Call for Candidates for a new CER Technical Director
CER Members are invited to nominate candidates for the position of Technical Director at CER. External candidates can apply for the position.
Further to the CER Statutes, Article 18, the Technical Director leads the CER Technical Department, i.e. in particular, he/she will draw up the CER yearly technical plan and technical guidelines. By delegation of the Executive Director who keeps full responsibility, he/she represents CER in its daily activities vis-à-vis the European Institutions as far as technical issues are concerned.
Technical Director Profile
The CER Technical Director is an executive-level position whose occupation is focused on scientific and technological issues within CER. The CER Technical Director is the highest technology executive position within CER and leads the technical department. He/she reports directly to the CER Executive Director.
The main tasks and responsibilities include:
- Advise the CER Executive Director on technical issues
- Maintain current knowledge of technology landscape and developments
- Lead the strategy for technology platforms, partnerships and external relationships
- Represent the technological agenda in staff meetings and act as main interface between the CER departments and the CER Technical department (including technical support for lobbying the European Parliament or other European institutions)
- Coordinate and chair the CER high level technical platforms (e.g. CER ERA Steering Unit) and contribute to the CER high level meetings (i.e. CER General Assembly and CER Assistants meetings)
- Act as interface between CER and the European Commission in the technical domain
- Act as key contact person for the European Union Agency for Railways (NRB)
- Support and advise the Executive Director in his function as representative in the ERA Boards (ERA Executive Board and ERA Management Board) if applicable
- Ensure the interface and coordinate with the other sector stakeholders (GRB)
- Ensure the interface and coordinate with other railway interlocutors (JPCR, OTIF, ERRAC)
- Ensure the interface and coordinate with the other partners of the railway operating community (EIM and UIC in CTG)
- Advise UIC technical bodies in terms of technical needs for the political agenda (e.g. UIC projects and TSI work)
- Coordinate the transfer of UIC project results to the respective platforms on European level in the technical domain
Candidates are expected to have the following experience, skills, and qualifications:
- University degree (or comparable academic degree)
- Technical background (engineering, physics, technology,..)
- A 10-year managerial experience in technical departments or operations
- Thorough understanding of the railway system
- Familiarity with legislative processes in the EU (in particular ERA)
- Quality monitoring skills to make improvements and corrections where necessary
- Time management and organisational skills
- Active listening and communication and relationship building skills
- Problem-solving skills
- Coordination and teamwork skills
- Strong English verbal and written communication skills with attention to detail; plus at least another EU official language
- The ability to live and work in Belgium
Personal characteristics
- Proven leadership skills
- Inspiring personality with proven diplomatic and intercultural skills
- Ability to formulate and convey strategic goals
- High personal maturity and stability
Process
- Attractive salary commensurate to the position
- Candidatures will be treated confidentially
- Applications will be screened and reviewed internally
- Candidates are expected to take the position before 1 September
Nominations will be accepted until April 3th, 2024. The file including a curriculum vitae addressing the required criteria above can be sent in English electronically to
Download the call for candidates.