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Nominee to European Court of Auditors

Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates to be considered as the Irish nominee to the European Court of Auditors (ECA).

The ECA

The ECA is the EU's independent external auditor. It checks if the budget of the European Union has been implemented correctly, and that EU funds have been raised and spent legally and in accordance with the principles of sound financial management. It was established in 1977 and became a fully-fledged EU institution in 1993.

The Candidate

Article 285 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU provides that the ECA shall consist of one national of each Member State and that its Members shall be completely independent in the performance of their duties, in the Union's general interest.

Article 286 provides that the Members of the ECA shall be chosen from among persons who belong or have belonged in their respective States to external audit bodies or who are especially qualified for the office. Their independence must be beyond doubt.  During their term of office they may not engage in any other occupation.  Members of the Court are appointed for six years, renewable.

The successful nominee will be required to demonstrate:

  • High-level experience of auditing, public finance or management;
  • Knowledge of management and governance of European institutions;
  • A record of independence and integrity.

The Process

Applicants should submit an expression of interest showing their suitability for the post in terms of the skills and experience necessary to effectively undertake the role as the Irish member of the ECA.  Expressions of interest will be treated in strict confidence.

The expression of interest should set out the person's education, profession qualifications and experience relevant to the position of Irish member of the ECA, accompanied by a statement setting out the reasons for the person's suitability to be nominated to the ECA.

The selection process will be conducted by a four-person Selection Committee consisting of the Secretary General to the Government, the Secretary General of the Department of Finance and two external third parties with appropriate senior level experience.

Following an initial assessment of applications, suitably qualified candidates will be short-listed for a competitive interview based on experience, skills and ability to perform effectively in the position. 

Applications, with the subject ECA Nominee, should be sent to ecaint@taoiseach.gov.ie with a deadline of 5 pm on Friday 29 September 2017.