Agent – Security Guard (FGII) - European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation (FGII, The Hague)

GradeFGII
Contract TypeContract Agent
Salary Range€2,715 - €3,072/month
Deadline20 November 2026

About this position

The summary below is published by European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation on the official vacancy notice. Our own analysis — salary realism, comparable openings, career trajectory, language profile — follows further down the page.

This selection procedure is intended to establish a reserve list of successful candidates. It is envisaged to start using the reserve list in Q1/Q2 of 2027.

Europol retains the right to make use of the reserve list to select candidates for similar posts within the organisation, should business needs require so.

1. Organisational context

Organisational setting:

The post of Agent - Security Guard is located in the Physical Security Team, Security Operations Unit, Corporate Security Department, Governance Directorate.

The Governance Directorate is responsible for supporting and assisting Europol Management and the rest of the organisation by providing advice and maintaining strategic links with relevant EU bodies and law enforcement agencies of the Member States. Maintaining close cooperation with other directorates, particularly on key corporate matters and monitor business planning and performance management, are also among the Directorate’s task. Additionally, the Governance Directorate is responsible to ensure Europol’s physical and information security and business continuity.

The Governance Directorate comprises of two Departments, Institutional and Legal Affairs and…

Excerpt shown; read the full notice on the official page. The structured breakdown below covers the key facts.

Key responsibilities

According to the vacancy notice, the role centres on the following duties:

  • Carry out surveillance of the premises and surrounding areas through patrols, video surveillance, or other monitoring systems to detect and deter suspicious activity or potential security breaches
  • Control entry and exit points of the premises, checking credentials and ensuring that only authorized individuals have access to certain areas or facilities
  • Identify and evaluate potential security risks or vulnerabilities within the premises and take necessary steps to mitigate these risks
  • Provide assistance and guidance to visitors and staff on security matters
  • Use appropriate techniques to handle situations that may escalate, ensuring safety without undue force
  • Provide security services such as secure data destruction mail handling, guidance, reporting and security awareness
  • Respond promptly to alarms, investigating the cause and taking appropriate action as per established protocols
  • Be prepared to respond to emergencies such as fire, medical incidents, or security breaches, and take appropriate actions to safeguard people and property

Are you eligible?

Check these requirements from the notice before investing time in an application:

  • Education: Post-secondary education attested by a diploma (with professional experience requirements varying by duration of education), OR secondary education attested by a diploma giving access to post-secondary education with at least 3 years relevant professional experience, OR professional training of equivalent level with additional professional experience
  • Experience: Relevant professional experience in providing physical security services; Experience with access control procedures and the operation of security systems, including CCTV surveillance and alarm systems; Experience handling security incidents and emergencies; Experience handling sensitive information
  • Languages: one of the languages of the Union (thoroug…), another language of the Union (satisfa…)
  • Key skills: Knowledge of security equipment and technology, Knowledge of procedures and protocols related to physical security, Basic knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards governing security operations, Very good communication skills in English, both orally and in writing, Keen eye for detail with the ability to maintain standards of accuracy under pressure, Competent user of Microsoft Office applications (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook) and the internet, High degree of commitment and flexibility, High level of customer and service-orientation, Good administrative and organisational skills, Ability to work well under pressure, both independently and in a team
  • Eligibility: Be a national of one of the Member States of the European Union and enjoy full rights as a citizen; Have fulfilled any obligations imposed by the applicable laws on military service; Produce appropriate character references as to suitability for the performance of the duties; Be physically fit to perform the duties pertaining to the position; Produce evidence of a thorough knowledge of one of the…

Selection process

The notice describes the following selection steps:

  • Online application submission through Europol's recruitment system
  • Initial selection by Selection Committee of candidates meeting all eligibility criteria
  • Shortlisting of up to 20 highest scoring candidates (minimum pass-mark 60% of total maximum score)
  • Written test
  • Competency-based interview

Contract and working arrangements

Working arrangements: This position will require participation in a shift system including weekends and nights.

Hiring unit: Physical Security Team, Security Operations Unit, Corporate Security Department, Governance Directorate.

