a shared vision of excellence.

Your role

Your role will be to:

• Design, validate and update the FEAST test battery, which assesses the cognitive and behavioural skills of air traffic controller candidates across Europe and beyond.
• Conduct research and analyses on the psychometric properties including reliability, predictive validity and fairness of the FEAST tests.
• Conduct studies to answer other relevant research questions.
• Provide training* and support to FEAST user organisations, including national air navigation service providers, military users and training organisations.
• Support the daily operations of the FEAST service as necessary by collaborating with internal and external stakeholders, such as software developers and HR staff and other psychologists from external user organisations.
• Keep up with the state of the art in the field of psychometric testing and selection testing.
• Provide subject matter expertise and represent the FEAST team at international meetings and conferences.
• Carry out any other task in line with the main purpose of the job.

* Training will take place either at the Aviation Learning Centre (ALC) in Luxembourg or at the users’ premises.

Required qualifications, experience & competencies

• Completed university studies of 4 years (i.e. Master’s degree) in a relevant area, such as Occupational Psychology, Personnel Psychology or Human Factors.
• Minimum 5 years’ relevant experience, preferably in recruitment and selection and in an ATC environment.
• Experience with psychological testing and assessment, including the validation of tests.
• Experience with psychometrics, including test development based on classical test theory. Knowledge of item response theory would be considered an asset.
• Experience in conducting statistical analyses (e.g., psychometric analyses, correlation analyses, factor analyses) using statistical software packages (e.g. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS)). Experience in structural equation modelling (SEM) would be considered an asset.
• Experience or ability to give training.
• Project Management skills.
• Ability to draft clear and concise technical papers.
• Communication: You are able to foster two-way communication.
• Analytical thinking: You apply a methodical approach to complex information.
• Planning & Organising: You know how to plan ahead and adapt as required.
• Quality focus: You set and foster high quality standards.
• Autonomous approach.
• Ability to work in a multinational and multicultural environment.
• Professional conduct in line with the corporate behaviours of the Agency, i.e. result-driven, readiness to change, customer focus, integrity and team-player approach.
• The working languages of the Agency are English and French. For this particular job, candidates must be proficient users of English at level C1. The selected candidate will have to acquire at least a basic knowledge (level A1) of French by the end of the probation period.
  The levels relate to the European-framework-reference Common European Framework of References for languages (CEFR).

Useful information

• Applications will be accepted from nationals of EUROCONTROL Member States only.
• The selected candidate will be offered a contract of 5 Year(s) and it may be renewed up to a maximum of 9 years or converted into an undetermined contract pursuant to the provisions of the Conditions of Employment of Contract Staff at EUROCONTROL. Before being established in the post, he/she will be requested to provide certified copies of his/her degrees and successfully serve a probationary period of 9 months.
• The successful candidate shall be engaged in principle at the basic grade of the advertised grades.
• Candidates declared suitable who are not selected for the post will be placed on a reserve list for similar roles. The reserve list will be valid for one year from the closing date of applications.
• Information on salary and benefits can be found on our Careers site
• EUROCONTROL is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to equality and diversity. In the event of equal merit, preference may be given to the applicant from the under-represented diversity characteristics in order to complement diversity of teams and rebalance the workforce.
• Candidates should go to our Careers site and read the tips on how to apply.