Cybersecurity

Senior Agent – Cybersecurity Awareness - European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation (FGIV, The Hague)

GradeFGIV
Contract TypeContract Agent
Salary Range€4,449 - €5,034/month
Deadline16 September 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 Q4 2026/Q1 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 Senior Agent – Cybersecurity Awareness is located in the Information Security Team, 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…

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:

  • Develop, maintain and continuously improve Europol's cybersecurity awareness and training programme
  • Design, coordinate and deliver targeted cybersecurity awareness campaigns, training activities, workshops, seminars and engagement initiatives
  • Develop, update and maintain cybersecurity awareness training materials across a variety of formats
  • Plan and execute phishing simulation exercises, analyse results and identify training needs
  • Collaborate with internal stakeholders to integrate cybersecurity awareness into onboarding and staff development activities
  • Monitor, evaluate and report on the effectiveness of cybersecurity awareness and training activities using defined metrics and KPIs
  • Support the development and maintenance of information security policies, procedures and guidance related to staff cybersecurity responsibilities
  • Assess and support the use of cybersecurity awareness platforms, learning management systems (LMS), content creation tools and multimedia production tools

Are you eligible?

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

  • Education: Completed university studies attested by a diploma when the normal period of university education is 3 years or more; OR professional training of an equivalent level
  • Experience: Essential: Experience in planning, designing, developing and implementing cybersecurity awareness, education or security training programmes and/or campaigns; Experience in developing cybersecurity awareness content and training materials for diverse audiences using different formats; Experience in planning and executing social engineering awareness exercises (e.g. phishing simulations), analysin…
  • Languages: one of the languages of the Union (thoroug…), another language of the Union (satisfa…)
  • Key skills: Very good communication skills in English, both orally and in writing, Very good drafting skills and attention to detail, Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, 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, Very good interpersonal skills, Ability to work effectively in an international and multi-cultural environment
  • 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

Selection process

The notice describes the following selection steps:

  • Submit applications through the online recruitment system accessible via Europol's website
  • Selection Committee evaluation composed of at least three members (one chair, at least one member from the Administration of Europol and one member designated by the Staff Committee)

Contract and working arrangements

Contract duration: Not stated.

Working arrangements: Not stated.

Hiring unit: Information Security Team, Corporate Security Department, Governance Directorate.

Position details

Reference
Europol/2026/CA/FGIV/174
Vacancy Notice
Download PDF
Last Verified
27 August 2026

Position overview

This is the official EU Careers listing for Senior Agent – Cybersecurity Awareness at Europol based in The Hague at the FGIV grade level (Contract Agent). The vacancy reference is Europol/2026/CA/FGIV/174. The role falls under the Cybersecurity domain.

This selection procedure is intended to establish a reserve list of successful candidates. It is envisaged to start using the reserve list in Q4 2026/Q1 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 Senior Agent – Cybersecurity Awareness is located in the Information Security Team, 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 Risk Management & Services Unit, bringing together all services delivered across the organisation to protect information, enhance organisational resilience, manage crises, provide risk-based assessments and advice to relevant stakeholders and deliver directly related facilities services.

The Information Security Team is responsible for:

- Ensuring that Information Security risks are well managed; - Providing assurance in Europol’s Communication and Information Systems; - Monitoring the Cyber Threat Landscape and reporting on current and emerging threats; - Developing and maintaining the information security policy framework; - Ensuring compliance of Information Security measures with applicable legal framework; - Coordinating Training and Awareness on Information Security; - Providing expert advice on Information Security matters to Europol’s management, projects and user community.

Purpose of the post:

The Senior Agent – Cybersecurity Awareness contributes to the activities and objectives of the Information Security Team with a primary focus on strengthening cybersecurity awareness. The post holder leads the development, implementation and continues improvement of cybersecurity awareness services, ensuring their development towards increased maturity, effectiveness and organisational relevance. The role focuses on the planning, coordination and implementation of cybersecurity awareness initiatives and projects, by designing, coordinating and delivering risk-based cybersecurity awareness, education and training programmes that enhance cybersecurity culture, knowledge, skills and behaviours among staff and relevant stakeholders.