Position details

Reference
Europol/2026/CA/FGII/186
Directorate-General
G5 Corporate Security
Last Verified
30 October 2026

Position overview

This is the official EU Careers listing for Agent – Security Guard (FGII) at Europol based in The Hague at the FGII grade level (Contract Agent). The vacancy reference is Europol/2026/CA/FGII/186. It is hosted by G5 Corporate Security, the Directorate-General responsible for this policy area.

This selection procedure is intended to establish a reserve list of successful candidates. It is envisaged to start using the reserve list in Q1/Q2 of 2027.

Europol retains the right to make use of the reserve list to select candidates for similar posts within the organisation, should business needs require so.

1. Organisational context

Organisational setting:

The post of Agent - Security Guard is located in the Physical Security Team, Security Operations Unit, Corporate Security Department, Governance Directorate.

The Governance Directorate is responsible for supporting and assisting Europol Management and the rest of the organisation by providing advice and maintaining strategic links with relevant EU bodies and law enforcement agencies of the Member States. Maintaining close cooperation with other directorates, particularly on key corporate matters and monitor business planning and performance management, are also among the Directorate’s task. Additionally, the Governance Directorate is responsible to ensure Europol’s physical and information security and business continuity.

The Governance Directorate comprises of two Departments, Institutional and Legal Affairs and Corporate Security.

The Corporate Security Department establishes all security measures required to protect the persons present at Europol, the Europol buildings, together with its installations and all Europol information, and to ensure the safe and continual operational functioning of Europol. Furthermore, the Department handles the integral management (planning and monitoring) and realization of housing services and resources.

The Security Operations Unit, which includes all activities in the domain of security operations & technology, provides direct (physical) security services in relation to the Europol HQ and persons present, as well as operational facilities and infrastructure services.

Purpose of the post:

The Security Guard plays a key role in maintaining a safe and secure environment for Europol staff members and third parties authorised within Europol’s premises. The incumbent contributes to the prevention and management of security incidents by maintaining a visible security presence, monitoring surveillance systems, controlling access points, identifying potential risks, responding to alarms and addressing disturbances or other security-related events. Through the consistent application of established security procedures and appropriate response to incidents, the Security Guard supports the safe and effective functioning of Europol, its properties and assets.

Reporting lines:

The incumbent reports to the Head of the Physical Security Team.

Job environment:

This position will require participation in a shift system including weekends and

nights.

2. Functions and duties

The incumbent carries out the following main functions and duties:

- Carry out surveillance of the premises and surrounding areas, through patrols, video surveillance, or other monitoring systems to detect and deter suspicious activity or potential security breaches; - Control entry and exit points of the premises, checking credentials and ensuring that only authorized individuals have access to certain areas or facilities; - Identify and evaluate potential security risks or vulnerabilities within the premises and take necessary steps to mitigate these risks; - Provide assistance and guidance to visitors and staff, on security matters; - Use appropriate techniques to handle situations that may escalate, ensuring safety without undue force, as outlined by policies and regulations; - Provide security services such as secure data destruction mail handling, guidance, reporting and security awareness; - Respond promptly to alarms, investigating the cause and taking appropriate action as per established protocols; - Be prepared to respond to emergencies such as fire, medical incidents, or security breaches, and take appropriate actions to safeguard people and property; - Perform any other duties in the area of competence as assigned by line management.

3. Requirements - Eligibility criteria

a. Candidates must

- Be a national of one of the Member States of the European Union and enjoy full rights as a citizen; - Have fulfilled any obligations imposed by the applicable laws on military service; - Produce appropriate character references as to his or her suitability for the performance of the duties; - Be physically fit to perform the duties pertaining to the position (prior to appointment the successful candidate will be medically examined by one of the institution’s medical officers in order that the institution may be satisfied that the candidate fulfils the requirements of Article 12(2)(d) of the Conditions of Employment of Other Servants of the European Union (CEOS); - Produce evidence of a thorough knowledge of one of the languages of the Union and a satisfactory knowledge of another language of the Union to the extent necessary for the performance of the duties.

b. Candidates must

- Have a level of post-secondary education attested by a diploma. When the official duration of the post-secondary education is less than 3 years, the difference shall be deducted from the professional experience as indicated below:

Duration of post-secondary education Professional experience

More than 6 months and up to 1 year 3 years

More than 1 year and up to 2 years 2 years

More than 2 years 1 year

OR

- Have a level of secondary education attested by a diploma giving access to post-secondary education and relevant professional experience of at least 3 years.

