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ECQB Officer

Type of Selection: External

Contract Type: Contract agent

Function Group: FG IV

Section: FS.3.1 - Aircrew Standards & Implementation Sec

Deadline for application: 22/01/2026 at 23:59 CET

Experience Level: Professional

Approx. number of candidates on reserve list: 5

Location: Cologne, Germany

Monthly gross compensation (€):

EASA is the leading aviation authority in Europe. A career at EASA means contributing to our vision for an ever safer and greener civil aviation. As an EASA employee, you will be making a difference to the lives of about 500 million fellow Europeans: this is our shared purpose and it could be yours, too. From our headquarters in Cologne, Germany, you will work with top experts in a multicultural work environment. Diversity and Inclusion are part of our DNA and innovation is at the heart of what we do. We ensure that aviation is safe in all phases: beginning with the certification of the aircraft to the rules for the air operation and crew. For more information about the Agency please consult our website and take a look at our organisation structure. Are you interested to contribute to our mission? Then see below what it takes to accomplish the role.

We are an equal opportunities employer, committed to diversity and non-discrimination. To further enhance the diversity of our workforce, we particularly encourage applications from female candidates.

Job Overview

In support of EASA's mission to make air travel safer, the job entails contributing to the development, maintenance, and improvement of the European Central Question Bank (ECQB) ensuring it provides high-quality, up-to-date content for accurately measuring the knowledge and competencies for aviation professionals, and is aligned with safety priorities and regulatory standards.

Main Accountabilities

Manage the development of new and existing questions, considering safety priorities identified by the European Plan for Aviation Safety (EPAS) and developments in the relevant subject areas
Perform question reviews, ensuring accuracy and consistency with EASA standards
Manage external experts involved in the drafting and review of ECQB questions and support the provision of their recurrent training
Provide expert support to external users of the web-based tool used by EASA to manage the ECQB (ExamDeveloper)
Support updating of the EASA process for the ECQB, including associated work instructions, guidelines and checklists
Contribute to the timely release of new ECQB versions
Support the continuous improvement of the question bank and the level of service to National Competent Authorities
Safeguard intellectual property rights and prevent the leakage of sensitive data
Contribute to rulemaking tasks to update the syllabus and learning objectives, ensuring alignment with current aviation standards
Assist in organising and delivering the annual ECQB workshop for external stakeholders

Admission Criteria

The following constitute eligibility and essential criteria for the role to be admitted to the selection process. Candidates not fulfilling these criteria by the deadline for applications will be excluded from the selection process:

Thorough knowledge of one of the languages of the European Union (at least level C1) and a satisfactory knowledge of another language of the EU to the extent necessary for the performance of the duties (at least level B2); one of the required languages shall be English *
Be a national of a Member State of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland
Completed university studies of at least 3 years attested by a diploma, preferably in the scope of the job profile; alternatively, where justified in the interest of the service, relevant professional training of an equivalent level (ref. EQF - European Qualifications Framework, Level 6) might be considered (i.e. hold or have held an ATPL or a CPL with ATPL theory)
Professional experience in aviation safety
Demonstrated in-depth knowledge of one or more of the European Regulations relevant to pilot training (Aircrew, Air Operations, SERA, Initial Airworthiness, ATM/ANS, Aerodromes)

The following constitute advantageous criteria for the role. Candidates not fulfilling these criteria will not be excluded from the selection process:

Experience in training pilots (theoretical or flight) towards a professional license and/or instrument rating and/or multi-pilot type rating
Demonstrated experience in drafting and/or reviewing questions for training towards, and/or directly for high-stakes examinations such as the ECQB

* English oral and written skills will be assessed throughout the assessment phase. Mother tongue English speakers will be expected to demonstrate knowledge of a second EU language.

Selection Criteria

The selection process is based on the assessment of the Professional Skills and Behavioural Competences listed below. While these are considered critical to perform the role effectively, candidates who do not meet all criteria may still be considered.

Professional Skills

General understanding of EASA regulations & aviation safety standards

General knowledge of the Aircrew Regulation (EU) No 1178/2011 and other European Regulations relevant to pilot training

EASA business knowledge & understanding

Training Design & Delivery

Behavioural Competences

Quality Orientation

Flexibility & Change Adaptability

Stakeholder Orientation

Problem Solving

Teamwork

Additional Criteria

Prior to recruitment, you will be requested to demonstrate that you:

Are entitled to the full rights as a citizen
Have fulfilled any obligations imposed by the applicable laws on military service
Meet the character requirements for the duties involved (you will be asked to provide a police certificate confirming the absence of any criminal record)
Are physically fit to perform the duties linked to the post (you will be asked to undergo a medical examination in a centre indicated by EASA)

Conditions of Employment

Contract: 3 years contract as Contract Agent 3(a) with possibility of extension

Working hours: 40 hrs per week (on a full-time working pattern); flexible working arrangements
Salary: Step in grade upon recruitment based on years of work experience; additional allowances depending on personal situation
Location: Cologne, Germany (relocation is required)

Application & Selection Process

How to apply

We can only accept applications that are submitted in English through our Recruiting tool. Before sending your application, make sure it is complete and contains the document(s) specified in the vacancy notice. Please also ensure that your candidate profile, all relevant fields and the answers to the pre screening questions are correct. You may review and amend data demonstrating compliance with the eligibility criteria only until the closing date of applications for the respective selection procedure.

For further information take a look at How we hire. In case of questions or technical issues, email us at recruit@easa.europa.eu. Attach a description and screenshot of the error.

To check if you are meeting the minimum education qualifications required for the job, consult the information published by the European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO): Examples of minimum qualifications.

Important note on diplomas obtained outside the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Switzerland or Norway: If your application is found eligible on the basis of diploma(s) obtained outside these countries, we might ask you to provide proof of accreditation by one of the European Union Member States. This applies also to diplomas obtained in the UK after 31 December 2020.

Make sure you are meeting the language requirements: Common European Framework of Reference for Languages and assess your language skills. Language certificates are not required at the stage of application, unless specified in the vacancy.

Selection Process

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted via E-mail. If your application has been rejected following the initial screening, the status in your candidate profile will be automatically updated to "Not admitted". Invitations to the shortlisted candidates are sent once the evaluation of applications is completed (this may take up to two months after expiry of the deadline to apply). Pre-selection exercises, online tests and interviews with the Selection Board usually take place remotely. If you are not selected for this position but are still considered suitable, you will be placed on a reserve list from which you might be considered for similar positions within EASA. Learn more about our Selection and Onboarding process. Take a look also at our comprehensive information on Benefits, get to know Our people and find out what Life in Cologne is like.