Reporting lines:

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

2. Functions and duties

The incumbent carries out the following main functions and duties:

- Develop, maintain and continuously improve Europol’s cybersecurity awareness and training programme in line with applicable information security policies, standards, regulatory requirements, organisational risks and current threat landscape; - Design, coordinate and deliver targeted cybersecurity awareness campaigns, training activities, workshops, seminars and engagement initiatives to strengthen cybersecurity knowledge, skills and secure behaviours across Europol; - Develop, update and maintain cybersecurity awareness training materials across a variety of formats; - Plan and execute phishing simulation exercises, analyse results and identify training needs to inform campaign priorities; - Collaborate with internal stakeholders to integrate cybersecurity awareness into onboarding, staff development activities and wider organisational security initiatives; - Monitor, evaluate and report on the effectiveness of cybersecurity awareness and training activities using defined metrics, KPIs and assessment methods, providing recommendations to the management; - Support the development and maintenance of information security policies, procedures and guidance related to staff cybersecurity responsibilities and human-factor risks; - Assess and support the use of cybersecurity awareness platforms, learning management systems (LMS), content creation tools, multimedia production tools and other technologies supporting awareness activities; - Follow developments in cybersecurity threats, awareness practices and training approaches and contribute to the continuous improvement of awareness activities; - Liaise with EU institutions, agencies, law enforcement partners and relevant external bodies to exchange knowledge and promote cybersecurity awareness best practices; - Perform any other duty 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

- Have a level of education which corresponds to completed university studies attested by a diploma when the normal period of university education is 3 years or more;

OR

- 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:

- Experience in planning, designing, developing and implementing cybersecurity awareness, education or security training programmes and/or campaigns; - Experience in developing cybersecurity awareness content and training materials for diverse audiences, including non-technical users, using different formats; - Experience in planning and executing social engineering awareness exercises (e.g. phishing simulations), analysing results and using findings to support behavioural change and risk reduction;

Desirable:

- Experience in working in an international work environment; - Experience with e-learning platforms or learning management systems (LMS); - Experience in applying behavioural science, adult learning principles or change management approaches to security awareness activities.

b. Professional knowledge:

- Knowledge of cybersecurity principles, cyber threats and attack vectors, including phishing, social engineering and malware, insider threat and human-factor risks; - Knowledge of cybersecurity awareness methodologies, behavioural change principles and best practices; - Ability to develop and produce security awareness materials in different formats; (e.g. graphic content); - Knowledge of applicable EU regulatory and policy frameworks for cybersecurity, including Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2023/2841 (EU Cybersecurity Regulation for Union entities); - Knowledge of metrics and performance measurement techniques used for measuring the effectiveness of cybersecurity awareness initiatives.

c. General competencies:

Communicating:

- Very good communication skills in English, both orally and in writing. - Very good drafting skills and attention to detail.

Analysing & problem solving: - Keen eye for detail with the ability to maintain standards of accuracy under pressure of tight deadlines. - Strong analytical and problem-solving skills including the ability to anticipate potential problems, determine and implement solutions. - 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. - Very 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.

Salary at this grade

Basic monthly salary at FGIV runs from €4,449 (step 1) to €5,034 (top step), giving an annual range of roughly €53,388 to €60,408 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 €712 per month at step 1 of FGIV) 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 21 August 2026, 7 days ago.

The application deadline is 16 September 2026, 18 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 27 August 2026.

Where to learn more

For full responsibilities, requirements, and career progression at FGIV see our FGIV 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; for related vacancies in the Cybersecurity field browse our Cybersecurity domain 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 FGIV, gross monthly basic salary on the Contract Agents grid is €4,449. Eligible expatriate staff add a 16% expatriation allowance on top (roughly €712 per month) before two automatic deductions reduce the taxable base: the joint sickness insurance scheme (JSIS, ~3.6%, €186) and the EU pension contribution (~10.3%, €532). 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 €533 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 €4,298 per month, or about €51,572 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 FGIV grade level. The most recent comparable vacancies, with their actual application windows:
  • Senior Agent – Corporate Compliance (FGIV), Corporate Affairs Bureau at Europol (CAB Corporate Affairs Bureau) (published 2026-08-21, closed 2026-09-18)
  • Senior Agent – Cybersecurity Awareness (FGIV), Security Risk Management & Services Unit at Europol (G5 Corporate Security) (published 2026-08-19, closed 2026-09-16)
  • Policy Officer at European Commission (Connect - Communications Networks, Content and Technology) (published 2026-07-16, closed 2026-09-01)
  • Policy Officer at European Commission (Connect - Communications Networks, Content and Technology) (published 2026-07-16, closed 2026-09-02)
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 FGIV openings, other vacancies at Europol, more roles in Cybersecurity.

Career trajectory

Career progression for FGIV 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 Europol, within Function Group IV the move from grade 13 to grade 16 takes roughly nine to twelve years; reclassification to a Temporary Agent or AD post is the longer-term ladder. 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

Across the past twenty-four months 4 comparable openings with the same grade and Cybersecurity signature have been advertised by Europol or related EU bodies, 4 of them in the last twelve months alone. That cadence (roughly 2.0 per year) suggests a candidate who narrowly misses this competition can reasonably expect a similar profile to reopen within six to nine months.

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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