- Professional training of an equivalent level, and after having completed the training, at least the number of years of relevant professional experience as indicated below:

Duration of professional training Additional professional experience required More than 6 months and up to 1 year 3 years More than 1 year and up to 2 years 2 years More than 2 years 1 year

4. Requirements - Selection criteria

a. Professional experience Essential:

- Relevant professional experience in providing physical security services; - Experience with access control procedures and the operation of security systems, including CCTV surveillance and alarm systems; - Experience handling security incidents and emergencies;

Experience handling sensitive information. Desirable:

- Experience in working in a law enforcement, intelligence or public service community, military and/ or other organisations in the field of security and crisis management.

b. Professional knowledge

Essential:

- Knowledge of security equipment and technology; - Knowledge of procedures and protocols related to physical security; - Basic knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards governing security operations.

Desirable:

- Completed training and/or qualifications in the following areas: physical security professional training, first aid, fire safety, operation and monitoring of surveillance systems and/or emergency preparedness/crisis management.

c. General competencies

Communicating:

- Very good communication skills in English, both orally and in writing.

Analysing & problem solving:

- Keen eye for detail with the ability to maintain standards of accuracy under pressure of tight deadlines. - Competent user of Microsoft Office applications (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook) and the internet.

Delivering quality and results:

- High degree of commitment and flexibility. - High level of customer and service-orientation.

Prioritising and organising

- Good administrative and organisational skills.

Resilience

- Ability to work well under pressure, both independently and in a team. - Good interpersonal skills, including the ability to effectively liaise with other departments, groups and teams as well as with external partners.

Living diversity

- Ability to work effectively in an international and multi-cultural environment.

5. Selection procedure

All applications for Contract Agent posts must be submitted through the online recruitment system accessible via Europol’s website.

The Authority Authorised to Conclude Contracts of Employment (AACC) sets up a Selection Committee, composed of at least three members, consisting of one chair and at least one member from the Administration of Europol and one member designated by the Staff Committee.

The selection criteria, set out in this Vacancy Notice, will be assessed by the Selection Committee throughout the different stages of the selection procedure. Before the start of the selection procedure, the Selection Committee will decide which selection criteria will be used at each stage of the selection procedure. Certain selection criteria will be assessed only for shortlisted candidates during a written test and/or a competency-based interview.

The Selection Committee will assess the applications received in order to make an initial selection of those candidates meeting all eligibility criteria and matching best the selection criteria (suitability).

The minimum pass-mark for being shortlisted, i.e. invited to participate in a post-related selection procedure, consisting of a written test and a competency-based interview, is established as 60% of the total maximum score.

The Selection Committee will shortlist the 20 highest scoring candidates. All candidates having a score equal to the 20th highest scoring candidate will be invited to take part in the first stage of the selection procedure (written test). At shortlisting stage, the Selection Committee will also establish the pass-mark for the selection procedure.

The Selection Committee will assess the written test against the selection criteria. Those candidates who do not reach the pass-mark for the test will be informed that they do not qualify to participate in the interview. All candidates who reach the pass-mark for the test will be invited to the second stage of the selection procedure (interview).

Salary at this grade

Basic monthly salary at FGII runs from €2,715 (step 1) to €3,072 (top step), giving an annual range of roughly €32,580 to €36,864 before tax and allowances. Steps increase automatically every two years; the figures here are taken from the salary grid in the EU Staff Regulations.

Eligible staff posted away from their country of nationality also receive an expatriation allowance worth 16% of basic salary (around €434 per month at step 1 of FGII) together with household, dependent-child, and education allowances where applicable. Take-home pay is then adjusted by the country correction coefficient for The Hague. For a worked example see our correction coefficients guide and the EU salaries overview.

Application timeline

This vacancy was first listed on 30 October 2026, today.

The application deadline is 20 November 2026, 21 days from today. Late applications are not accepted, so submit through the official EU Careers portal well in advance.

Last verified against the EU Careers feed on 30 October 2026.

Where to learn more

For full responsibilities, requirements, and career progression at FGII see our FGII grade page; for headcount, mission, and other open vacancies at Europol see the Europol institution page; for the cost of living, correction coefficient, and other postings in The Hague see our The Hague location page.

New to EU careers? Our beginner's guide walks through entry routes, EPSO competitions, and what to prepare. For application logistics see application tips and EPSO competitions.

Net pay at this grade

At step 1 of FGII, gross monthly basic salary on the Contract Agents grid is €2,715. Eligible expatriate staff add a 16% expatriation allowance on top (roughly €434 per month) before two automatic deductions reduce the taxable base: the joint sickness insurance scheme (JSIS, ~3.6%, €113) and the EU pension contribution (~10.3%, €324). EU community tax (Council Reg. 260/68) is then applied progressively; for the AD7-equivalent band the effective rate sits in the 11 to 13% range, which works out to about €325 per month here.
The Hague carries a correction coefficient of 109.9% (Article 64 of the Staff Regulations), so the net is multiplied by 1.10 to reflect the local cost of living. On those assumptions take-home pay is approximately €2,622 per month, or about €31,467 per year, before household and dependent-child allowances, which can add several hundred euros monthly for staff with families. For the exact bracket-by-bracket computation see our net-pay methodology, and our correction coefficients guide for the full duty-station table.

Comparable recent roles

In the last twenty-four months Europol (and the wider Commission and agencies family) has filled several adjacent roles at the same FGII grade level. The most recent comparable vacancies, with their actual application windows:
  • Vacancy Notice 14/2026 EDPB Administrative Assistant at European Data Protection Board (published 2026-10-20, closed 2026-11-10)
  • Administrative Assistant at ENISA (published 2026-10-09, closed 2026-11-10)
Pattern recognition matters here: recruiters at the same Directorate-General often re-advertise nearly identical profiles every six to nine months, so candidates who miss one window can typically position for the next one. Browse the live catalog: all FGII openings, other vacancies at Europol.

Career trajectory

Career progression for FGII staff is governed by Articles 44 to 46 of the Staff Regulations (consolidated text on EUR-Lex) and Annex IB on the promotion procedure. Step increases are automatic every two years (Art. 44); grade promotion is competitive, based on the appraisal exercise (Art. 45) and the Career Development Review. For roles at G5 Corporate Security, progression to the next grade typically takes three to five years on merit, with two-yearly step increases in between. Article 46 governs the classification at recruitment, which sets the starting step within the grade (usually step 1 for external recruits without prior EU service, step 2 or 3 where relevant professional experience is recognised).
Mobility within the institutions is encouraged via the inter-institutional and intra-institutional vacancy publication system: temporary agents who pass the probation period and reservists from EPSO laureate lists can typically apply to internal vacancies after one year of service. Lateral moves between Directorates-General reset the seniority clock for promotion only if the new post carries a different grade.

Language profile

Beyond the formal language requirements stated in the vacancy notice, the day-to-day working languages at this employer are English as the operational language. JHA agencies (Frontex, Europol, eu-LISA, EUAA) operate almost entirely in English given their member-state-facing operational mission; a second language is welcome but rarely a daily requirement.

Application cadence

Europol has not advertised another FGII role with the same grade and G5 Corporate Security signature in the past twenty-four months. This opening has rarely been seen on the EU Careers feed and may be the first such posting in our two-year window. Applicants who pass the eligibility checks should not assume the same profile will reopen on a predictable cadence.

Source: This job listing was sourced from the officialEU Careers portal (EPSO). First published: .Salary estimate based on EU Staff Regulations.

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